The Pantone Color
Institute has announced its 2020 Color of the Year – Classic Blue, which is
described by Pantone as “a timeless and
enduring hue elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the
reassuring qualities of Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and
stable foundation from which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
A
Solid Foundation
In contrast to Living Coral, the 2019
Color of the Year, Classic Blue is at once calming and understated, inviting
deeper reflection and opening up to new possibilities. This elegant hue can be
incorporated in the home in a number of ways – from subtle accents such as
pillows, throws and wall art to more adventurous expressions such as furniture
and statement walls.
Cooking up Style
The trend of using color in kitchen
design will continue into 2020 and beyond. And, what better way to inject a pop
of color into a kitchen space than with a splash of Classic Blue? This evocative
shade of blue can be paired with a spectrum of warm and cool hues to create unique
color combinations and tonal statements that catch the eye without being too
bold.
Adding a
range or fridge – or entire suite of appliances – in Classic Blue can transform
an ordinary kitchen into a space with take-notice style. Elmira’s retro-inspired
Northstar
and Antique
lines are both available in Classic Blue as a custom color.
Start off 2020 in style with Elmira
appliances. Classic Blue not your hue? We’ve got more than a thousand standard
and custom colors to choose from to create your dream kitchen!
With the holiday season upon us, many families are putting
up trees and hanging ornaments to celebrate Christmas or preparing to light
candles for Hanukkah. But, there are many unique traditions celebrated around
the world during the winter months. Following are just a few variations on the
traditional holiday season.
Night of the Radishes – Mexico
Beginning on December 23rd – and celebrated over the course of three
days – Oaxaca, Mexico presents one of the most impressive showcases of carved
vegetables in the world. Intricately-detailed miniature exhibits made of
radishes, which are grown especially for the event, show the Nativity scene and
other events from Mexican folklore. Originally performed by shopkeepers to entice
people into their stores, radish carving is now an annual tradition.
Saint
Lucia Day – Sweden and Norway
Each year, on December 13th, Sweden and Norway celebrate a festival
of lights. Seen as the start of the Christmas season, this festival and feast
commemorates Saint Lucy, who brought food and protection during a time of
persecution. Girls dress in white gowns and red sashes and wear wreaths of
candles on their heads. They visit local hospitals and homeless shelters to deliver
treats, while people sing songs and perform group dances in the street.
La Befana – Italy In Italy, Santa Claus is not the main attraction. Instead, a
kind old witch known as Befana distributes gifts. On January 5th, or the eve of
Epiphany, parents leave Befana a glass of wine and a plate of broccoli with
spiced sausage. According to tradition, the good witch flies around on her
broom and enters homes through a chimney, bringing toys, clothing and candy to
deserving children. On January 6th, the children wake up to find the gifts in
their stockings.
Kwanzaa
– United States
Kwanzaa, which means “First
Fruits,” is based on ancient African harvest festivals. From December 26th to
January 1st, millions of African Americans adorn themselves in special clothes,
decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables, and light a candle holder
called a kinara to celebrate family life, community and unity.
KFC Dinner – Japan
In Japan, eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) on December 25th in place of a
homemade Christmas dinner is a longstanding tradition. The fried chicken is so
popular that customers are asked to place their orders at least two months prior
to Christmas. The feast had its beginnings in 1974 when it was offered to
visitors to Japan who wanted a dinner resembling a traditional holiday meal.
The idea also appealed to locals, and is still practiced 40 years later.
No matter how you choose to celebrate the holidays, we wish you
and your family season’s greetings and good cheer!
Interesting
fact: Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday, was first celebrated in Canada 40 years before it became a tradition in the
States. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October.
Every family has
tried and true Thanksgiving rituals. Why not “shake it up” a little this
holiday season by adding a new tradition (or two) to your Thanksgiving holiday.
Here are a few not-so-typical traditions to consider adopting for a joy-filled celebration.
Enjoy some “me-time” before the festivities. Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving day with your entire extended family, a group of friends or with your significant other, consider dedicating an hour or so early in the day to enjoy your own company obligation-free. Take a morning walk in nature, enjoy a carefree soak in the tub, or savor a cup of your favorite tea in front of the fire before the hustle-and-bustle of the day’s activities start.
