The cornerstone of any epicurean artist are quality cookware sets. It will enable any chef from beginner to expert to prepare any number of recipes form any corner of the world. A good set is versatile, durable and should encompass several sizes and styles of cookware. Keep in mind that the number of pieces in a set will include lids as well as any attachments or inserts. A 17 piece clad cookware set is a great set for any experience level as it provides multiple styles and long lasting construction.

17 Piece Cookware Set from Kinetic Classicor

Kinetic Classicor produces a set that starts with a 1 quart sauce pan and glass lid; all of the lids for the set are in fact glass for simple and easy viewing. Small sauce pans are essential for side dishes and sauces, of course, for a quiet night at home. They serve a chef well and are one of the most frequently used cookware pieces in any kitchen. The 17 piece cookware set also has 2 and 3 quart sauce pans. These are perfect for home made garlic mashed potatoes or creating stock for soups and hearty stews for the winter. A steaming insert is included to convert the 2 quart sauce pan into a steamer for a much healthier meal.

My favorite piece in the set is the 5.5 quart Dutch oven. This is completely oven and dishwasher safe as it is constructed from tri-clad stainless steel, as are all of the pieces in the set. An aluminum core is surrounded in stainless steel to provide better heat retention and no warping due to heating the pieces. The Dutch oven and all of the other pieces in the set are compatible with any kind of cook top; gas, electric, induction. This enables virtually anyone to use the set at home or in an industrial kitchen with no problems whatsoever. No kitchen can be complete without sauté/fry pans for eggs, fish and even pancakes.

An 8 inch and 10 inch fry pan accompany the previously mentioned pieces to round out the cookware set. Also made from the tri-clad stainless steel providing extreme durability; stainless steel is the most popular cookware medium on the market today due to its durable nature and lighter weight. The handles are heat resistant, but care should be taken and use of a hot pad or kitchen towel should be used during cooking. Cookware pieces are great but the addition of utensils completes the set. A slotted spoon, service spoon, spatula and whisk along with a hanging rack give you the basics needed for any meal preparation when paired with the other 13 pieces of the 17 piece cookware set from Kinetic Classicor.

Kinetic CLassicor 12 qt Stock Pot

Stock pots are a necessary tool in the kitchen for a multitude of uses from making soup stock, of course, to preparing stews, tomato sauces and chili; pretty much anything that can be cooked in a big pot. A larger stock pot will be able to better serve larger recipes and a wider variety of entrees for your friends and family. Stock pots are the predecessor to crock pots and provide a handy implement for slow cooking and wonderful winter meals and dinners.

Kinetic Classicor produces a 12 quart stock pot perfect for any meal in a busy household. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and the long life of the stock pot. Stock pots are great for creating turkey stock and turkey noodle soup. An aluminum core allows for even heat distribution and even cooking over the surface area of the stock pot. The core is 3mm in thickness adding to the great heat conductivity. The structure is a 3 ply method which helps retain heat better by sealing the aluminum in stainless steel. A glass lid is included so you can watch your soup stock or chili cook without losing any heat.

The handles are stainless steel as well which helps carrying heavy stocks but heat dispensing in nature; however, you should still use heat insulated pads to handle the pot after or during cooking. The stock pot from Kinetic can be used with every cook top including gas, electric and induction, so you won’t need to worry about compatibility. These stock pots are great for starter cooks and experienced chefs. Experiment with some new recipes and discover the joys of stock pot cooking. Stocks are not only used for soups but can be incorporated into sauces and roasts to keep in moisture and add a new dimension to your entrees and recipes.

Heat will not warp the pot over time due to the tri-ply construction. Should the 12 quart stock pot be too large for your needs or kitchen, Kinetic Classicor also produces an 8 quart stock pot featuring the same 3 ply construction and heat retention. Both the 12 and 8 quart stock pots are highly polished stainless steel and add to the aesthetic beauty of your kitchen. Remember presentation is very important. They are also oven proof; meaning you can place the stock pots directly in the oven to create new and exciting entrees and recipes at home. Not to mention they are ergonomically designed to provide greater comfort during preparation.

The holidays bring us much joy, happiness and food, to say the least. What to do with the left overs? Where can I store them and in what? Most of us probably use plastic containers which would be fine if they were more environmentally friendly, not to mention that not all plastic storage containers can be used in the microwave. What a bout a set of containers that can be taken form the freezer and put into the microwave? A set of glass storage containers from Kinetic are perfect for storing, cooking and freezing.

