Guacamole is a healthy and yummy snack
I like Mexican food, but on the mild side. I started making guacamole regularly when I realized that avocadoes are really good for you. I make a quick, easy and mild version. First I mash up one whole avocado. Then I add a heaping tablespoon of my favorite salsa, some lime juice – maybe a teaspoon, a few shakes of garlic powder, onion powder and sea salt. Mix them all together, and that’s it! I enjoy this guacamole with blue corn tortilla chips, but I’ve also used other healthier crackers that are higher in fiber and lower in fat. It makes…
Things you should know before buying a dishwasher
When designing a client’s kitchen, we make sure that every inch of space is measured properly for the homeowner’s appliances. When measuring for a dishwasher, there are several design aspects that must be taken into consideration. The first is the size of the opening. Sometimes the measurements are taken before the flooring is installed. Then the dishwasher doesn’t fit! So if the dishwasher size is 24″ x 34″ and an opening this size is created, then a floor is added – oops, the dishwasher isn’t going to fit now! Some people forget that. To measure the opening properly, measure from…
Non-stick cookware – health danger?
For years, I’ve been concerned about reports that Teflon and other non-stick cookware contained carcinogens. So I started doing some research on the Internet. I found this recent article on a website called ChasingGreen.org. According to the author, Nonstick coatings, such as Teflon, on cookware products release likely carcinogenic fumes when they are overheated. These likely carcinogens kill pet birds, cause health problems for plant workers, are linked to female infertility, and are persistent in the environment and in the blood of the general US population. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has called on companies to reduce facility emissions and…
Kitchen Remodel with Modern Style
We have a client in Natick, Massachusetts who wanted a contemporary metro look to replace their old, outdated kitchen. To create more space, Custom Fit Remodeling took down the wall between the kitchen and dining room, and created a cathedral ceiling. Click here to view the photo gallery for this new kitchen.
Why Spark Business Consulting is my Favorite Bookkeeping Company
I often wonder why businesses struggle with everything they need to do, all the hats they have to wear. Whether they’re good at it or not, they seem to feel that they need to do everything themselves. Many times, I’m sure that it’s a matter of whether they’re going to spend the money on hiring someone, or just do it themselves and use those funds for something else. When it comes to bookkeeping services, I’m especially convinced that business owners do themselves a real disservice by trying to save a few bucks and keep their own books. The advantages of…
Kitchen Remodeling: Planning for the Spring
Spring time is a great time to start your kitchen remodel. With the weather getting better and dusting off the winter blues, your mind is fresh with new ideas and excitement. After the holidays, most people get in the mood to brighten up and change their home décor. Before you start, here are a few things to consider: First and foremost, setting a budget for your project will not only help you but also every sub-contractor that you talk to. You will need to decide whether you will contract your work out yourself, or hire a contractor to it all for you. …
Homemade Soup to Warm up the Winter
I love having hot soup in the winter time! It takes off that chill that’s sometimes hard to get rid of. Even though it has been a fairly mild winter around here, it’s certainly not summer! When I was younger, I learned how to make soups with leftovers from the week. I would start with a base of onions, carrots and celery, sauteed until soft, and then add a little flour for thickening. Once that’s smooth and bubbly, I would add broth – beef, chicken or vegetable, depending on what meat was leftover. I’d add some of my favorite herbs –…
New Year’s Resolutions?
What a joke! We make our resolutions each year, I guess because that’s what we’ve always been told to do. At the end of the year, how many of us have achieved what we wanted to? How many of us have completely forgotten what those resolutions were? It’s a big joke with a friend of mine who’s a personal trainer. The gym is packed in January. Then as February approaches, there is less activity, and by March or April, things are back to normal! What happened? We run Wood Palace Kitchens based on goals. We have financial goals for the year, as well as…
Time to Clean the Oven?
The turkeys, roast beefs and hams have all been cooked, and your family is devouring the leftovers. Those ovens have also seen many pounds of potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole, not to mention the cookies and cakes that were baked before the big meal. Is it any surprise to say that the oven could use a good cleaning? I thought that having a self-cleaning oven meant “no brainer”, but my friends at Kahian’s Appliance One in Hanover came up with some great tips to keep the process hassle-free. First read your user manual. Despite the best advice, your manufacturer may…
Pumpkin Apple Spice Cake
Here’s a healthier version of Pumpkin Apple Spice Cake from Nicole Cormier – perfect for the holidays! “This recipe is a great treat to bring to events. It can turn into a beautiful masterpiece and be decorated for the holiday season. I began sharing this find at workshops, then at social gatherings. It’s been a hit ever since. Ingredients: Box of spice cake mix 1 can of pumpkin 2 apples In a large bowl, mix spice cake mix with a can of pumpkin. Add ½ cup water and apple slices, then mix until smooth. Follow directions on box to bake….