Share a recipe, create a recipe. Ask members of your family to pull out their recipe collection and share a favorite recipe and an associated memory. Or, leading up to the Thanksgiving gathering, request suggestions for new recipes and then invite the cooks in your family to create a couple of new dishes together on Thanksgiving day. Add the recipes that everyone enjoys to the collection.
Tip: Elmira’s Antique and Northstar appliances are great options for whipping up tasty Thanksgiving dishes.
Set up a wishbone scavenger hunt. Keep kids of all ages entertained after the meal with a scavenger hunt. Early in the day, ask teens or adults not involved in meal preparation to come up with scavenger hunt clues and then scatter the clues around the house and yard. After dinner, send the kids out to search for the hidden hints, which will eventually lead them back to a secret spot where you’ve stashed the turkey’s wishbone.
Give thanks in a new way. At the beginning of the Thanksgiving celebration, hand out notecards and ask your guests to spend a moment writing down what they are thankful for. Once everyone has congregated for the meal, read all of the submissions out load and have guests guess who wrote what. Place all of the cards on a piece of string and display it across the mantel for guests to read at their leisure.
Let the kids handle dessert. Make kids a bigger part of the celebration by putting them in charge of dessert and coffee after the Thanksgiving meal. Let the little kids take orders for dessert and then have the older kids cut the pie, plate it, scoop the ice cream or whipped cream, and pour the coffee. The younger kids can also serve dessert – don’t forget to tip!
Go for a turkey run. In preparation for indulging in one of the most memorable meals of the year, find a local “Turkey Trot” to participate in. Even if you’re not much of a runner (it’s only a three-mile run, after all), there is no better way to step out of your comfort zone than in a homemade turkey costume complete with feathers – and bystanders encouraging (or laughing) you to the finish line. Afterwards, go ahead and eat an extra slice of pumpkin or pecan pie – you’ve earned it.
Whatever your
plans for Thanksgiving day, enjoy the celebration with family and friends!
The farmhouse trend has taken the interior design world by
storm. There are a multitude of ways you can mash upthis style to fit your personal taste – whether you are looking to
channel a traditional vintage aesthetic, a more modern look, or something in
between.
For Wes Kestermont, President and CEO of Laurel Mountain
Structures in Ebensburg, PA, farmhouse decor is much more than a trend – it’s a
way of life. He realized that he had a love for farms when he started working
at a local dairy farm at just 12 years old, where he was taught by local farmer
Ava Berkey “to appreciate the land and animals for which we are just stewards while
here on this earth.” Now, Kestermont is the proud owner of a farmhouse that was
built in 1890 and was an active horse farm until the early 1960s.
When updating
their kitchen, Kestermont and his wife Tricia wanted to stay true to the integrity
of the period in which the home was built. In addition, they wanted their home
to reflect the humbleness of the farmhouse design, which embraces simplicity
and functionality with a relaxed, down home feel. “We were told the house originally
had an old black cookstove in it and wanted to create a similar look in the
renovated farmhouse kitchen,” says Kestermont. He and his wife selected farmhouse
inspired appliances from Elmira Stove Works due to their superior quality and
attention to detail. Notes Kestermont, “We went with an entire suite in the Black/Bisque
color combination to create a two-tone look that really enhances the rustic character
and style of our home.”
The Kestermonts couldn’t be more pleased with the way their
kitchen turned out. “When guests visit our home, they say it’s like stepping
back in time, and what makes the Elmira products so unique is the fact that
they take people back to a time when things were simpler.”
As functional as it is beautiful, the kitchen is regularly
put to good use. Says
Kestermont, “Tricia loves to bake apple dumplings with the double convection
ovens. Each fall, she bakes hundreds and then turns her focus to Christmas
cookies.”
Elmira Stove Works appliances make it easy for homeowners to
re-create styles from yesteryear without sacrificing the modern amenities to which
they have grown accustomed – from ranges, cookstoves and woodburning stoves to
refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves and dishwasher panels. Learn more about
Elmira’s line of farmhouse appliances.
Looking to refresh your kitchen? Ditch the stainless steel
appliances and endless rows of vanilla cabinets. Instead, join the latest
kitchen trend – using color, color and more color!
