Welcome to Village Kitchenware's Blog

Life is hectic, everyone needs to save time and even more importantly, money. Here you'll find information about quality kitchen items that won't break the bank, but, will provide you with many years of service - and save you time, too.



Friday, April 29, 2011

Going "Waterless" for Health

Since this method of cooking has been around for a long time, it is surprising that there are many people who have never heard of it.  When you tell most people about "waterless" cooking they either think that you are a little off base or they think that you literally cook with no water.  Once you understand the concept and the benefits, you can truly understand why this is the healthiest way that anyone can cook.  You do use water when cooking, but, because this cookware forms such a tight seal between the lid and the pan, just the tiniest bit of water is used.  Foods retain their nutrients and the difference in flavor can be simply amazing.

Waterless cookware used to be a very expensive, but, these days you can purchase a set for the same money, and, in many cases less, than the average cookware.  At Village Kitchenware we have a selection of waterless cookware that will both fit your budget and your lifestyle.  A quality set, the Health Smart 10-Piece Waterless Cookware set comes with all the basic pieces.  This set is versatile enough that you can cook for two or for a crowd.  The twelve element design provides superior quick even heating and the lids have built-in thermometers to help control the cooking process and make waterless cooking simple.

If you're looking for a bargain price and a cookware set that includes everything but the kitchen sink, the Waterless Cookware 28-Piece 12 Element Set is for you.  This set is loaded with quality features and includes enough pans to cook for an army along with accessories that do even more.  It comes with a fry basket with a detachable handle, stainless steel bowls with covers, and even a measuring spoon set.  The stainless steel bowls can be used to make double boilers for melting chocolate and cooking other delicate foods.  Better yet, this set also includes thermometer lids so that you know you're cooking at the optimum temperature.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Keeping Food Fresh

With the price of gas going up and up, everything else is costing more these days.  We can't afford to be wasteful when we need to make every dollar count.  A lot of us are back to eating more meals at home, so it's a good idea to have good storage containers to keep fresh foods fresher longer and to store leftovers.  At Village Kitchenware, we have added some new items that will help you keep food organized and ready for consumption.

Extend the storage life of fruits and vegetables with Always Fresh Containers.  These green containers are made from environmentally friendly materials and have anti-microbial nanotechnology that removes ethylene gas to extend the life of fruits and vegetables. You can use them to store any number of things, they are microwave safe, and the set comes with five containers with lids ranging from 16 oz. all the way to 96 oz. in capacity. 

Another fine container set is the La Cuisine 20-Piece Locking Container Set.  All of these containers feature tight interlocking silicone seals to help keep foods fresh.  This extensive set even includes a divided lunch container for taking homemade meals to work or school as well as a container with a vented lid.  Sizes range from 12 oz. to 64 oz. and they are also microwave safe.

Save drawer and countertop space and keep kitchen wraps safely at hand with The Ultimate Kitchen 3 in 1 Dispenser.  You don't have to fight any more with boxes of foil or plastic wrap.  Store them on this handy dispenser that has built in serrated strips for tearing, it's easy to get just the right amount.  It has room for two wraps and a spot for hanging most standard rolls of paper towels. 

Monday, April 25, 2011

High Performance Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless steel cookware is popular for a number of reasons, but, foremost is it's durability.  This cookware can last a lifetime when treated with a little care.  It also keeps the flavor of food pure, there is no transfer of flavors.  One drawback for some people is the lack of non-stick coating that most stainless steel cookware sets lack.  Fortunately, cookware companies have listened and at Village Kitchenware we have sets that will provide you with the best of both worlds.

A set that I highly recommend for quality and versatility is the Farberware Classic 15-Piece Cookware Set.  This extensive set includes four saucepans, a dutch oven and two skillets and has a beautiful mirror finish.  The fully encapsulated bottoms provide quick even heat distribution and the phenolic handles are oven safe to 350F.  Skillets are usually the hardest items to clean, not these skillets, they have a durable non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning.  The close-fitting lids help keep moisture, nutrients and flavor in your food and the rolled edges of the pans make pouring easier and less messy.  Also included are three quality nylon tools.  This set is truly the family chef's dream come true.