A 3 piece set of GlassLock containers from Kinetic are made from tempered glass which is resistant to breaking and safe to use in the freezer and in the microwave. The tempering process also protects the glass form having the colors and juices of the food from penetrating the glass and discoloring it unlike plastic containers. Plastic containers, depending upon the materials used in manufacturing, release BPA a synthetic estrogen, into food when heated. The glass containers from Kinetic are completely 100% safe to use at any temperature setting. Keep your family and friends protected against these synthetic by products.

The glass storage containers come in 2, 5 and 11 cup capacities. Use the 2 cup container for small side dishes to be consumed later as a snack or for pot luck night at the house. All of the GlassLock containers have watertight and airtight lids; these lids should not be used in the microwave for as they are made from plastic and the heat will release unwanted toxins and by products into your food. The larger container, the 11 cup capacity, is perfect for meat loafs, fish and other entrees that need a bit more room for storage. You could even use it for a small batch of pudding, cake, or some brownies.

These are also completely dishwasher safe and can be placed on the top rack. This makes clean up a breeze, just toss them into the dishwasher and press start. Of course these are microwave, refrigerator and freezer safe. It is recommended to wrap the item to be frozen if possible to further reduce the possibilities of freezer burn, although it is not required. The storage containers are FDA approved which means you can be sure of the construction and that no unwanted chemicals are used in the production of the containers. Stop using plastic and convert to glass containers to save money and protect your health.

There is nothing quite like waking up with a fresh cup of coffee and its even better if it is waiting for you! The DeLonghi Coffee Maker is programmable so it will start as you wake up and provide you with your morning quick start; no more waiting while it brews. DeLonghi is known for its quality construction and dependable products and the 12 cup coffee maker is no exception. All of their products are designed and manufactured in Italy which assures the consumer of great coffee after all they invented the cappuccino and espresso.cup

One of the best features is the fully programmable digital timer. Set it for 10 to 15 minutes before you awake to have fresh, hot wonderful coffee first thing in the morning. You could also set it to start during a holiday meal to be ready for dessert or after dinner drinks such as brandy or Gran Marnier, a perfect combination. The programming is simple and intuitive and it has an automatic 2 hour shut off feature. This feature works whether you have the timer set or not; a great safety feature especially in busy and hectic meals and homes.

The entire DeLonghi Coffee Maker is accessible from the front; that is all that you need to replace add or interact with is directly in front of you. DeLonghi has made this unit very simple and easy to use. A single access door houses the water, filter and grounds and has a permanent gold-tone filter for your coffee simplifying the coffee making process. Ever wanted a cup before the brewing was finished? I think we all have, so DeLonghi added the interrupt and serve function so you can enjoy your first cup before the pot is finished. After you have served yourself you can start the brewing right where it left off.

The system has an aroma function which will enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the coffee. By brewing in short cycles the DeLonghi Coffee Maker enables the finished coffee to pick up all of the aromas and nuances of the ground beans. These cycles are continuous and provide some of the easiest to prepare full bodied coffee at home. Although this coffee maker does not make cappuccinos or espressos, it does feature a cup warmer for ready to use cups that will not cool down the coffee.

Simple and easy clean up is achieved by manufacturing the hot plate in a non-stick coating. Allow the hot plate to cool for a few minutes after powering down and wipe clean with a damp cloth. The device also has a cord storage bin so the cord will not be damaged while moving or while not in use. This coffee maker is designed for producing 12 cups at a time which is great for a coffee drinking household, plenty for all; it’s also priced less than some competitors’ 8 cup machines.

Breakfasts during the holidays are fun, and hectic meals to prepare, but with the right kitchen tools it can be a snap. What could be better than fresh Belgian Waffles and freshly squeezed juice on a cold Winter morning? In my opinion, nothing could be better. Belgian waffles are light fluffy and decadent meals that bring delight to anyone partaking. Whether it is just the name, Belgian, or the delectable recipes available is up to you to decide. Freshly squeezed juice is delicious, and I think we can all agree upon that.

Oster Belgian Waffle and Grilled Sanwich Maker

Oster has been in business for decades and they deliver some of the best kitchen appliances around. The Oster Belgian Waffle and Grilled Sandwich Maker is simple to use, clean and store as well as being a grilled sandwich maker. The device is small allowing it to fit into even the closest quartered kitchen or the smallest counter top. A signal light atop the waffle maker shows you when the hot plates are ready to be cooked on. The exterior of the appliance is encased in heat resistant plastic to help reduce the heat given off during use and cooking.