Increasingly, homeowners are spicing up their kitchens and
adding personality by incorporating vibrant, fun hues. Check out this basement
kitchen design with a classic diner feel. The nostalgic look – anchored by
retro appliances in rich royal blue – serves up design elements such as beveled-edged
countertops, soda fountain style barstools, checkered tile and plenty of shiny
chrome accents. Anyone else craving a root beer float?
Don’t know where to start with your kitchen design? The
first step is to pick a theme. The homeowners who brought to life the kitchen below
went with a colorful 60s vibe. The retro-inspired appliances in Robin’s Egg
Blue, butcher-block countertops, vintage style lighting and psychedelic accent
wall definitely make a statement, earning this kitchen the highest marks for
originality – and personality.
Once you have a theme in mind, select your appliances. They will
serve as the foundation for the kitchen and can help guide the rest of your
design. Nadia G, actor, chef and punk singer, really
knows how to show off her rockin’ personality in the kitchen created for her
Cooking Channel show, Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen. The expressive design
highlights retro style appliances in Candy Red paired with unexpected elements
such as a zebra-print floor, “upholstered” cabinets and an extra helping of
rivets and metal hardware.
Finally, pick out some accents to complement the appliances
and realize your vision. Some of the best pieces can be found at local antique markets
or thrift stores. Add a few quirky touches – or many, as seen in this eclectic
kitchen – to show off your personality. Here, a bubble gum pink, 1890s-inspired
stove is surrounded by blocks of green, blue, orange, yellow and more pink,
while funky knick-knacks such as a replica VW Bug, vintage cookie jars and a ‘teacup’
chandelier add a whimsical feel to the space.
Though your style might not be as bold as this homeowner’s, it’s
easy to create a kitchen that showcases your personal design aesthetic. Just
remember to pick a theme, select appliances, and then add fun touches to round
out the design. The only limit is your imagination!
For more design inspiration, follow @elmirastoveworks on
Instagram, or visit www.elmirastoveworks.com.
Summertime offers the opportunity for
travel and exploration, and is the perfect time for a road trip. Route 66 is
one of the most popular – and photographed – cross-country road trip destinations
in the United States.
This iconic roadway spans 2,400 miles
and eight states, and was the first all-weather highway in the United States.
As John Steinbeck wrote in his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Grapes of
Wrath,” Route 66 was “the mother road” in the 1900s and played a significant
role in the transportation of hundreds of thousands of Dust Bowl Migrants.
After 59 years of operation, the
Federal-Aid Highway Act instituted America’s 47,800-mile Interstate Highway
System, leading to the decommissioning of Route 66. Although the iconic highway
was officially shut down in 1985, travelers from all over the world continue to
set out on the original highway route, exploring some of the most unique
attractions in the nation.
If you ever plan to motor out west,
consider stopping at these favorite
highlights on the ultimate Americana road trip. As Dinah Shore
belted out in a television commercial for Chevrolet, “See the U.S.A. In Your Chevrolet” (or your vehicle of preference).
Following are four “can’t miss” stops along
the famed route.
The
World’s (Second) Largest Rocking Chair
in Fanning, Missouri
It all started on April Fools’ Day in
2008 when a local general store owner, in an effort to increase traffic to his archery
and feed store, erected an oversized rocking chair. At 42 feet, 4 inches high
and weighing an impressive
27,500 pounds, this Paul Bunyan-sized rocker set a new Guinness World Record
for the largest rocking chair in the nation. The behemoth rocker was knocked out of its No. 1 spot on
August 25, 2015 by a 56.5-foot-high
version in Illinois. Soon thereafter, the rocker was painted red and is now
known as “The Route 66 Red Rocker.”
Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, Oklahoma
This stop may not have existed until
after the highway was decommissioned, but it is considered one of the best ways
to experience the culture and unique offerings of Route 66. Oklahoma Route 66
Museum takes visitors on a nostalgic journey that explores the history of the
nation’s most beloved highway. From learning about the Dust Bowl to enjoying
sounds of the Big Band era to enjoying a meal at the 1950s-style diner, the
museum has something for everyone. And, make sure to check out the “world’s
largest curio cabinet” full of items ranging from original road signs to
full-sized gasoline pumps.