Another fine hybrid set is the Range Kleen 10-Piece Preferred Stainless Cookware.  The skillets in this set have QuanTanium non-stick coating.  The QuanTanium coating actually has bits of titanium in it, making it extremely durable.  This cookware has fully encapsulated bottoms and is oven safe to 450F for complete versatility.  The glass lids form a tight seal and make it easy to monitor cooking without letting heat and moisture escape.  We invite you to visit the Village for our extensive selection of everything you need to cook and serve delicious meals.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Benefits of Beautiful Bamboo

There are many reasons why products made from bamboo are good for the planet, and, good for you.  Bamboo is more like a plant than an actual tree.  It is a very renewable resource, once it is cut, it grows right back again, as anyone who has ever tried to get rid of it knows.  It makes a wonderful material for cutting boards.  The fibers are much denser and it is lighter in weight than most woods.  It is also more sanitary, it naturally resists the absorption of water.  At Village Kitchenware, we are glad to provide a selection of beautiful bamboo cutting boards.

Both our Ovale and Rotondo natural cutting boards are made from two contrasting tones of bamboo.  The Ovale cutting board is large enough to carve roasts and has a well, the carved indentation, to catch juice run off.  The Rotondo board is a generous twelve inches in diameter and is perfect for slicing and chopping many foods.  It's so attractive, you can use both sides, use one for cutting, the other side for serving.

We are also adding cutting boards from HealthSmart to our inventory.  Both the HealthSmart 2-Tone Bamboo Cutting Board and the HealthSmart Bamboo Cutting Board are generously sized with very attractive graining.  These boards have a natural finish that has been treated with mineral oil and they are very easy to keep clean.  Any of these cutting boards will make a beautiful and practical addition your kitchen.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Great Gift Ideas

Spring is finally in the air and it's the time of year when you may need to start planning gifts for bridal showers, weddings and Mother's Day.  At Village Kitchenware, we have some very affordable and practical items that anyone would appreciate receiving.  New to our inventory is a Cutting Board Knife Set that is so very convenient.  It is a sturdy, good sized cutting board suitable for a wide variety of kitchen tasks.  It has a handy drawer that slides out to reveal five of the most used knives along with a pair of kitchen shears.  A truly great idea for saving space!

A perfect gift for wine and cheese lovers that is great for entertaining is the Pear Natural Wood Cheese Board.  Made from eco-friendly rubberwood, the pear-shaped cheese board opens up to reveal beautiful brushed stainless steel cheese tools.  Included are a hard cheese knife, cheese fork and a fork-tipped cheese knife.  The set also comes with a charming wine bottle stopper shaped like a stem and leaves, when not in use, it has a place of honor at the top of the cheese board.

Make a gift of something sweet and nostalgic with our Blue and White Cake Stand.  It has a lovely old fashioned blue transferware pattern depicting a dreamy European castle scene.  The scrolled edges and decorated base make this a very elegant way to serve desert.  It also makes a very charming decorative piece for a dining room or kitchen counter.  You'll find these items and many more ideas for gift-giving at our website.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Something to Crow About

At Village Kitchenware, we've gone crazy about roosters - from fun-loving tableware to very practical and pretty kitchen accessories.  Roosters add warmth and a touch of quaint charm and can look at home in so many different decors.  One of my favorite items is the Rooster Pot Rack, hang it up over an island or near your stove to keep your cookware at hand and free up cabinet space.  It has a lovely rusty red finish and has a jaunty rooster sculpture on top, sophisticated, yet whimsical at the same time.

Warm up a wall in your kitchen or dining room with a set of decorative Metal Rooster Plates.  The rooster plates come in three graduating sizes, the realistic looking rooster design is colorful and will lend a homey atmosphere.  The set includes a convenient metal rack for hanging and the largest plate measures a generous 14.5" in diameter.

