by Milcarsky's Staff | Mar 27, 2024 | Appliances
As the weather warms up and the flowers bloom, many of us are eager to spend more time outdoors. Spring brings the perfect opportunity to transform your outdoor space into a vibrant and inviting area for relaxation and entertainment. One often overlooked but handy addition to any outdoor space is outdoor refrigeration. Not only does it provide convenience, but it also offers several ways to enhance your outdoor experience. Let’s explore three ways outdoor refrigeration can upgrade your outdoor space for spring.
Effortless Outdoor Entertaining:
With outdoor refrigeration, hosting outdoor gatherings and parties becomes a breeze. No longer will you need to constantly run back and forth between the kitchen and the outdoor space to fetch drinks or refreshments. An outdoor refrigerator or beverage cooler stocked with cold beverages, snacks, and condiments keeps everything within arm’s reach, allowing you to spend more time socializing with your guests. Whether it’s a barbecue, a pool party, or a simple afternoon get-together, readily available refreshments enhance the enjoyment for both you and your guests.
Extended Outdoor Dining:
Spring weather beckons us to dine al fresco, but nothing spoils the experience like warm drinks or melted desserts. Outdoor refrigeration ensures that your food and beverages stay fresh and cool throughout your outdoor dining experience. Imagine enjoying a leisurely brunch on the patio with perfectly chilled mimosas or a sunset dinner with chilled wines and desserts. With outdoor refrigeration, you can extend your dining space beyond the confines of your kitchen and savor every moment of outdoor dining without compromise.
Enhanced Outdoor Cooking:
Having outdoor refrigeration is a game-changer for those who love to grill or cook outdoors. Instead of making multiple trips indoors to retrieve ingredients, marinades, or perishable items, you can store everything you need right at your fingertips. Keep your meats marinating, fresh produce crisp, and chilled sauces and condiments within reach of your outdoor kitchen or grill station. This streamlines the cooking process and allows you to experiment with a broader range of ingredients and recipes, elevating your outdoor culinary creations to new heights.
In addition to these practical benefits, outdoor refrigeration adds luxury and sophistication to your outdoor space. Modern outdoor refrigerators come in various sleek designs and finishes, seamlessly blending in with your outdoor decor. Whether you prefer a built-in refrigerator as part of your outdoor kitchen setup or a standalone beverage cooler for your patio or deck, there are options to suit every style and space.
In conclusion, outdoor refrigeration is a versatile and practical addition that can significantly upgrade your outdoor space for spring. The benefits are abundant, from effortless outdoor entertaining to extended outdoor dining and enhanced outdoor cooking. So why take your outdoor experience to the next level this spring with the convenience and luxury of outdoor refrigeration? Visit our showroom at 1180 Emma Oaks Trail, Suite #1038, Lake Mary, FL. 32746, and see all the outdoor refrigeration options we carry.
by Milcarsky's Staff | Mar 11, 2024 | Food, Recipes
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace the rich cultural heritage of Ireland, and what better way to do that than through its traditional and mouthwatering cuisine? Whether you’re of Irish descent or just looking to celebrate the spirit of the Emerald Isle, these three authentic Irish recipes will transport you to the heart of Ireland’s culinary traditions.
Irish Soda Bread: A Staple of Irish Tables
Ingredients:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 and 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Dust a baking sheet with flour.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Shape it into a round loaf.
Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and score a deep “X” on the top with a sharp knife.
Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with butter or your favorite Irish cheese.
Irish Lamb Stew: Hearty and Comforting
Ingredients:
2 pounds of lamb stew meat, cut into chunks
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
2 onions, chopped
4 cups beef or vegetable broth
1 cup red wine
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the lamb stew meat on all sides.
Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until softened.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add the carrots, potatoes, thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
Pour in the broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake: A Sweet Finale
Ingredients (For the crust):
2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Ingredients (For the filling):
3 packages (24 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cookies and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and Bailey’s Irish Cream.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the springform pan.
Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center is set and the top is lightly browned.
Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven with the door ajar for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate the flavors of Ireland with these authentic recipes that pay homage to the country’s culinary heritage. From the hearty Irish soda bread to the comforting lamb stew and the sweet indulgence of Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake, these dishes are sure to bring a touch of Irish warmth and hospitality to your celebration. Sláinte!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Feb 5, 2024 | Food
As National Drink Wine Day approaches, wine enthusiasts and novices alike are gearing up to celebrate this delightful occasion. What better way to mark the day than by indulging in the exquisite art of wine pairing?
Whether you’re a red, white, or sparkling fan, we’ve curated three stellar wine pairings to elevate your National Drink Wine Day experience.
Cabernet Sauvignon with Aged Gouda and Dark Chocolate: A Bold Affair
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its robust and full-bodied profile, is a perfect companion for rich and flavorful cheeses.
Pairing: Aged Gouda, with its nutty undertones and crystalline texture, forms a harmonious partnership with the bold tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Add a touch of indulgence with dark chocolate squares, enhancing the wine’s complex flavors. The combination creates a symphony of tastes, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a bold and sophisticated experience.
Chardonnay with Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: A Symphony of Flavors
Wine: Chardonnay, renowned for its versatility, offers a delightful balance of crispness and creaminess.
Pairing: The citrus notes in Chardonnay complement the zesty flavors of lemon herb grilled chicken impeccably. The wine’s buttery texture serves as a smooth counterpoint to the savory grilled meat, creating a symphony of flavors on the palate. This pairing is an excellent choice for those seeking a refreshing and well-rounded tasting experience, perfect for a sunny National Drink Wine Day celebration.
Prosecco with Fresh Fruit Bruschetta: Effervescent Elegance
Wine: Prosecco, a sparkling wine from Italy, is celebrated for its effervescence and light, fruity notes.
Pairing: Elevate your celebration with a Prosecco pairing that brings together the wine and the freshness of a fruit bruschetta. The bubbles in Prosecco cleanse the palate after each bite of the fruity bruschetta, enhancing the overall tasting experience. This pairing is not only visually appealing but also a delightful choice for those who appreciate a touch of elegance.
As National Drink Wine Day dawns, take a moment to savor the beauty of the grape. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of wine, these pairings are sure to elevate your celebration. Cheers to the diversity of flavors, the art of pairing, and the joy of indulging in a glass of your favorite wine. May your National Drink Wine Day be filled with laughter, good company, and, of course, exquisite wines. Cheers!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Feb 1, 2024 | Recipes
Skip the crowded restaurants and celebrate your sweetie with a few homemade “sweets”. We have selected three courses from some of our favorite brands to inspire a nice home-cooked meal for the ones you love.
Brunch
For brunch, surprise your sweetie with a delicious plate of crepes. This Crepe recipe by SubZero, Wolf, and Cove shows just how easy it is to make a restaurant-quality breakfast from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup milk
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a blender container or food processor bowl with cutting blade.
Process on high about 1 minute or until smooth.
Allow to rest for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat 6-inch skillet on Wolf cooktop over medium-high heat for 2 minutes or until drops of water dropped into skillet pop.
Using 1/4 cup measure, pour batter into hot skillet.
Cook crepes for about 2 minutes on first side or until edges brown.
Then, carefully turn it over and cook it for one minute.
You can choose to dress up this simple dish with this Fruit and Cream Filling recipe by Taste of Home:
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar, divided
4 teaspoons 2% milk
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup each fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries
In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Spread 1 rounded tablespoon on each crepe, top with 1/4 cup of fruit, and roll it up. Sprinkle with the remaining confectioners’ sugar.
If you are having Mimosa with your brunch, try this Sparkling Raspberry Lemon Mimosa recipe by Aberdeen’s Kitchen.
4 ounces chilled Brut Champagne or sparkling wine, cork just popped
2 ounces raspberry lemonade, pulp strained out if desired
Fresh raspberries sprinkled with white granulated sugar
Dinner
For dinner, we recommend treating your sweetheart (and yourself) with a perfectly cooked steak! No need to worry if you haven’t mastered the art of the perfect steak. This Ultimate Steak by Frigidaire has a few expert tips and a delicious rub recipe to use on your meal. Pair with your favorite vegetables, and you have a hearty, home-cooked meal worthy of celebrating any occasion.