Cadillac
Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
Designed as a tribute to the evolution of the Cadillac tail
fin, Cadillac Ranch was created and built by a group of artist hippies from San
Francisco, who called themselves The Ant Farm. Ten Cadillacs – from the 1949
Club Sedan to the 1963 Sedan de Ville – were half-buried, nose down in the dirt
facing west in a line, leaving their tail fins proudly on display. The creators
wanted the art installation to be an interactive monument that let people
express themselves. Over the
years, visitors have been encouraged to use the cars as a graffiti canvas, and
today, all that remains are their time-worn frames, splattered in bright paint.
Delgadillo’s
Snow Cap Drive-In in
Seligman, Arizona
Located in Seligman, Arizona, along
one of the most extended stretches along Route 66, sits an eccentric diner
owned and operated by the Delgadillo family. In 1953, Juan Delgadillo, with the help of his father
and brothers, built the Snow Cap out of scrap lumber that Juan had collected
when he worked for the railroad. To create more interest in the
restaurant, Delgadillo sliced the roof off of a 1936 Chevrolet, and then adorned the car with paint, horns and
automotive emblems. A visit to Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive delivers
a hefty dose of Americana, including the vibes of a retro diner that serves up
menu items such as “cheeseburger with cheese” and the “dead chicken.”
Fun Fact: When the idea for the Cars
movie first came up, filmmaker and animator John Lasseter drove the route and
learned as much as he could about its history. Inspired by his trip, Lasseter
ended up incorporating a number of the locations in the movie!
So, if you’re looking for the quintessential cross-country road trip experience, look no further than Route 66.
Sit back, buckle up and enjoy an adventurous ride!
To echo Nat King Cole’s popular
song, aptly titled Route 66:
If you ever plan to motor west,
Travel my way, take the highway that is best.
Get your kicks on route sixty-six.
Nestled in the lushly forested area of Roberts Creek in
British Columbia, Canada, the “Cheeky” Cabin features an eclectic mix of styles
and motifs anchored by a retro style kitchen designed by the Emerge Design
team.
The cabin, part of a larger property, was an addition to the ‘Sandy Castle’ cabin, which was
constructed in 1943 by the homeowner’s grandparents. Over the years –
various parts of the property were passed down to members of the homeowner’s
family, and in 1989, her parents renovated the Sandy Castle cabin and
added a separate garage, which became the Cheeky Cabin.
The original decor in the cabin was very dark and had lots
of antiques as the centerpiece. The homeowner was looking to transform the
cabin into a fresh and bright space while still maintaining the cozy cabin
feel. The goal was to lift the mood in the room and make the cabin a welcoming,
enjoyable retreat for any season.
In order to revamp the unique home, the design team took
their cue from the homeowner’s diverse style. Her openness to different colors
and themes gave the designers lots of options when it came to creating the
kitchen.
“We were very inspired by our client’s fun,
adventurous spirit and curiosity for life, which set the tone for the design
process,” said kitchen designer, Gwyntie Van Tuyl. “We found a vintage stove and then
decided to build the kitchen around that using Elmira’s retro style appliances.
To complement the existing color palette, we chose Northstar appliances in
Robin’s Egg blue, which really brought the whole look together while adding a
wonderful pop of color.”
The project was a true
collaboration with the owner and showcased her approach to style in a fresh and
unexpected way. Says Gwyntie, “We took our time when designing the cabin, which
was completed in less than a year. The focus was on having a good time, and the
final result reflects that.”
The end result was a cabin that artfully mixed 50s style with rustic cabin style. Adds Gwyntie, “We love the Robin
Egg’s Blue Northstar appliances that we used to create a beautiful retro feel in
this amazing spot, and the homeowner was thrilled!”
Incorporate Elmira Stove Works appliances into
your kitchen design renderings! Elmira Northstar and Antique appliances are catalogued on the 2020 Design 3D CAD cloud platform.
One of the best parts of summer is cooking delicious food
with your family and friends. Everyone has their favorite go-to recipes, some
of which may be generations old. The best part of these retro recipes is that –
in many cases – modern updates are available that are just as tasty. This
summer, you can impress everyone at your party with these traditional favorites
or their present-day counterparts!
Appetizers
One of our favorite traditional appetizer recipes is for
tortilla pinwheels. These fun looking cheese-filled treats are easy to prepare
and are always a hit at any gathering.
