For those of us that are admitted coffee addicts, there is nothing like a rich cup of hot coffee to get our days off to the right start. The smells and flavors of the coffee is enough to put a smile on our faces. Then there is the delicious special specialty coffees like cappucino and espresso that we usually only get to enjoy when we’re out in a restaurant. But you can enjoy these wonderful coffees in the comfort of your home with the De’Longhi Espresso & Cappucino Maker.

This cool looking, retro-style cappucino maker creates top notch coffees that will make you think you’re in a fine restaurant. It automatically self primes and is constructed with a durable stainless steel boiler that will last for many years. It even has two distinct thermostats so that you can control the steam and water temperature. What’s great is that this machine can be used with pods and with an ESE filter holder. Makes a great frothy drink too! Simply a perfect coffee machine for any coffee-lover.

Less than a week now until Mother’s Day. There are a lot of great ways to help your Mom celebrate her special day on this Sunday May 10th, 2009. It does have to get expensive to let Mom know you appreciate her and that you’re thinking of her today. If you still live home, it can be the simple things like treating her to breakfast in bed and taking care of dinner at night. If you have little ones at home, they can make her a card or small homemade craft gift like a picture frame or handprint art. And let Mom take the day off spending it the way she’d like, whether it means going out shopping by herself or spending the day relaxing at home.

If you want to splurge, you can buy her something special she’s had her eye on for awhile or treat her to a gift package at a popular day spa. Whatever you choose to do will be appreciated if it comes from the heart and shows you put some extra thought into the gift. All you have to do is remember how much Mom does to keep everything running smoothly at home and it will inspire you to come up with just the right present.

We recently had a lot of company at our home and did a lot of entertaining day and night. We had a lot of big breakfasts to serve and tried to get creative with lunch ideas and dinner menus. Of course sometimes we simply took the easy route and had a big pizza and salad night for dinner one evening and we went out to dinner another. But for the nights we ate had home we had a lot of fun entertaining and including tasty appetizers and fresh fruits and dips too. We have our Perfect Party Platter and other great serving dishes for times just like these.

Anyone who enjoys entertaining would get a lot of use out of a quality ceramic serving platter like this one. We use it for chips and salsa, shrimp and sauce, fruits and vegetables with dips and for desserts too.  It’s large twelve inch size is perfect for our needs and the dipping portion holds about 8 ounces.  We use this particular dish quite often as it’s one of our favorite and most versatile kitchen serving bowls.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter or Passover, it’s likely you’re looking forward to spending time with family and enjoying your favorite traditions. Since many of us that have family living far away,  the holidays give us the chance to spend time together and catch up on each other’s lives. Cousins get to know each other and play together, siblings bring up all of the old stories from childhood again. And let’s not forget that it usually includes a big meal followed by a variety of delicious desserts.

It’s fun to host the holidays, but it can also be a lot of work. If the dinner is at your home, maybe you can take it a little easier this year and let more people bring their favorite dishes and desserts. It might be a mix of items you might not normally serve, but it sure will give you more time to relax instead of spending most of the day in the kitchen. Plus everyone is guaranteed to have a least one of their favorite dishes that day.

If you’re moving into your first place and furnishing your home with the essentials. make sure you pick a quality set of cookware for your kitchen. If you make the mistake of purchasing lesser quality pots and pans, you’ll end up ruining some of your favorite dishes and find yourself frustrated with the limited lifetime of second rate cookware. That’s why this Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized 10 Piece Cookware Set is an excellent deal, for both it’s price and it’s durability.

This versatile cookware set includes 2 covered saucepans, 2 French skillets, a large covered stockpot, and a covered saute pan. These are exactly the type of pots and pans you’ll use in your kitchen all of the time. The hard-anodized construction is great for even heating and the nonstick interior makes it easy to cook in and easy to clean up. The pots have attractive glass lids so you can watch your food cooking and comfortable silicone grip handles. You just can’t beat the value in this kitchenware - it’s probably the best cookware set you can get for this price range.

