Friday, June 3, 2016

Over- The - Range Microwave Ovens


By Pocatello Electric



 



It goes without saying that microwaves are a common household appliance, but have significantly evolved to include more advanced features. They have become increasingly more powerful and compact than ever! An over – the –range microwave has a dual technology that proves to be very efficient & convenient. Let’s take a look at why it can be an interesting option in your kitchen;

Microwave: The majority of modern microwaves feature sensor cooking. This means that the microwave uses a technology that senses moistures to determine whether food is cooking properly. Then it assesses if any adjustments in temperature need to be made in order to finish. Basically, a microwave is no longer used for its traditional duty – to reheat a meal.






Vent:  An over- the - range microwave oven has an alternate function, as a vent that is! Yes, you read correctly. This microwave-type now has a great ventilation system that can replace a range hood. Some of the top quality vents can handle quite the strong airflow, with multiple speeds for different cooking purposes. In fact, some also automatically start when they detect too much heat. Then, once you’re done cooking, the microwave will go back to its sleek and attractive look, by hiding its vents.




Design: The cooking area is known as the center stage of your kitchen, as the appliances in this area seem to take the spotlight. That being said, there are a number of designs and colors to choose from, so that you can embellish your kitchen’s décor. Obviously, if you prefer the look of a range hood, then this design will not be appealing. In that case, you can opt for a countertop microwave. 




In a nut shell, an over- the – range microwave will save counter space and can execute the tasks of two appliances. It offers great features and will compliment your kitchen nicely, if your heart is not set on traditional looking ventilation.





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Friday, May 6, 2016

A New Approach To Recipes

By Pocatello Electric







Perhaps one of the latest culinary trends is best summarized in the slogan: “Food that’ll make you close your eyes, lean back, and whisper “yessss”. Snack-sized videos and recipes you’ll want to try.” Tasty enhances your cooking experience by visually demonstrating the step needs needed in a large array of recipes! In fact, here is an example of a little piece of heaven – Swedish Meatball Pasta.

What you need:
1lb of ground beef
½ cup seasoned pepper (for meatballs)
½ tablespoon pepper (for meatballs)
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups of beef broth
2 cups of milk
½ tablespoon salt (sauce)
½ tablespoon pepper (sauce)
1 tablespoon Worcestshire sauce
4 cups egg noodles
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped parsley

Preparation:
In a large bowl mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. In a stockpot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Grab about a golf-ball size of the meat mixture and roll it into meatballs. Place them into the pot, and cook them for one minute. Make sure to flip them.

Add the beef broth, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestshire sauce. Give it a stir. Bring the liquid to a boil, and then throw in the egg noodles. Stir constantly until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is reduced to sauce. This takes about 7-8 mins. Finally, add parmesan and parsley, stir, and you’re ready to serve!










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Friday, March 4, 2016

March; A Time To Be Green

By Pocatello Electric






The month of March is green for a number of reasons. First, St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish holiday that is often associated to the color green. Next is the first day of spring, which symbolizes blooming and greenery. Finally, this month also features Sun-Earth Day, a day that educates people about the sun is a powerful source of energy for the earth. This month is quite eventful to say the least!



                                *Taken from nasa.gov



So how exactly can you promote being green this month to make mother earth smile? Opt to improve your energy efficiency when you wash a load of green clothing! It seems that Energy Star’s most efficient washers are front loaders! Their design features a short central agitator, which reduces the level of water consumption. In fact, it seems that the average Energy Star- certified washer will cost $85 a year to run.





                                      

By using Energy Star washers, US consumers will save the following yearly:

  • 540 million kWh of electricity
  • 20 billion gallons of water
  • 1.8 trillion BTUs of natural gas
  • A grand total of $250 million in energy bill savings annually



                                    *Taken from www.nrdc.org/



Despite the fact that one has a green washer, it might be a good idea to verify its effectiveness as well - no one wants to find their shirt shredded. Also, most of the highest performing washers come with a price tag. Although some of them can be quite pricey, your savings will result in the long-run. The idea is to do your research by looking at the latest tested models via consumer reports. That way, you can find the middle ground between, energy efficiency, effectiveness and price point.
  
Unfortunately, dryers do not get an Energy Star rating for the time being. We have yet to figure out how to create hot air inexpensively. Therefore, the focus has been shifted to doing wonders with washers.
                                  
So be green this March!






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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Dinner for Two on Valentine's Day

By Pocatello Electric







Are you racking your brain for ideas to impress your significant other? Stop fretting over which gift to buy. Besides, flowers and chocolate are a little cliché. Instead, cooking a romantic dinner for two is not only a nice gesture that will impress your partner, but it`s an opportunity to spend quality time together. A nice home-cooked meal and a beautiful table setting go a long way! Let`s take a look at how to successfully whip up an enjoyable meal.