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, well
drained
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Garlic powder to taste
Seasoned salt to taste
5 flour tortillas (10 inches)
Salsa, optional
Directions
Beat cream cheese, shredded cheese and sour
cream until blended. Stir in olives, green chilies, green onions and seasonings
Spread over tortillas; roll up tightly. Wrap
each roll in plastic, twisting ends to seal; refrigerate for several hours
Unwrap. Cut into 1/2 to 1/4 inch slices, using a
serrated knife. If desired, serve with salsa.
A delectable modern take on this recipe is ham-and-cheese
pinwheels with a brown sugar glaze. These savory appetizers will remind you of
a gourmet Hot Pocket!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9×13 baking
dish with cooking spray.
Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board and
press into approximately a 13×18 rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices.
Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you
reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is
face down. Cut into 12 slices, approximately 1 inch wide. Arrange in prepared
baking dish.
Next combine the butter, brown sugar,
Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a sauce pan over medium heat.
Whisk until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth and combined. Pour
evenly over the rolls.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or
bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Casseroles
Casseroles can make a wonderful addition to any summer
party. They’re easy to make and great to share with large groups. A favorite traditional
casserole is tuna noodle.
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) reduced-fat,
reduced-sodium condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1/2 cup fat-free milk
2 cups cooked yolk-free wide noodles
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 can (6 ounces) light water-packed tuna,
drained and flaked
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
Directions
In a large bowl, combine soup and milk until smooth.
Add the noodles, peas, tuna and pimientos; mix well.
Pour into a 1-1/2 qt. baking dish coated with
cooking spray. Bake uncovered at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Toss bread crumbs
and butter; sprinkle over the top. Bake 5 minutes longer or until golden brown.
A modern take on tuna noodle casserole eliminates the soup
from the dish. All of the ingredients in this recipe are fresher, making it a
little more time-consuming to make, but the end result is scrumptious.
1/2 cup finely chopped Italian parsley, to top
(optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 2-1/2 or 3
quart casserole dish and set aside.
Cook pasta until al dente in a large pot of
boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium
heat. Add mushrooms and shallots, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until
shallots are translucent and mushrooms begin to soften. Add garlic and continue
cooking for 1 additional minute. Slowly pour in wine, lower heat to medium-low
and cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Add flour to pan and stir well to ensure all mushrooms
are coated. Increase heat to high and slowly pour in milk, bringing mixture to
a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring to avoid sticking or clumping,
until milk begins to thicken and starts to look more like a sauce, about 4
minutes
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, parmesan
cheese, capers, tuna, sour cream, kale (or spinach), thyme, salt and pepper.
Pour the creamy mushroom sauce into bowl and stir to coat all ingredients.
Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt
butter. Sprinkle in breadcrumbs and cook until fragrant and slightly toasty,
2-3 minutes. Sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs over top of casserole and bake for 20
minutes, or until top is light brown. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped
parsley on top. Serve hot. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
This casserole also freezes beautifully.
Roast
The old fashioned pot roast is a traditional recipe staple
that’s simple to prepare, and easy on the taste buds too.
Sprinkle roast with 1 tablespoon flour. In a Dutch
oven, brown roast on all sides in half of the butter. Add water, bouillon,
onion, celery, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer
for 1 hour.
Add carrots; cover and simmer 45-60 minutes longer, or until meat is
tender. Transfer meat and carrots to a serving platter and keep warm. Strain
cooking juices; set aside.
In the same Dutch oven, melt remaining butter. Stir in remaining flour;
cook and stir until bubbly. Add 2 cups of the cooking juices and blend until
smooth. Cook and stir until thickened; add additional cooking juices until
gravy has desired consistency.
This updated roast recipe will make a regular appearance at
the dinner table. Rather than the traditional pot roast, baked in an oven, this
roast is grilled with a delicious seasoning and rosemary chimichurri sauce.
In a small bowl, mash oil, rosemary, salt,
pepper, and garlic with the back of a spoon. Rub all over beef and refrigerate
for at least 12, and up to 24 hours.
Heat all burners on a gas grill to medium low. A
thermometer resting on the grill grate should register about 450 degrees with
the lid down – or you should be able to comfortably hold your hand a couple of
inches above the grill for 3 or 4 seconds. If hotter than this, lower heat on burners
slightly. Brush grill grates with a stiff wire brush and then wipe with a
lightly oiled wad of paper towels.
