by Milcarsky's Staff | Nov 1, 2023 | How To's
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you’re likely getting ready for a delicious feast with family and friends. As you plan your Thanksgiving menu and stock up on groceries, it’s essential to ensure that your refrigerator is prepared to handle the holiday feast. A well-organized and clean fridge will not only keep your ingredients fresh but also make the cooking process smoother. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your refrigerator for Thanksgiving:
1. Clear Out the Clutter
Start by removing any expired or unused items from your refrigerator. This step will free up space for your Thanksgiving groceries and help you see what you need to restock after the holiday.
2. Clean and Sanitize
Give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning. Remove all the shelves, drawers, and trays, and wash them with warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to wipe down the interior walls and doors. Sanitize with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. This step ensures a clean and safe environment for your Thanksgiving ingredients.
3. Check the Temperature
Thanksgiving involves storing a lot of food, so it’s crucial to make sure your refrigerator is maintaining the right temperature. The ideal temperature for a fridge is 35 to 38°F (1.7 to 3.3°C). You can use a refrigerator thermometer to verify the accuracy of your settings. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your food stays fresh.
4. Organize Your Fridge
Before the big shopping trip, plan how you’ll organize your fridge. Keep raw meat and poultry on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination. Store dairy products, condiments, and prepared dishes on the upper shelves. The vegetable crisper drawers are perfect for storing fresh produce. This organization will make it easier to find ingredients when you’re in the midst of cooking.
5. Create a Meal Plan
To save space and reduce waste, create a meal plan for Thanksgiving. This plan will help you buy only what you need and prevent overcrowding in your refrigerator. Make a list of ingredients and designate a spot in your fridge for each dish.
6. Use Airtight Containers
Invest in airtight containers or food storage bags to keep leftovers fresh. These containers help prevent odors from spreading and maintain the quality of your Thanksgiving dishes. Label everything with the date to keep track of freshness.
7. Be Mindful of Thawing
If you’re planning to cook a frozen turkey, make sure to allocate enough time for it to thaw in the refrigerator. It can take several days, so plan accordingly and clear space in your fridge for this large item.
8. Consider a Cooler for Beverages
If you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving gathering, you might want to keep beverages in a separate cooler to free up space in your refrigerator. This can help ensure that your fridge is solely dedicated to storing food items.
With these steps, your refrigerator will be ready to handle the Thanksgiving festivities. A well-prepared fridge not only keeps your food fresh but also makes the cooking process smoother, allowing you to focus on what matters most: spending quality time with loved ones and enjoying a delicious meal. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
by Milcarsky's Staff | Jun 1, 2023 | Appliances, Design, How To's
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still having all the amenities of a modern kitchen. However, many homeowners are unsure about how to use their outdoor kitchen in the wintertime or during other inclement weather. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year long, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way!
Choose Your Appliances Wisely
When selecting appliances for an outdoor kitchen, it’s important to consider which ones are best suited for all-year use. Many grills and smokers are designed to be used outdoors in any climate, but not all of them will stand up to cold temperatures. Consider stainless steel appliances as they have better performance and durability in cold climates. If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen during winter months, look for appliances that are specifically designed for cold-weather use.
Prepare Your Outdoor Kitchen
Once you have chosen your appliances, it’s important to make sure they are properly prepared and maintained for winter use. Make sure any exposed metal surfaces are insulated and covered with a waterproof covering or tarp so snow and ice won’t accumulate on them. You may want to invest in an insulated cover for your grill or smoker if you plan on using it regularly when temperatures drop below freezing. Also, be sure to purchase a few items, such as thermal gloves and warm hats, so that you can keep comfortable while cooking outside in colder temperatures.
Make Sure You Have Adequate Lighting
Having adequate lighting is key when cooking outdoors at night or during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Consider installing LED lights around your outdoor kitchen area so that everything is well-lit, even when it’s dark outside. LED lights will also help keep bugs away since they don’t attract as many bugs as traditional lights do. Additionally, LED lights will consume less energy than traditional bulbs making them more cost-efficient over time.
An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any home, but many homeowners worry about how they can enjoy their outdoor space all year round without compromising their comfort level due to inclement weather conditions. By choosing the right appliances and preparing them properly for winter use, having adequate lighting installed around the area, and investing in some necessary accessories like thermal gloves and warm hats, you can enjoy your outdoor kitchen all year long! With proper planning and preparation, you can turn your backyard into a cozy gathering place no matter what season it is!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Apr 1, 2023 | Appliances, Design, How To's
A beverage center is an essential part of any modern home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just want to keep your favorite beverages cold and accessible, an undercounter beverage center will help you do that easily. But how do you choose the right one for your needs? Let’s look at some critical factors to consider when selecting an undercounter beverage center.