I don’t know about you, but I am so glad to feel spring in the air. The air is filled with that beautiful feeling of possiblities and newness. The flowers are starting to pop up and the trees are beginning to bloom. Of course, it was a particularly cold and long winter here, and topped with the constant barrage of negative news - well the brightness and cheery sunshine is even more welcome.

Pretty soon spring will be in full force and then it will be Easter. Family gatherings filled with good food and good company, the simple things that make everything right. I am already dreaming of summertime and swimming in the pool or making a trip to the beach. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what my favorite season is as there’s something wonderful about all of them.

When I was growing up there was this great wine & cheese place in town that served the best fondue. My friends and I would sit and visit for hours enjoying a nice glass of wine with some delicious cheeses and fondue. We’d dip chunks of bread in the warm cheese sauce or fruits like melon and strawberries in rich melted chocolate. So to me fondue brings back memories of warm, fun gatherings and special times. That’s why I love this Rachael Ray Enamel Cast Iron Fondue Set.

I really like the bright orange color - the set just makes me want to have a party!  Rachael Ray cookware has a great reputation too, so I’m sure it’s very well-made just like their other pieces. The set includes the fondue pot, the base, 6 fondue forks, and the fuel holder. This uniquely stylish serveware is sure to liven up any gathering at your home. Plus fondue is fun for the kids too!

Well it’s a few days early but Valentine’s day is on my mind. I can’t help it, I love this romantic holiday Though it is true it’s not as much fun for anyone not in love. But then again that’s why it’s important to have good friends, they can still make sure you’ll have a nice Valentine’s anyway,. You might want to take in a movie, go bowling, or go out dancing. Because it’s always a great time if the company is good.

We’re actually laying low this holiday, enjoying a nice romantic weekend at home. For once the calendar isn’t full and we’re looking forward to just kicking back and spending some quiet time together. We’ll get some fresh air during the day and plan to enjoy a special dinner at night. Sounds perfect.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of getting your own first place. Whether it’s buying a home or condo, or renting that first apartment, it’s yours. And when it comes to supplies, every new homeowner or apartment dweller needs all of the help they can getting setting up their home. There are some wonderful kitchen items that can be very unique and useful housewarming gifts.

What’s great about giving a kitchen gift is that it is bound to get lots of use. Does your person like to cook quite a bit? Then why not pick a great pot or wok. Are they a big coffee drinker? Then a new programmable thermal coffee maker is sure to be a bright spot in their new kitchen and their daily life. So have fun picking something special, something that fits your budget but has that personal touch your friend or family-member is sure to love.

Long ago, long before our electric, induction, and gas stove tops people cooked on an open fireplace. Imagine regulating the temperature on your meals cooking on an open fire? But there is something so appealing about having a fireplace in the kitchen, or in multiple rooms of the house if possible. Something very romantic and soothing, especially on a wintry day.

Many homes now have fireplaces with gas logs that give the look of real logs without the mess of lugging firewood into your home and cleaning up the ashes. They’re also very efficient and can do a good job of heating a fair amount of square feet. Then there is the vision of the big stone fireplace stacked with fresh wood and the smell of real wood burning. That’s something you can’t get with a gas fireplace. Both types have their own wonderful qualities - wouldn’t it be nice to have a bit of both, say a nice woodburning fireplace in the den/kitchen area and gas logs in the master bedroom? Ah, perfect for a wintry day.

When we think of cookware we usually think of stainless steel pots, ceramic casseroles, cast iron pans, copper sets, and other such metals and materials. But a well-loved type of material for cooking in that seems also to be a well-kept secret is Clay Cookware. This fabulous cooking material has been used for thousands of years and for good reason. The unique material captures the best juices of the meats and vegetables cooked inside, creating juicy and delicious results.

One popular manufacturer of this type of cookware is Romertopf. They’ve been around for quite awhile and have built a solid reputation for delivering well-made and long-lasting clay bakers and roasters. If you haven’t yet tried cooking in clay, it’s something you might want to consider for yourself. Like many people, you’ll likely get hooked on owning this fabulous cookware and end up buying more and more pieces for yourself and your loved ones.