Set beef on grill, cover, and cook until it’s nicely browned and easily releases from the grates,
5 to 10 minutes. Watch carefully during this stage. If a flare-up occurs, move
the meat away from flames until they die down. If necessary, squirt flames with
a little water to quench them.
Transfer meat to a cutting board and let cool for
10 minutes. Thinly slice and serve with chimichurri.
Chimichurri sauce: Heat oil and rosemary in a small
saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until rosemary is
aromatic, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature,
about 15 minutes. In a medium bowl, whisk vinegar and garlic. Whisk in rosemary
oil and 1/4 cup water. Then stir in parsley, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black
pepper (don’t worry if the emulsion separates). Season to taste with more salt
and pepper.
Side Dish
Side dishes can make or break a meal! Our favorite retro
side dish is this sweet-tart cucumber salad.
10 pickling cucumbers or 3 medium cucumbers,
thinly sliced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt, divided
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 teaspoons celery seed
1 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
Directions
Place cucumbers in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with 1
tablespoon salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain.
In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, celery
seed, pepper and remaining salt until blended. In a large bowl, combine
cucumbers and onions. Pour dressing over cucumber mixture; toss to coat.
Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours before serving.
This newer take on cucumber salad adds some unexpected
elements for a refreshing, mouth-watering dish.
In a small, mix together the ingredients for the
dressing, set aside. In a large bowl, mix together the cucumber, chickpeas, red
onion, parsley, mint and dill.
Drizzle with desired amount of dressing and toss
to combine.
Dessert
No meal is quite the same without dessert! A classic dessert
that reminds us of days gone by is mincemeat trifle. This sweet treat features layers
of custard and mincemeat, topped with cream.
In a saucepan, combine egg yolks, milk, sugar, lemon zest and
salt until blended. Cook over medium-low heat until mixture reaches 160 degrees,
about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate
for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, combine mincemeat and lemon juice. Tear cake into
1-inch cubes; place a third of the cake in a trifle bowl or 2-qt. serving bowl.
Top with a third of the custard and half of the mincemeat. Repeat layers. Top
with remaining custard.
In a bowl, beat cream and confectioners’ sugar until soft
peaks form; spread over custard. Garnish with cherries, if desired. Cover and
chill for at least 2 hours.
Mincemeat trifle has inspired many modern adaptations. This version
of the traditional trifle uses fresh blueberries and lemon pudding to create a
light, summery treat.
Angel food cake (2 loaves or 1 tube cake), cut
into 1-inch pieces
2 pints (3-4 cups) fresh blueberries
Sliced lemon, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Beat cream cheese and pudding mix together until
smooth. Slowly add room temperature milk until smooth. Fold in 2 cups of whipped
topping.
In a 3-quart bowl, layer 1/3 cake, 1/3 pudding
and 1/3 blueberries. Repeat layers two more times. Garnish with whipped topping
and lemons.
Cover and chill until ready to serve.
While many of these classic recipes remain
family favorites, the updated renditions offer an enticing “variation on a
theme”. We challenge you to try each of these retro recipes and their modern counterparts
and let us know which version you prefer!
Every day, more research is being conducted on how our environment
affects our health. According to The
University of Minnesota, our environment can encourage or discourage
interaction with others, influence behavior and motivation, affect mood, and create
or reduce stress. The same goes for our kitchen environment. Because of the
amount of time we spend there, maintaining a healthy kitchen should be a
priority in every home for the sake of increased health and well-being. Follow
these steps to create your own healthy kitchen.
Go Fresh &
Organic
The first step in achieving a healthy kitchen is to be mindful of the food that
you put into your body. As knowledge about the harm some pesticides and chemicals
can cause becomes more accessible, it’s easier to make better – and safer – food
choices. This means stocking your kitchen with organic, fresh foods like grains,
legumes, fruits and vegetables, and fewer processed foods. An abundance of
healthy recipes can be found on social media sites like Pinterest and
Instagram.
Open It Up
Properly utilizing available space is one of the most important aspects of a
healthy kitchen. Because kitchens are the center of the home, they should
promote activity and socialization. The
Global Wellness Summit says, “Open floor plans, kitchen islands, and
other design elements that encourage communal activities have been a staple of
modern kitchens for years.” When utilized in the kitchen, these elements not
only allow more space for cooking, but also provide optimal room for seating so
that everyone can take part in conversation and meal preparation.
