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March 26, 2015
Great Spring Recipe: Spring Pea Hummus
Architecture Digest Show 2015BlueStar Chef Ryan Scott Wows the AudienceRyan really knows how to attract a crowd at the Architecture Digest Home Show 2015 in New York. Was it the Spring Pea Hummus or was it the Sea Salt Crusted Bread? Try Ryan's recipes below, courtesy of BlueStar Ranges, and decide if it's the hummus or the bread that makes this appetizer taste so good. I think it's both.Spring Pea Hummus with Rosemary and Sea Salt Crusted BreadBreadIngredients:1 kg Bread Flour625 ml lukewarm water30 g fresh yeast2 tablespoons sugar1 tablespoon sea salt plus more for crust2 sprigs of rosemaryflour for dustingProcedure:On a clean surface, pile flour and make a large well in the middle. Pour half of water into well, the add yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir ingredients.Slowly, bring in the flour from inside of well, maintaining the walls. Continue to bring in flour to the center, until is a loose consistency. Add the remaining water and continue to mix. As you gradually increase speed and aggression, the mix should become to be less sticky. Apply flour to your hands to avoid dough from sticking. Pat and push the dough together forming a ball.Knead your dough for about 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.Flour the top of your dough, place in a bowl and cover with saran wrap. Allow to dough to proof in a warm and moist place for 30 minutes. The dough should double in size.Release air from dough by smashing it and banging on surface. -
March 08, 2015
Color in your Kitchen
Making Your Kitchen Stand Out with ColorWe see a lot of monochromatic or duochromatic (is that a word?) kitchens these days. White-on-white. White and gray, white and black, etc. Kitchens are likely to have stainless steel appliances, but still there's not much color. Here are some ideas that might help you find a color solution that works best to make your kitchen sparkle:AppliancesIf you'd like to add a splash of color, there are opportunities in appliances such as the Bertazzoni and BlueStar ranges as well as Viking appliances (ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.). We've written about them in previous blogs. Click the links below for more info:Red Bertazzonis and Ferraris from ItalyAppliance Colors for 2014Bluestar Range ColorsArtworkIf appliances aren't the right option for you, consider artwork to brighten the room. Here's a stunning print from Kaye Menner, that I found on fineartamerica.com. Click the link below to find out more.ColorfulKitchenCollageThis image can also be purchased as a horizontal collage upon request.BacksplashA popular choice for introducing color into a white kitchen is the backsplash. Look at the yellow blacksplash and notice the other yellow accents that bring it all together.Credit: ChrDAUER Architects / Bruce Damonte PhotographyAccent WallAnother option is paint or wallpaper on an accent wall. Pick a wall where there is enough space for the color to make an impact, and go bold.AccessorizeI've been hearing designers talk about "pops" or "splashes" of color for a long time. But when I started paying attention to the photos showing this phenomenon at work, -
February 21, 2015
Unique Gas Ranges
Unusual Range Configurations Most ranges from different manufacturers seem very similar when it comes to the basics. Oven on the bottom - burners on top. Some have more than one oven, some have more burners than others, and perhaps a griddle or a grill, but beyond that, not many striking differences. Well, here are a few ranges that are dramatically different - and you can see it right away. These are specific ranges have unique features for chefs who have specific interests or requirements. Take a look. Step-up Freestanding Ranges from American RangeWonder why all the burners on your range are on the same level? Maybe you've seen restaurants where food is being cooked in what seems to be different cooking heights. American Range has created a "Step-up" range with burners on different levels. When using multiple pots and pans simultaneously, handles become obtrusive and annoying. For this reason, many chefs have requested that burners be lifted to broaden the cooking surface and prevent handles from one pan heating the handles of another. In response, American Range has created the Step-Up Range line. Griddle Broiler on Top from BlueStar The professional-style raised griddle broiler allows for broiling and grilling simultaneously. This unique feature provides a full-size 12-inch griddle with a 600 degree maximum heating capacity. Perfect for last minute crisping, searing, or melting. It is powered by a 15,000btu radiant gas fired burner, capable of producing seared, crisp steaks in minutes! Home Salamander Broiler -
February 16, 2015
50 Shades of Grey in Appliances