This recipe will take your steak game to the next level.
Ingredients:
4 x 1 1/2inch thick boneless rib-eye steaks
1 TBSP. butter
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
3 cloves of garlic
For the spice rub
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup paprika
4 TBSP. sea salt
3 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. ground coriander
2 tsp. onion powder
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. celery seed
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
Instructions:
In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the spice rub and mix together. Set aside.
Place the steaks on a large cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel. Coat each steak with 2 teaspoons of olive oil and rub them to get the beef well coated. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Rub each steak with about 2 tablespoons of spice mix, ensuring that all sides are well coated. (Any leftover steak spice will be kept in an airtight container for 2 months)
Use a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high. Place the steaks in the hot pan and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the steaks over and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Top the butter with the garlic and rosemary. When the butter has melted, angle the pan slightly so that a pool of butter collects near the base of the pan. Using a spoon, baste the tops of the steaks to get them nicely coated in the flavored butter. Cook for an additional 4 minutes (8 minutes total, for a steak cooked medium rare).
Rest the steaks on a plate for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. This will result in an extremely moist, succulent steak.
Transfer to a board and slice your rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve.
Crank Up your Cooking tip:
For the best sear, heat a cast-iron pan to high heat before adding the steak. The PowerPlus® Burner on the Frigidaire Professional Range will quickly heat the pan.
Desert
Our favorite part of Valentine’s Day is, of course, the desert. And what celebration would be complete without some kind of chocolate, right? Sure, you could go the traditional route and make a chocolate cake or a chocolate mousse of some sort, but why go traditional when you can have S’mores!? Either snuggled up next to a fire pit or by using your Lynx Napoli Oven!
Ingredients
8 graham crackers, broken in 1/2
2 milk chocolate bars broken into squares
8 marshmallows, cut in halves
- Preheat Napoli Oven to Medium for 30 minutes with the door on.
- Lay 1/2 of the broken graham crackers on a cookie baking sheet. Place chocolate pieces on top and 2 marshmallow halves on top of that.
- Bake until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from Napoli oven and top with the remaining graham crackers, pressing down to make a sandwich. Serve while still warm.
by Milcarsky's Staff | Jan 20, 2024 | Food
There’s a certain magic in the world of wine and food pairings that can elevate an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience. One combination that embodies this magic is the robust and full-bodied Syrah paired with roasted hazelnuts, creamy Roquefort cheese, and a succulent, well-seasoned pork chop. Each element of this ensemble brings its own unique character to the table, creating a symphony of flavors that is both indulgent and comforting. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art of pairing these exquisite ingredients to create the perfect cocktail hour and cozy dinner.
Let’s start with the star of the show: Syrah. This grape variety is known for its dark and velvety red wines, characterized by rich flavors of blackberries and plums and often a subtle hint of black pepper. Syrah wines vary from region to region, with Shiraz from Australia, Syrah from the Rhône Valley in France, and other expressions from around the world. The first sip of a well-aged Syrah is an experience in itself, offering a symphony of complex flavors that evolve with each passing moment.
Pairing Suggestion: Roasted Hazelnuts
To complement the bold and fruity notes of Syrah, consider starting your evening with a small plate of roasted hazelnuts. The toasty, earthy aroma of hazelnuts harmonizes with the wine’s intricate flavors, creating a delightful contrast that excites the palate. The nuttiness of the hazelnuts also serves as an excellent palate cleanser, preparing your taste buds for the next phase of your culinary journey.
- The Creamy Elegance of Roquefort
Moving on to our next element, Roquefort cheese is a true delicacy among blue cheeses. This French classic boasts a creamy texture and an intense, tangy flavor profile. Its characteristic blue veins add a touch of complexity, making it a remarkable partner for Syrah. The sharpness of Roquefort balances the wine’s fruitiness, creating a beautiful interplay of flavors.