Let the Sun Shine Natural lighting provides benefits that artificial lighting can’t. In fact, a study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology reports that natural lighting can boost productivity, especially important if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Incorporating as much natural light as possible in your kitchen, whether it be from windows or skylights, will not only open up the space but also make it easier to grow your own fresh herbs in a kitchen garden – another contributor to good health.
Color Your World
Color has the power to impact our behavior, mood and motivation, making it
important to take into consideration the colors used in the kitchen. A warm and
welcoming space that will encourage socialization and reduce stress is the goal.
White helps a kitchen look clean and rejuvenating whereas gray and lighter
shades of blue will make a kitchen space feel cool and comfortable. Red is
intense and known to boost energy, while yellow is a positive color that can
evoke feelings of hope and happiness. Green has a calming effect and can relieve
stress.
Consider using accent colors to balance out the primary color
used in the kitchen space. A great way to do this is by adding colorful
appliances. Retro- and
antique-inspired
appliances from Elmira Stove
Works come
in a range of standard hues along with more than 1,000 custom colors, and are a
great way to make a statement in any style of kitchen.
A healthy kitchen designed with wellness principles in mind
will not only improve your mood and energy but will also make time spent in the
kitchen more enjoyable for you and your friends and family. After all, a healthy
kitchen is a happy kitchen.
A Toronto-based couple wanted a place to escape the hustle and bustle of their busy city lives. They chose to build a getaway retreat on scenic Lake Simcoe, located an hour north of the city.
It was important that the home have a cozy, welcoming
feel while also providing a space that could accommodate and entertain guests, including
the homeowners’ large extended families. Offering rustic good looks and
unassuming charm, a log home fit the bill.
Upstairs, Downstairs
Because the couple entertains often, they
decided it made sense for the home to have two kitchens – a personal kitchen
situated on the main level and a second kitchen on the lower level for hosting
friends and family. That way, visitors could congregate in the lower level,
where they could enjoy the patio, pool and lake. It was also important that the
kitchens feel like they were part of the nearby spaces, which was accomplished
via an open floorplan.
Kevin Swart of Chervin Kitchen & Bath designed the kitchens. He selected vintage-style appliances from Elmira Stove Works for both kitchens, which served as the foundation for the kitchen design. The appliances not only bring character to the spaces but are also able to handle the demands of frequent social gatherings.
Ready for
Action
In the lower level kitchen, a large three-tiered island offers ample
space for preparing and serving food and libations when the couple’s families
come together.
Cabinetry in a woodsy green complements the brick walls, quartz countertops and Northstar retro-inspired appliances in Buttercup Yellow. To avoid overpowering the appliances, Swart chose accents that would add just the right touch of flair – custom corbels (decorative supports) on the island, decorative nails on doors and drawers, and ‘X’ motif crown moulding and roping. A hammered copper farmhouse sink adds warmth and helps to tie together the different design components.
Take Two
The main-level kitchen evokes a more traditional Old World feeling.
Soft blue cabinetry is topped once again by ‘X’ moulding, which is backlit around
the entire perimeter of the kitchen for added ambiance. Antique copper
hardware along with vintage pitchers and jars are accentuated by unexpected elements
such as pull down window shades with a trompe l’oeil olive grove.
Elmira Stove Works antique appliances in Bisque provide a subtle contrast to the earthy wood tones in
the kitchen and surrounding living area. The large French door refrigerator features
Antique Copper trim and offers plenty of space to store food. Because the range
is self-ventilating, there was no need for a traditional ventilation hood.
Instead, Swart designed a custom shelving unit that enables the homeowners to showcase
personal items.
The Lake Simcoe cabin is a great example of how vintage appliances can be used to create distinctive looks that work with a range of design styles; and how a home owner, log home builder, kitchen design company and appliance retailer can collaborate on a unique and innovative project. The home was built by True North Log Homes. All appliances were sourced from and delivered by TA Appliances & Barbecues out of Mississauga.
Incorporate Elmira Stove Works appliances into
your kitchen design renderings! Elmira Northstar and Antique appliances
are catalogued on the 2020 Design 3D CAD cloud platform.
