Ideas & Tips — Stainless Steel

Depending on whom you listen, you either believe that Champagne is only for special occasions or can be consumed whenever the mood strikes. Wherever you stand on the issue, what can be agreed upon is that Champagne is a beverage that usually commands more attention and formality than others.  Originally hailing from the northeast region of France, the country has held onto the name Champagne as legally theirs for more than 100 years through the 1891 Treaty of Madrid. Eventually all of Europe joined protecting the name. Legally speaking, even American companies are only able to use the generic term,...

Stainless steel is king in the kitchen and has been for decades, according to the Wall Street Journal. A recent article explored stainless steel's dominance when it comes to kitchen appliances, noting shoppers' unending devotion to the sleek, clean metal.  "The appliance industry has tried to promote new looks before," the article said. "In recent years, manufacturers have pitched 'oiled bronze,' 'antique copper' and a gray hue called 'meteorite,' as well as aluminum and other look-alikes, but none has been able to unseat stainless steel." No appliance finish resonates with consumers like stainless steel because none is so reliably attractive,...

Our brilliant stainless steel tumblers are perfect for enjoying iced tea or chilled coffee during the dog days of summer. However, after a season of regular use, you may notice some light staining. Here are several ways that you can remove the residue:  Baking soda: Dampen a non-scratch pad or cloth and gently rub baking soda on the stained area. After this, rinse. For deep stains, mix the baking soda into boiling water and soak the stainless steel in the solution overnight.  Cornstarch: Make a paste of cornstarch and vinegar and apply to the tea or coffee residue. Let sit...

Nothing is lovelier or more durable than stainless steel. Food-safe, aesthetically pleasing and strong, there are many reasons for its enduring popularity in the finest homes. Have you ever wondered how best to care for your stainless steel? You can use a variety of different solutions:  Baking soda: Combine a little baking soda with warm water and you can quickly and inexpensively clean any and all of your stainless steel products. Be sure to use a non-scratching cloth! Dishwasher: Unlike some plastic materials, stainless steel that  has been through a dishwasher is still safe to use because it doesn't contain potentially harmful chemicals...

Do you ever find yourself tasting a meal you've prepared and realizing it just doesn't have enough flavor? Do you dump loads of grocery store spices into your dishes, only to be put off by their bland, vague taste? It may be time to look into grinding your own spices, which is easy to do if you have the right equipment. Spices begin to lose their flavor as soon as they're ground, so when you buy prepackaged spices in the supermarket, they're already starting to go south, flavor-wise. Home-ground spices are obviously the right choice in terms of flavor, but...