The handles are always cool to the touch even of you have used it to prepare Belgian waffles for hours on end. In addition to the signal light a power on light is provided so you know that it is plugged into an outlet and may be hot. If you are new to Belgian waffles try some recipes like Banana Cinnamon waffles to impress your family or guests with your cooking prowess. No need to worry about clean up as the plates are made from non-stick coated aluminum. Just make sure you use silicon utensils and no harsh cleaning pads and the plates will last for years to come. The Oster Belgian Waffle and Grilled Sandwich Maker can make beautiful grilled cheese sandwiches or a hot Panini by simply turning over the waffle plates.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

To accompany any breakfast you will need a beverage of some kind; why not make it freshly squeezed juice using the affordable DeLonghi Electric Citrus Juicer? This juicer is designed for citrus fruits which is perfect this time of year as citrus fruits are in season. The juicer comes with a single button operation for simplicity as well as a 33 oz. capacity; this is enough for 4 glasses. The motor is powerful at 30 watts which means you will have no problem with the natural fibers of the fruits. In addition the clear plastic container allows you to stop juicing before it runs over the side, and is equipped with a pour spout for service.

Breakfast is made simpler with a few appliances from Oster and DeLonghi. Beautiful Belgian waffles and freshly squeezed citrus juice will please any guest or family member. Add a little whipped cream and cocoa powder to liven up the morning, or experiment with new recipes to impress everyone. The Oster Belgian Waffle and Grilled Sandwich Maker stands out as it is 2 appliances in one and is extremely affordable. Compliment it with the DeLonghi Electric Juicer for a killer kitchen combo.

With all of the activities we are all involved in these days we need to make things a bit simpler in the kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner or a mid-day snack can be prepared in multiple ways using the Oster Convection Toaster oven. This counter-top marvel can bake, broil or toast any number of entrees or dishes. It measures 17 inches by 12 inches by 9.5 inches and can hold some serious food portions. Affordably priced and easily maintained the convection toaster oven from Oster is a step up for any home chef on the run.

Oster Convection Toaster Oven

The oven is stainless steel cookware meaning easy clean up and a long durable life of use and enjoyment. After finished using the device simply let it cool for a few minutes and wipe clean. Due to its 17 inch depth the Oster Convection Toaster oven can hold up to a 9 by 13 inch pan of lasagna which is more than enough for a family of four. Using convection your meals will cook more evenly and quickly at lower temperatures. This saves on electrical use and lowers your carbon footprint. Convection literally is a circular movement of heat; the Earth’s weather patterns work on the same principles as well as the Sun.

Convection circulates the heat and air in a constant but even manner dispersing the heat to every part of the food being prepared. This also will save you time in the kitchen allowing you to have more quality time with friends and family. The Oster Convection Toaster oven not only bakes but broils as well. The broiler setting gives you fantastic heat placement providing for even broiled meats, fish or even your comforting grilled cheese, just don’t forget about it. French bread pizza in this oven is to die for; perfect crispy edges and a golden brown top make for the quickest and best tasting pizza you have had in some years. You may wonder why you started ordering out.

Of course the Oster Convection Toaster oven toasts but it can handle up to six pieces of toast at a time making breakfast preparation a snap, and all in one step no less. The oven comes with some great built in features as well. It has a 60 minute timer with an auto shut off system and a fairly loud bell to let you know your meal or snack is ready. The entire interior is non-stick so you will not need to use harsh oven cleaners or solvents to remove the mess. Simply wipe it out, that’s it. In addition the tray slides out with ease as it is an auto advance mechanism similar to some of the kitchen drawers on the market today; a simple easy pull brings the tray right out to you.

The Oster Convection Toaster oven is actually three appliances in one; a convection oven, toaster and broiler in one location in the kitchen. With the ability to cook pizzas, chicken, lasagna and virtually anything thinkable it provides a quick and even cooking method perfect for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

Pasta is an integral part of any Italian meal, although pasta was first invented by the Chinese and was brought back to Italy and Europe via the Silk Road and other trade routes. Pasta is a simple yet versatile food that can be prepared with any combination of ingredients, sauces and shapes of pasta. It is the Italian immigrants we have to thank in the US for bringing us this now staple of the American diet. You can create your own pasta from scratch with a few simple kitchen tools that are extremely affordable.