Grey Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterThere are many shades of grey in appliances.Even though stainless steel is the dominant color/finish in major appliances, most major appliance manufacturers offer choices in the colors and finishes that they produce, including shades of stainless, silver, and yes of course, grey.Stainless steel itself comes in different grades and types that also look different. Even within a brand or a given model there can be differences. For example, the stainless steel interior of a dishwasher can be an entirely different type of stainless steel and have a different finish than the dishwasher's exterior. Generally, manufacturers try to match the stainless finish on the outside of their appliances, but if you're mixing brands, you could easily find discernible differences in appearance from brand to brand.Frigidaire offers a stainless steel that is smudge-proof. It's real stainless steel that has been treated to prevent the feared fingerprint smudges. It does seem to work quite well. Both GE and Whirlpool have in the past offered lines of faux stainless, eg. painted silver appliances. A quick check of their websites shows a very limited offer of silver or satin appliances.However, GE introduced a line of Slate appliances a couple of years ago, that has become quite successful. It's a shade of grey that you might like very much. It's clearly NOT faux stainless steel and doesn't pretend to be, but it will provide your kitchen with -
January 28, 2015
Luxury Appliance Brands Show Colors at KBIS/IBS 2015
New Appliance Color Shown at KBIS/IBS 2015 Marsala Displayed on High End Appliance Brands Pantone Color Institute® annually designates a color of the year. Last year's color was Blue Orchid. For 2015, the color is Marsala. Appliance brands that feature color in an array of colors to supplement the traditional stainless steel finish have announced that they will be offering appliances in Marsala, and in fact have shown some Marsala appliances at KBIS/IBS 2015 in Las Vegas this past week.BlueStar ranges are often made to order at their factory in Reading, PA. BlueStar claims to offer the largest selection of colors of any appliance manufacturer, 750...now we can say at least 751 different combinations of colors and finishes. Viking ranges, made in Greenwood, Miss. has long offered a wide-selection of colors, and has recently pared it down to about 12 colors. Nevertheless, Viking, also showed a Marsala range as one of its colors in their exhibit at KBIS 2015. Bertazonni, an Italian made cooking brand, has made a big splash with some of their bright colors, and they'll also be adding Marsala to their color selections. Finally, Dacor, a Southern California based appliance company known for its innovation, had a Marsala range on display in their booth at KBIS 2015. See the Marsala Dacor oven pictured below. It certainly looks like the color of this year, Marsala, might be an appliance hit in 2015. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comment section. -
December 27, 2014
2014 Kitchens
3 Kitchen Trends in 2014 Here's what has been trending in kitchen design: Contrast A little more than a decade ago appliance manufacturers called it white-on-white. White appliances with chrome trim had been de rigueur for years, so the early movement to solid white was a big deal in the beginning of the last decade. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks and even faucets contributed to the solid white kitchen. Even today, an all-white kitchen is not unusual or out of place. However, for several years, we've seen the ever popular white kitchen complemented with contrasting yet subdued colors, in particular grey. Now, contrast is becoming more bold with black showing up in islands and base cabinets, stainless steel sinks, and chrome, or even gold faucets. Color Along with non-white cabinets, sinks, and faucets, 2014 saw more solid contrasting colors on kitchen walls not just gray or black, but also bright colors and pastel shades. Thanks to specialty appliance manufacturers such as Smeg, BlueStar, Bertazzoni, and even Viking, many appliance color options are now available even though stainless steel continues to dominate. Changes in upper cabinets and islands. Upper cabinets are sometimes being replaced by shelves, and occasionally disappearing entirely. See the limited use of upper wall cabinets in the photo above. Islands have been around for a long time, but we're seeing more use of islands for seating, and even tables and chairs as substitutes for islands. What can we expect in 2015? There will be more of the same as -
December 17, 2014
2015 Color of the Year
Pantone's Winning Color for 2015MarsalaThis hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.Leatrice Eiseman-Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute®In 2014, Pantone's Color of the Year was Radiant Orchid, a shade of purple lightened with a bit of pink. Below is a BlueStar Range in Radiant Orchid - dramatic for a splash of color, but hardly an underlying theme. For 2015, Pantone is taking a leap away from the boldness of the 2014 Color of the Year and moving to a beautiful wine colored Marsala, a deep red subdued by earthy brown. It's a welcome change. Marsala is a hearty red; a strong color that doesn't as much provide a splash of color as it does create a warm theme to build around. It works well in various environments, is gender neutral, rich and full, but at the same time, complex and subtle.I feel that it's a sophisticated color, almost regal, yet grounded and accessible. Designers will welcome Marsala because of its versatility in so many settings. -