You got this: First and foremost, the way into someone`s heart is through their stomach. That being said, you`re definitely on the right track. So pick your allergy-free menu that says ``I take notice to your favorite foods``. To keep the element of surprise, you might want to get a recipe that has a fancy spin to it. 




Create a romantic atmosphere:  There is no need for expensive décor. You can set the mood with simple dim lighting and scented candles. A romantic playlist will also give you that warm and fuzzy feeling you`re looking for.




Be prepared: Get all of your ducks in a row. In other words, being organized helps you prepare calmly and will increase your chances of doing things right. Although effort speaks volume, you don`t want to eat something that`s charred – not very appetizing. In fact, having a helpful sidekick, the ``warming drawer`` will help you keep your food warm while you serve your first course. Those ranges are pretty awesome.




Don`t mess up the dessert: Don`t let anyone tell you that you can take it easy with dessert. That`s a lie from the pit of hell! You have already failed miserably if you plan to serve a box of chocolate.  Bottom line- make it count. It`s a night to indulge.





If you managed to follow all of these steps, you`ll be flying. Indulge responsibly. Happy Valentine`s Day!




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Monday, January 11, 2016

The Family Hub


By Pocatello Electric




The smart refrigerators with internet-connected apps have been introduced to CES for the past 5 years.  However, at this year’s convention, Samsung introduced a new and improved smart-fridge; they gave it a facelift.

Samsung’s new Family Hub features an extraordinary 21.5 inch high-definition touchscreen that firs most of the right-hand door. This gadget can show the weather, play music, display calendars that belong to different family members, show photos and play recipe videos. Think that’s impressive? Those features are just the tip of the iceberg.





The Family Hub will also be able to help you order groceries online. Samsung is in the process of launching a demo with FreshDirect and Shop-Rite apps to get this feature up and running. They are currently working on getting other vendors to join. Yet another impressive feature is on the inside. Three cameras were included to take pictures of the content every time the doors are shut. In addition, expiration dates can be assigned to each of the item, if being scrupulous about your food is not your strong suit. Besides, there aren’t any more excuses to forget something on your grocery list. You can now take a peek at what’s left in the fridge while at the grocery store.




It’s pretty clear that Samsung is trying to make everyday tasks more efficient and feasible through technology. If this is the refrigerator for you, expect it to hit the market by spring 2016!



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Friday, December 4, 2015

Musical Shelves with your Frigidaire


By Pocatello Electric






The holiday season is here at last, which means hosting in your home will most likely follow. Right now would be a good time to clean out your refrigerator and ensure that you have the right storage flexibility. Frigidaire is among one of the most sought after when it comes to flexible storage. Take the Frigidaire Gallery  FGHI2164QF, which is rated better than most top freezer refrigerators. Perhaps consumers will have a tendency to consider this layout quite boring, but it’s this model’s door that leaves a lasting impression. The door features independent containers of multiple sizes that can be adjusted to one’s discretion. This refrigerator will surely be a helpful sidekick to those who plan to entertain during the holidays and need to arrange all of the food they plan to serve! 






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Friday, November 6, 2015

Does Your Range Make The Thanksgiving Checklist?




 Cooking



Hosting Thanksgiving can get a wee bit overwhelming. The goal is to breeze through the day, while impressing your guests with the spotlight of the dinner table – the turkey. Ladies & gentlemen, we are in the middle of a countdown to the largest cooking day of the year. The question is, are you ready and does yourrange make the checklist? If your goal is to emulate the blessings of an abundant harvest, then you should consider the ideal range to help you multitask. Here are some of our recommendations:


Perhaps the most convenient range to accommodate multitaskers is an electric double oven range. If you are looking for this convenience on a budget, why not consider the Whirlpool 6.7 total cu ft. double oven electric range with true convection cooking? This range will permit you to bake more quickly than its traditional counterpart and seal in flavor with convection cooking. You`ll love this Whirlpool range for its AccuBake Temperature Management System, True Convection Cooking (lower oven only) and also for its 10`` Rapid Boil element, to accommodate your favorite 10`` pots and pans. Not to mention, the double oven can be used simultaneously to cook at different temperatures. The lower oven is slightly larger and is the perfect alternative for hosting. There you have it…just imagine your turkey sealing in flavor and juices with the lower oven. If this nifty beauty is within your budget, you may want to check out its other features and specifications. 



Are you a foodie and experienced cook with a deeper pocket? Then why not consider The Jenn-Air Pro-Style Dual-Fuel Range with Griddle and Multimode Convection for this Thanksgiving? This large commercial style range delivers the precision of gas with the consistent heat of electric. The stacked burners give you the power for high-heat cooking and the double oven has six different convection cooking modes that maintain superbly consistent results! Last, this looker has a durable chrome surface that is easily cleaned to maintain it beautiful appearance. You definitely won`t regret this purchase. The turkey will melt in your mouth, making you wonder: ``What kind of sorcery is this?``.



The choice is yours. These are two great options to make your life easier this Thanksgiving, so you too can sit back and enjoy the bountiful harvest.



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