Prime Pacific 180mm Pasta Machine

First a pasta maker is needed; this is used to shape and form the pasta prior to cooking but after the flour, egg, salt and olive oil have been mixed. There are a wide variety of recipes for pasta, but these are the main ingredients found in most of them. The Prime Pacific 180mm Pasta Machine will create beautifully crafted pasta in the old world tradition, except you are not making it by hand which is a true art. This pasta maker comes constructed of stainless steel for the task of cutting, rolling and preparing pasta. The roller is adjustable to give you the proper kneading and can be adjusted to seven different thicknesses provided a wealth of options to you and your family or friends.

Prime Pacific Pasta Express Pasta Pot

The cutting blade is razor sharp which enables the fast cutting of pasta while the handle can be removed for storage and cleaning. The pasta maker comes with a recipe book as well provide new and exciting pasta experiences for the whole family. Now that we have made our pasta we need to boil it. There a few options for the pasta chef at home; The Pasta Express Pasta Pot from Prime Pacific includes a cheese grater, a recipe book, and 2 pasta pots, a 6 quart and a 2 quart. The pots have easy pour lids that act as colanders. Simply hold the pot and pour, no need to use an extra implement that you will need to clean later. These pots are also very thin stainless steel; a .5mm capsulated bottom enables fast heating and great heat conductivity.

Prime Pacific Pasta Pot & Steamer

If you need a little more from the pasta pot then look at the Prime Pacific Pasta Cooker and Steamer. It is a large 8 quart stock pot with and extra deep past basket for lengthy portions of Angel Hair and Spaghetti. A vented glass lid allows you to see what is happening as well as getting out unneeded steam. A separate basket is included for steaming vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Whether it is your first foray into pasta making or your 100^th the pasta preparation tools will provide ample support for your endeavors. These are very affordable as well; you can get the Prime Pacific 180mm pasta maker and a pasta cooker for a reasonable price making it a great gift for you or your chef.

Do you want the taste of Italy right in your home for the holidays? Or do you just want the perfect moka style espresso? DeLonghi has produced one of the simplest espresso machines ever made. The machine is extremely light weight, has built in safety features and produces rich full flavored espressos time and time again. The large capacity of 6 cups will be able satisfy many guests asking for an espresso without a long wait or serving less than hot coffee.

Delonghi Electric Moka Espresso Maker

The DeLonghi Electric Moka Espresso maker is designed for ease of use and incorporates an aluminum boiler system. The aluminum is light, durable and conducts heat very well. This delivers the proper high temperature steam needed to make the perfect espresso in mere minutes. All a coffee aficionado needs to do is fill the boiler with water and add freshly ground beans to the filter and press start; a few moments later your beautiful Italian espresso is finished and ready to enjoy. The Moka Espresso maker also has a keep warm setting and an auto-shut off feature as a safety precaution. That way even if you forget about the machine it poses no concern.

One of the great features is the cordless operation. This is perfect for making the espresso right at the table with your family or for service. The handle is a cool to the touch material that dissipates heat and is always a moderate temperature. A pressurized safety valve will not allow access during the brewing process eliminating the probability of steam and pressure burns by accidentally knocking the lid off. The DeLonghi Electric Moka Espresso maker has a complimentary accessory package that is sure to please any coffee lover.

DeLonghi Accessory Kit

The DeLonghi accessory kit is a separate item but has some cool additions that you will definitely want. It has a splash guard to lessen the mess that can ensue using a milk frother. The milk frother is battery operated, made from stainless steel, which we all know is durable and reliable, and chrome. An additional 6 cup filter is included in the accessories as well as a 3 cup filter for smaller needs; the set also comes with a rubber seal and a general filter and a measuring cup. The package is extremely affordable and the milk frother, batteries included, alone is worth getting it for yourself or someone you love.

This combination of the DeLonghi Moka Espresso maker and the accessory set will allow a seasoned pro or a novice in the world of Italian coffee make the most delicious espressos at home. Automatic shut off, and cordless operation with the ability to make cappuccinos as well is a fantastic holiday treat for yourself or your favorite espresso lover.

There are a multitude of choices in cookware on the market today, but every kitchen needs the essentials. These are the simple cookware pieces that are versatile, easy to use and simple to store. Think of the common dishes you prepare for yourself or your family. What are the cookware pieces that are used the most often? Most would say a sauté or frying pan, a few sauce pans and a roaster, but which sizes are the most useful? Which will help maximize preparation with a few pans?

Kinetic Classicor 10 inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan

Every kitchen, regardless of size and use, needs a great sauté/frying pan; these terms are used interchangeably but in fact are different pieces of cookware. We will stick with using frying pan as our example. If you have a family of four a 10 inch frying pan is a necessity; smaller pans will not be able to prepare larger entrees and meals and limits their use, although they can be perfect for sauces and small entrees for two. The Kinetic Classicor stainless steel fry pan is perfect for virtually any meal. The steel construction is durable and light enough to handle in the kitchen. It is fabricated from a core of aluminum, for better heat distribution, and layered or clad with stainless steel.