October 23, 2014
Restaurant Quality BluStar Ranges
New Gas Ranges from BlueStar with Sealed BurnersAvailable at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC)BlueStar has launched a new line of gas ranges with Sealed Burners to supplement their existing full line of cooktops, ovens, and ranges. It's a total re-design, but features the same quality construction and beautiful appearance of the current Platinum series from BlueStar. Made In America Reading PA. Sizes 24,30,36,48" Very competitive pricing for a range with these features and quality Highlights 18K sealed burners 3 oven racks (1 rollout) Full Size Sheet Pan Capacity (30" and above)About BlueStarHandcrafted in Reading, Pennsylvania, BlueStar cooking products are designed for discerning home chefs who demand restaurant-quality results in their own kitchens. Our commitment to precision in form and function is why many top chefs consider BlueStar to be the world's top-performing residential cooking equipment.Built with the highest-quality materials and distinctive workmanship that comes from 130 years expertise, BlueStar turns up the heat on home cooking with a fully customizable line to suit the specific cooking needs of the accomplished home chef. Available in a painter's palette of colors, and with near infinite configuration possibilities, BlueStar premium cooking products deliver restaurant magic to the home kitchen.ATTEND A BLUESTAR COOKING DEMO:What better way to learn about BlueStar than to experience the products first hand.Place: Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center - Calabasas (address below)Date: Sat. Oct. 25, 2014Time: Call for your personal appointment, 818 880-0011For more information about the entire line of BlueStar cooking -
October 07, 2014
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Mark Your Calendar - Pumpkin Festival Oct. 18 and 19UAKC Appliance ExtravaganzaHave you ever wondered what the name Calabasas stands for? PUMPKIN...of course! But if you're in the market for major appliances and plumbing fixtures, Calabasas means Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (UAKC). Join us for the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival, and stop by Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to take advantage of the many fall specials.You can find all the major appliance brands at UAKC such as Frigidaire, GE, Maytag, and Whirlpool. As well as premium brands KitchenAid, Bosch, Frigidaire Gallery, GE Profile, and GE Café. And super premium brands Bertazzoni, Electrolux, Jenn-Air, Dacor, and Thermador. Not to mention luxury brands including Gaggenau, GE Monogram, Miele, Sub Zero, Viking, and Wolf.Enjoy the outdoor booths. Check out all the pumpkins and the Jack-O-Lanterns at the festival. Treat yourself to a snack, and by all means have fun. BUT, don't forget the real treat and visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center in Calabasas to see the festival of stunning appliances. UAKC even sells pumpkin...yes pumpkin colored appliances!Here is a refrigerator above from Italy, SMEG, that fits perfectly into a small space and that truly adds a splash of color to this tiny kitchen.Above is a Viking Built-In Side-by-Side refrigerator that will be the focal point of any kitchen.And here is a stunning Bertazzoni range from Italy, that is providing some happy owner, luxury at an affordable price. Other brands such as BlueStar (made in USA) also offer a large variety of appliances -
September 18, 2014
New Bluestar Platinum Series Range and Cooktop
BlueStar Commercial Quality Ranges and Cooktops Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center Your headquarters for major appliances and plumbing fixtures features the most complete array of brands imaginable. BlueStar is a professional grade brand available to the public for discerning cooks who want restaurant quality and durability in a home environment. Here's the latest from BlueStar on their innovative Platinum™ Series: BlueStar Platinum Series Cooktop MODEL NUMBER - BSPL366B Introducing the NEW Platinum™ Series Rangetop, which offers a host of innovative, professional grade features. The powerful PrimaNova™ power burners provide a searing 25,000 BTUs for maximum high heat cooking. The 2-in-1 Interchangeable Griddle Charbroiler offers the ultimate in flexibility: place the cast-iron griddle or charbroiler anywhere on the range, and interchange the two components based on the day's menu. Enjoy two-zone cooking, with up to 40,000 BTUs of power, plus four unique cooking surfaces. Platinum Series BlueStar Ranges 36" Model now in stock and available FEATURES All gas range. Available in 36", 48" and 60" width sizes. Features new 25,000 BTU PrimaNova™ burners plus 22,000 BTU UltraNova™, 18,000 SuperNova™, 15,000 BTU Nova™ and 130° degree simmer burners. Cast iron interchangeable griddle charbroiler system allows for dual zone cooking with up to 40,000 BTUs of heat on four unique surfaces. New PowR Oven™ provides 40% faster preheating and 30% increase in oven efficiency. Accommodates full-size commercial 18" x 26" baking sheet. Convection fan system for most complete exchange of air possible. 1850˚ infrared broiler. Full motion grates.
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