Size & Capacity
Regarding undercounter beverage centers, size and capacity are two of the most important considerations. You’ll want to ensure that the unit will fit comfortably in your space and accommodate all your favorite drinks. Most units are designed to fit underneath standard kitchen countertops, but if you have deeper countertops, check to ensure that the model you’re looking at is compatible. Additionally, ensure that the unit has enough capacity for all your favorite drinks and snacks; some models have adjustable shelves so you can customize the interior layout according to your needs.
Temperature Control & Features
One of the main reasons why people choose an undercounter beverage center is because they offer precise temperature control. Look for a model with multiple temperature zones to store different types of drinks at optimal temperatures. Other features like LED lighting, digital displays, and interior fans can also help maintain proper temperature levels throughout the unit.
Noise Level & Energy Efficiency
Another vital factor to consider when choosing an undercounter beverage center is its noise level and energy efficiency ratings. Many models have built-in insulation and fans that help reduce noise levels while keeping temperatures consistent inside the unit. Additionally, look for a model with a high energy efficiency rating – this will save you money on your energy bill in the long run!
Choosing an undercounter beverage center is no small decision; there are many factors to consider before making a purchase. Size, capacity, temperature control features, noise level, and energy efficiency ratings should all be considered when selecting a model that best suits your needs. Give us a call at (407) 830-6800to speak to one of our appliance experts and we’ll help you find a beverage center that fits perfectly within your budget – as well as into your home!
by Milcarsky's Staff | Jan 29, 2023 | Food, How To's
You probably know that preparing food is a great way to eat healthier and lose weight. If you love to cook, that’s an added bonus. If you’re uncomfortable in the kitchen, it can be challenging to stop relying on dining out.
That’s especially true if you grew up without many culinary role models and now think it’s too late to learn. On the other hand, you might be eager to bake cookies and fry bacon, but you draw a blank about what to do with asparagus and brown rice.
The truth is healthy cooking can be a lot of fun. Try these suggestions for changing the way you eat and enjoying the process.
How to Make Healthy Cooking Easier:
It’s natural to feel frustrated if you have to look up half the words in a recipe or run to the store for missing ingredients. You’ll be happy to hear that there are many quick and simple ways to make healthy cooking faster than takeout.
Try these techniques:
1. Organize your kitchen. If you can’t afford expensive renovations, you can still do many things to make your space more efficient. Put your essentials within easy reach and install racks to expand your cabinet storage.
2. Check your equipment. Some essential tools can speed up meal preparations. Keep your knives sharp. Invest in a slow cooker and a food processor that fits your budget.
3. Stock up on staples. Fill your pantry and freezer with ingredients you use frequently. That may include olive oil, tomato paste, and flour.
4. Cook in batches. Shorten your cooking time by preparing multiple servings and freezing the leftovers. You can heat them up later for quick dinners.
5. Play music. Research shows that music can make any task seem more effortless. Turn on the radio or invent your own playlists.
6. Minimize clean-up. Does your kitchen look like a disaster area when you’re through? Prevent messes by using parchment paper, and spoon rests. Soak dishes as you go along or load them into your dishwasher.
How to Make Healthy Cooking More Social:
Food is even more delicious when you share it with others. Invite your family and friends to join you.
Use these strategies to combine cooking with socializing:
1. Take a class. Check the calendar at local cooking schools or browse online for courses at Udemy or BBC Food. Encourage your partner to join you or surprise them with what you learn.
2. Teach your kids. Healthy cooking is one of the most important life skills you can nurture in your children. You’ll teach them habits that support a longer and more active life.
3. Post your creations. Take photos of your prized creations. You deserve to show off a little.
4. Write a book. Assemble an album of your personal recipes. Add pictures and stories to make it more personal.
5. Send gifts. Homemade food can be a thoughtful and affordable present for any occasion. Bake and decorate low-sugar cakes for birthday parties. Hand out bags of chocolate-dusted almonds for wedding favors.
6. Throw a party. Entertain in style without having to pay a caterer. Depending on your skills, you can arrange a fish taco night or take your turn hosting a formal Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Prioritize family meals. Try to sit down with your family for at least one meal a day to share conversation and wholesome food. If dinner is challenging to coordinate, gather for breakfast.
You can enjoy making nutritious meals and snacks with practice and creativity. In addition to eating healthier, you’ll save money and create more opportunities to spend quality time with your loved ones. And if you ever need a little meal inspiration, check out our recipe page here on the website.