Well, it’s really coming down the finish line for getting ready for the holidays. Cards that need to be mailed, packages that have to be shipped, presents to wrap, menus to plan, and of course, homes to be decorated. If you haven’t already finished all of your decorating, then check out the great decorating tips at Better Homes and Gardens.

They have lots of ideas on ways to brighten your home and your holidays. There’s great craft ideas, baking recipes, decorating tips, party planning outlines and more. I know I can always use some fresh ideas and time-saving tips too. Honestly, I can’t believe Christmas and Hanukkah are next week! How did that happen so fast?

Our family seems to think pizza should be it’s own food group. Well, pizza is a pretty consistently eaten food around home - it’s easy to make (or buy!), it’s satisfying to eat, and it’s relatively inexpensive! Some of the kids even enjoy leftover pizza for breakfast. We usually have a side of salad with it at dinner to round out the meal a bit, and dinner is ready in no time. Kaiser bakeware even makes this fantastic Springform Deep Dish Pizza Pan that makes homemade pizza baking a breeze!

It’s a perfect 12 inch diameter and constructed of sturdy commercial-weight steel - that’s sure to last around our house. The pan has a 2-layer nonstick interior which allows for quick and easy release. Even better, the pizza pan features Kaiser’s magnum coating which allows for cutting in the pan without damaging the surface. And being a springform pan, you just open the buckle, remove the sides and you’re ready to serve your pizza. It’s just one of the great pizza and bread pans made by Kaiser Bakeware.

It’s hard not to love this time of year. Although it’s getting darker earlier and the weather has turned colder, but the excitement of the holidays is in the air and it’s hard not to ignore. The stores all have turkey on sale and have wonderful treat samples on display to try. And while it’s a bit more hectic, people still can’t fight that holiday mood.

Some people are already so into the holiday spirit they’re putting their Christmas decor up. We prefer to wait until December, but good for them for enjoying it early.

It’s impossible to ignore that money is a little tight for most of us this year. People seem to be a little reluctant to rack up more credit card bills, they’re eyeing their grocery bills a little closer, and taking a closer look at some of the extra expenses they might want to do without for awhile. And of course, how much do they want to spend this Christmas?  This shop has some neat kitchenware items that would make superb holiday gifts for under $25.

You’ll be able to buy something unique and useful without putting a strain on your wallet. And even better, you’ll be giving someone you love something they can use and enjoy for years to come. For us, that’s a deal you just can’t beat!

The clock has been turned back, the evenings are darker, the air has turned chilly, and the leaves are falling in droves. One minute the scenery was filled with the beautiful reds and golds of autumn leaves and now the leaves have begun piling up in the yard. 

The good thing about getting out and raking up the piles of leaves is that it makes for a perfect excuse to come in from the cold and eat! Around here the oven is on much of the weekend, filled with dinners cooking and snacks baking. So the leaves can keep falling and we’ll keep cleaning them up - seems like it’ a good trade-off for warm cookies and banana nut bread.

Halloween arrives this week and suddenly it’s November. With the cold weather comes the fast-approaching big holidays. And with the holidays comes the visitors from out of town and dinner guests. Entertaining can be quite a lot of fun, as well as quite a lot of work. So now is a good time to review your kitchenware to make sure you’ve got the essential cookware on hand to keep you kitchen running smoothly through the holidays.

Having the right pots and pans on hand will surely make your meal prepartions much easier. What you want to avoid is the realization that you don’t have the right tools to make something you’ve planned for the big meal. And worse, having to run out and pay top dollar because you don’t have time to shop around and buy the item ahead of time. We can certainly attest for the durability of our Gourmet Standard pots, as they have served us quite well through many a big family gathering and still look as good as new.

As the thermometer continues to drop outside, the oven and stove seem to be in constant use in our homes. Baking cupcakes and cookies for school events and birthdays. Slow cooking our homemade stocks and soups. Baked lasagne and roasted chicken. Family meals filled with our favorite warm, comfort foods.