Our set of three Rooster Serving Trays are very attractive and functional.  Use them to carry drinks, food or snacks to your table.  Country French charm, when not in use, they are a great way to decorate a countertop or sideboard.  We invite you to come visit Village Kitchenware for these great serving ideas and for all your kitchen needs.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

An Apple a Day

Add a little country to your kitchen with the look of fresh, colorful apples.  At Village Kitchenware, we have some fun kitchenware that is not only decorative, but, very functional as well.  For instance, our Apple Blossom Platter looks almost good enough to eat.  With delicious looking red apples and white blossoms, it is a colorful accent on your counter or in your china cabinet when not in use.  It is large enough to bring a variety of foods to your table for serving.

The Apple Orchard Nesting Bowls are very cheerful and can be used for so many things.  They are a lovely cream color with scalloped edges and come in three different sizes, the largest measures eleven inches in diameter.  Use them for mixing cakes, as serving bowls, or use one of them for fresh apples and fruits as a centerpiece.  You can't go wrong with this versatile set.

A companion piece to the nesting bowls, the Apple Orchard Teapot makes a charming decoration when not in use.  Decorated with the same cheery apples on a lovely cream colored background, the teapot is very old fashioned in design and is richly textured.  Perfect for serving tea or coffee, it will compliment many different styles and decors.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Affordable Stainless Flatware

Silverplated flatware is beautiful and impressive, but, it's also expensive and a pain to keep in top notch condition.  Stainless steel flatware, on the other hand, is very easy to care for, attractive and far less expensive.  You can put this flatware in the dishwasher, it never needs polishing and it is easy on the wallet.  Stainless comes in a wide variety of styles, from traditional to very modern.  At Village Kitchenware, we've been able to find some high quality stainless steel flatware at bargain prices.

If you are looking for something with a modern and simple elegance, then Towle Revolution flatware is for you.  Towle is a leading manufacturer of quality stainless steel flatware, and, this set is no exception.  Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this forty piece service for eight is very well balanced.  It has a beautiful mirror finish and includes eight each of the following; salad forks, dinner forks, knives, dinner spoons and teaspoons.

We have some sets that are an exceptional value for all that they include from another fine manufacturer, Sterlingcraft.  Their heavy gauge stainless is very well weighted and balanced.  Beautifully designed with gold toned accents, the Sterlingcraft 51 Piece Stainless Flatware set is a service for twelve.  It includes a dozen knives, dinner forks, dinner spoons and teaspoons as well as a serving fork, serving spoon and soup/gravy ladle.  All this comes in a beautiful storage case.

The Sterlingcraft Elegance 72 Piece Stainless Flatware set is as complete as you will ever find.  Very traditional and elegant, it has 24K gold plating and is perfect for even the most special of occasions.  It also comes with a convenient storage case and is a complete service for twelve.  Included are a dozen knives, salad forks, dinner forks, dinners spoons and teaspoons.  It has the added benefit of including a vast set of hostess pieces.  Included are; two meat forks, two serving spoons, salad servers, soup ladle, gravy ladle, cake server, cream spoon, sugar spoon and sugar tongs.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Storage for Small Kitchens

Finding a spot for everything in a small kitchen can be a challenge.  One solution that is both stylish and functional is a wall mount pot rack.  This will help you get organized and free up cabinet space for other kitchen items.  We are proud to offer some fine Enclume pot racks that are economical and attractive.  Their RACK IT UP! Accessory Shelf Pot Rack is petite but capable of holding a lot of smaller cookware.  It can be installed directly into drywall, you don't need to find a stud.  Made from strong steel, it includes eight hanging hooks and the grid gives you storage on top.

Slightly larger, one of Enclume's most popular is the RACK IT UP! Bookshelf Pot Rack.  Perfect for condo and apartment dwellers, it also can be installed directly into drywall.  Built to last with strong steel construction, it has eight hooks for hanging a variety of cookware.  It also includes a grid which increases the storage capacity.  A very fashionable and functionally designed pot rack.

The most affordable, the RACK IT UP! Half Moon Pot Rack has a very traditional style.  It's constructed from stainless steel with an attractive silver/grey powder coat finish.  It has enough room to keep your favorite cookware within easy rich and comes with eight hanging hooks.  Like all of the RACK IT UP! series, it also includes a special anchor that allows you to hang it anywhere in your kitchen without the necessity of a stud.  We invite you to come visit Village Kitchenware for these and other fine storage solutions.