2 Quart Sauce Pan from Kinetic Classicor

The triple layers of stainless steel give the pan better heat retention which enables fantastic browning and crisp fried entrees. The handle is not insulated so a kitchen or chef’s towel will be needed to move the hot fry pan. Next we need to prepare our side dishes; sauce pans are a chef’s best friend. Sizes are determined by volume and a 2 quart and a 3 quart sauce pan should be included in any kitchen. The 2 quart sauce pans from Kinetic Classicor are manufactured using the same 3 ply stainless steel over an aluminum core. The edges are designed to be drip free for pouring sauces and gravies for service.

3 Quart Stainless Steel Sauce Pan

A 2 quart pan is well suited to simple aide dishes like haricot verts, French green beans, some pesto corn, or any side dish that is small in nature. The 3 quart pan is great for boiling and mashing potatoes. The large 3 quart sauce pan allows for larger amounts of side dish items to be prepared for larger families and gatherings, which brings us to the last essential pan for the kitchen, a roaster pan. Roasting is one of the oldest food preparation techniques around and is a simple and delicious way to prepare and cook meals for your family and friends.

Cast Iron Roaster Pan from Kinetic

The cast iron roaster pan from Kinetic is a rectangular shaped pan with a red exterior and is rated at 4.75 quarts. This is large enough serve a roast chicken with vegetables and potatoes, or a large baked pasta dish. The great thing about this roaster is that the lid is designed to be used as a grill pan or service piece. The lid has a lined surface and will help to drain some of the fat and grease away from a larger roast. All of these pans will work on any kitchen stove top including induction systems.

World Cuisinf Cheese Board at Your Smart Kitchen

Entertaining is the essence of the holiday season; enjoying the company of friends and family over food, beverage and conversation. One of the best ways to show your hospitality is with a wine and cheese appetizer. Wine and cheese are one of the best pairings of food and beverage ever conceived by humans not to mention it is simple, easy and affordable. Start by choosing a cheese or a wine; we will start with a wine, Chardonnay.

Chardonnay’s by nature are dry and can have a green apple finish. This does vary greatly between vineyards and vintages but is common nonetheless. Choose a softer cheese like brie to accompany the wine; the softer flavor and texture of the cheese will balance out the dryness of the Chardonnay. A soft cheese will require a good cheese board and knife for service and presentation. The World Cuisine cheese board offers a wide 15.75 inch diameter cutting area large enough for several types of cheese. It is adorned with a crafted cluster of grapes for some aesthetics.

A set of Slicing Knives from Paderno

You may be tempted to run hot water over the knife prior to cutting the cheese. Avoid this with softer cheeses as the flavor will change due to the heat and water affecting the pairing flavor with the Chardonnay, or other wine of choice. The knives should be longer than the width of the cheese to ensure even pressure and an even cut. World Cuisine’s cheese board is perfect for slicing and cutting cheese as part of the preparation or as part of a self service evening. Guests will be impressed at the simple sophistication of your wine and cheese appetizer. Should you be in need of a larger platter for a wider variety of cheese, and wine of course, a large service tray will be in order.

To accommodate multiple wine and cheese pairings like Chardonnay and brie, Merlot and mild parmesan, or a Syrah and a nice sharp Swiss you will need a tray instead or in addition to the cheese board from World Cuisine. A large square glass serving tray or plate is a nice accompaniment to the circular cheese board. Add some apples, blueberries and melons, if possible, to further compliment your wine and cheese. Remember balancing flavors is the key so experiment a little and find the pairing the works best for your palette.

11 by 11 inch Square Glass Service Tray

The 11 by 11 Large Square Serving Dish from World Cuisine is shock resistant due to a double infusion process that strengthens the glass and provides higher durability. This serving dish is truly affordable and several can be purchased to provide for large family gatherings without breaking the bank. The glass serving tray is completely dishwasher safe and can be used for everyday needs as well. The cheese board should never be placed in the dishwasher as high temperatures can damage it. Use warm soapy water to gently wipe the debris form the board. Never soak or immerse in water as this too can damage the cheese board.

A cheese board, knife and service tray are all necessities for holiday gatherings and entertaining. The pieces are affordable and easy to maintain, while bringing a hint of sophistication and elegance to a simple appetizer of wine, cheese and maybe a little fruit.