Pairing Suggestion: Roquefort and Syrah
Pairing a full-bodied Syrah with Roquefort cheese is like witnessing a perfect dance between opposites. The wine’s dark fruit flavors mellow the cheese’s intensity, while the cheese’s saltiness enhances the wine’s subtle nuances. Together, they create a luxurious and unforgettable combination that will leave your taste buds singing.
- The Cozy Comfort of Pork Chop
To conclude this culinary journey, let’s talk about the main course: a well-seasoned pork chop. Pork, with its savory and slightly sweet profile, provides a hearty and satisfying element to the ensemble. A perfectly cooked pork chop, with its crispy exterior and tender interior, is a comfort food classic.
Pairing Suggestion: Pork Chop and Syrah
The rich, meaty flavors of a well-prepared pork chop marry beautifully with the Syrah’s robust and fruity character. The wine’s tannins cut through the meat’s richness, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Whether you choose to grill, roast, or pan-sear your pork chop, the Syrah will elevate the dish to a whole new level of gastronomic delight.
In the world of culinary pairings, there’s nothing quite like the symphony of flavors that a full-bodied Syrah, roasted hazelnuts, Roquefort cheese, and a perfectly cooked pork chop can create. From the first sip of the wine to the last bite of the meal, this combination is a journey through contrasting yet complementary tastes that will leave you craving for more. So, whether you’re looking to impress your guests during a cocktail hour or create a cozy dinner for yourself, remember this magical quartet of flavors. It’s a culinary experience that’s sure to make any occasion special.
by Milcarsky's Staff | Dec 1, 2023 | Appliances
Household appliances have become integral to our daily lives in today’s fast-paced world. They streamline chores, enhance convenience, and improve our overall quality of life. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, laundry room, or any other part of your home, purchasing new appliances is a significant investment that requires careful consideration. To help you make informed choices, here are three crucial factors to ponder before bringing home your shiny new machines.
1. Functionality and Features
Before diving headfirst into appliance shopping, take a moment to assess your needs and priorities. What functions are essential for your lifestyle? Are you seeking appliances with the latest high-tech features, or are simplicity and reliability more important? The array of options available can be overwhelming, so it’s wise to narrow down your choices based on functionality.
For instance, if you’re shopping for a refrigerator, consider factors such as size, layout, and storage capacity. Do you need a built-in water dispenser or ice maker, or is a basic model sufficient? Similarly, when selecting a washing machine, determine if you require a variety of wash cycles or advanced features like steam cleaning. Tailoring your appliance choices to your unique requirements will ensure that you’re investing in appliances that genuinely enhance your daily life.
2. Energy Efficiency
In an era of growing environmental consciousness and escalating energy costs, the energy efficiency of household appliances has become a critical consideration. Energy-efficient appliances not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save you money on utility bills over time. Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
When evaluating energy efficiency, focus on the appliance’s annual energy consumption, water usage, and overall performance. Newer models often incorporate advanced technologies that optimize energy usage without compromising functionality. While energy-efficient appliances might have a slightly higher upfront cost, long-term savings make them a worthwhile investment.
3. Longevity and Reliability
Durability and reliability are key aspects of any appliance purchase. You want your new appliances to stand the test of time and provide you with years of dependable service. To gauge the longevity of a product, consider the brand’s reputation, customer reviews, and warranty offerings.
Research the manufacturer’s track record for producing reliable appliances. Online reviews and consumer reports can provide valuable insights into everyday issues or defects associated with specific models. Additionally, take into account the importance of a comprehensive warranty. A more extended warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality, giving you peace of mind in case any issues arise.
Buying new appliances involves more than picking the shiniest or most stylish option. To make a wise investment that aligns with your needs and values, carefully consider the functionality, energy efficiency, and reliability of each appliance you’re interested in. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your daily routine but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient household. Discover the magic of home transformation at our breathtaking showroom located at 1180 Emma Oaks Trail, suite #1038, Lake Mary, FL 32746! Step into a world where dreams become reality, and your home finds its perfect match.