We’ll continue to grill our steaks and chicken outside throughout the winter, but we can’t deny how much we love the smell of food cooking inside when it’s getting colder out. You walk into the house after a busy day and the wonderful aromas of the foods cooking just envelope you. Welcome home….

Many of us probably have a mish-mash of serveware in our kitchen cabinets. But when you’ve taken the time and effort cook a family meal, doesn’t your food deserve to be as presentable as it is delicious? That’s why it’s a great idea to make a small investment in a nice set of stoneware serving bowls that you’ll enjoy using for many years to come.

Quality kitchen serveware is a must for every kitchenware collection. No more placing your homemade mashed potatoes in one kind of bowl, the vegetables in other and the roast on something that doesn’t match either of them! And we’ve found that serveware and kitchen accessories also make perfect holiday and housewarming gifts.

‘Tis the season for some of our favorite sports!  Our families are involved in everything including hockey, football, basketball, and soccer. So most weekends are spent driving all over the town or state, getting to the next game or practice. As much as it can make us crazy sometimes, we really love the family time together and watching our children grow, learning sportsmanship, confidence, and teamwork.

Of course sometimes we can sit back and relax as we watch a pro game on televsion. Right now our favorite football team is gearing up for a great year, and hockey season is just starting. It’s always more fun when we watch it together!

Can’t you just smell the pumpkin muffins? Or imagine a delicious apple pie baking in the oven.  ‘Tis the season for baking wonderful fall treats. Time for making wonderful family meals and serving fresh, warm desserts. To get your projects off to the right start, make sure you have the essential bakeware and kitchen tools in your kitchen.

 We like to go apple picking so we can have fresh apples for our pies. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh apple picked right from the tree - plus it’s just great family fun.

Around here, the acorns are starting to drop and the trees are just beginning to change their colors. In the coming weeks there will be an amazing amount of changes in nature. It will be a great time to get out and explore, a perfect time between the heat of summer and the “huddle inside near the fireplace” coldness of winter.

In our county, we have a lot of street fairs, recreational parks, outdoor exhibits - usually there is so much going on it’s hard to pick which event to attend. But our favorite family time is just getting out to take a long walk in the woods and see if we can find some camouflage creatures, load up on acorns - and then come home and have some popcorn and hot chocolate. Simple pleasures that we never tire of!

If you love to cook like I do, you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. You also probably have an abundance of cookware, bakeware, and gadgets. Can you ever have enough? You just never know when you’re going to need that latest cool little tool you bought.  I think owning a stainless chef’s pan like this one from Gourmet Standard is a great idea.

How can you go wrong with such a versatile frying pan? Deep enough to make a stew, wide enough to saute, it’s a great pan. And it comes with a lid, which to me is a big bonus.

We’re lucky, we have a nice home in a nice area (no, it doesn’t look like this beautiful estate on our blog). But, boy, we get pretty excited around here everytime HGTV starts a new Dream Home contest. Who wouldn’t?  The odds might be astronomical against winning, but we try anyway, just that one chance.   Like many of the previous winners, we probably couldn’t afford to keep it because of the taxes and other issues, but wouldn’t it be great to just enjoy it for awhile first?  Plus you get to keep the money if you sell the house anyway. Sounds good to me.

It looks like the 2009 home is being built in the beautiful wine country area of Sonoma Valley, California. They have some artist renderings on the site and it’s beautiful - farmhouse style with a wrap-around porch. I bet the kitchen will be stunning, with all of the latest and greatest appliances. Wouldn’t that be wonderful to cook in? Now we just have to keep an eye out for the contest. Maybe this year we’ll win!

When we think of planning a big meal, we’re reminded of this great quote credited to American humorist Calvin Trillin  - “The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.” Wonderful! How many of us sometimes feel like we’re magicians constantly concocting new ways to serve up the same old dishes to our family. It is not easy coming up with new things to make!

We came across this great idea for a 7 course meal and thought it would be fun to try to make something a little different and a bit more complicated over the weekend as a special meal, just because.