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6 Quick Tips To Save Energy This Earth Day

April 9th, 2012

CJG

Earth Day is almost here and we’re all looking to do our part. With that in mind, we have put together a short list of 6 simple tips to help you go green this year. The best part is, you can implement these year round, and it will save you some serious cash!

Some of the easiest ways to conserve energy can be found right in your kitchen. A few quick adjustments can drastically reduce the energy consumption of your biggest energy offenders: your appliances. Let’s take a look at just a few of them now.

Refrigerators

Because it cycles on and off all day, every day, the refrigerator consumes more electricity than nearly every appliance in your home. On average, it costs about $90 per year to operate. The good news is you can reduce that cost by about half by making a few quick adjustments:

1. Change the Temperature. More often than not, we set the thermostat higher than is actually necessary. This can increase consumption by as much 25%. By simply maintaining 37 – 40° F for the fresh food compartment and 0 – 5° F in the freezer compartment, you can save as much as $22 per year. If your model does not offer an onboard temperature display, it’s worth investing in 2 appliance thermometers as they only cost a few dollars and can save much more over time.

2. Keep the Coils Clean. It’s critical that you maintain the condensor coils properly or you’ll put undue stress on your refrigerator unit. As it accumulates dust, air flow is restricted, which forces the machine to work harder and longer than normal. You should vacuum away the dust that accumulates on the mechanism about every 6 months to avoid this. Also, check to see that there is at least a 3″ clearance behind the fridge to ensure proper ventilation. This routine practice can trim up to 5% off the unit’s annual operating cost.

3. Switch to an Ice Tray. As convenient as the automatic ice maker is, it’s a huge energy waster, potentially increasing consumption by 14 – 20%. By switching off the ice maker and using trays, you can save about $12 – $18 off your annual electricity bill. Most units require little more than a lift of the sensor arm to switch them off. To reclaim the space remove the entire unit. Most often it’s a very simple task that requires no special knowledge or tools.

Ovens & Ranges

Ovens and ranges also offer a few easy opportunities to save energy. Because of the nature of their function, the key is to properly manage cook times and space. Whether it’s gas, electric or dual fuel, these tips will absolutely help you save:

1. Turn It Off Early. It’s a fact that electric stovetop burners retain heat well after you power them off. You can take advantage of this characteristic by simply turning them off several minutes before the end of the cook time. The residual heat will continue to cook the food without using additional energy to do so. The same technique can be applied to electric ovens. The savings can add up to a couple bucks every month.

2. Match Pan to the Burner. When a small pan is placed on a big burner you can practically see the money disappearing into thin air. By matching the burner to the pan, electricity won’t be squandered heating the kitchen rather than the food. The reverse is true, too. A small burner will take considerably longer to heat a large pan than would an appropriately sized burner. For gas stoves, don’t let the flames lick the sides of the pot. Follow these tips and watch the utility bills shrink by a few dollars a month.

3. Stop Preheating Altogether. You can save about $2 a month by not preheating your oven. Many cooks agree that the practice is wholly unnecessary for all but a few recipes, like baking breads and cakes. This approach may add a few minutes to the overall cooking time, but it eliminates all that wait time on the front end. It may seem somewhat counterintuitive but it works.

Of course, there is always more that can be done to save energy around the house but these 6 easy tips can make a big difference without much trade off. So go ahead and give them a try! You’ll be delighted by the results.

Happy Earth Day!

Holiday Greetings …with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

December 14th, 2011

CJG

Blog entry & recipes courtesy of AJ Madison resident chef Sarah Klinkowitz.

hannah fire121 Holiday Greetings ...with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

There’s something undeniably heart warming about the holidays. Maybe you walk the long way home to enjoy the holiday decorations and lights. Maybe you make snow angels with your loved ones, or even have a good ol’ fashioned snow ball fight. It drives us to do wonderfully silly, fun, and downright goofy things that we normally wouldn’t take the time to do …and it’s wonderfully liberating, isn’t it?

The best part of all is when you have had heaps of fun, and are good and worn out. Chilled to the bone, you head into the warm house in need of a hot drink and bite to eat. You need to get warm, get cozy, and do it quick. What’s better then hot chocolate?

Holiday Greetings ...with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

Nearly every culture around the world has a recipe for hot chocolate. The basic preparations are either cocoa powder or chopped bittersweet chocolate to which a form of heated milk and sugar has been added. After this, the flavoring options are almost endless. Spices such as chili’s, cinnamon, fennel, star anise, and cardamom make fantastic additions. Flavorings such as vanilla and orange add delicious, bright notes, and alcohols such as whiskey and liquors offer sweet and/or sharp notes that add contrast and excitement to the chocolate.

Whether you make a cup to enjoy as a special treat (“me” time can be a great thing!) or if you whip up a batch for family and friends (did someone say “party”?!) nothing goes better with hot chocolate than sugar cookies. A little crispy, a little chewy, these slightly sweet treats are the perfect compliment. They provide something satisfying to eat, but do not distract from the richness of the chocolate.

The following recipe is something a bit different, but far from extreme. My husband and I were experimenting with different hot chocolate recipes, and this fit the bill for both of us. It’s slightly spicy for him, and subtly sweet for me. The best part is that this recipe works for everyone because it is dairy free!

Hot Chocolate

dd hotchocolate2 0502714447 Holiday Greetings ...with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

Ingredients:

8oz chopped high quality semi-sweet baking chocolate

1Qt Coconut Dream (you could use regular milk too, if you prefer!)

2 capfuls of genuine vanilla extract

A good shake or two of the cinnamon canister

In a non-stick sauce pan, add the Coconut Dream first at medium heat. When that has warmed, add chocolate and let sit until it reaches a simmer. Whisk mixture together, adding vanilla extract and cinnamon.

Sugar Cookies

75892 Holiday Greetings ...with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups butter

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt. Add this to butter and sugar mixture gradually until mixture becomes a dough. Separate dough into 2 batches. Form dough into a long roll, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap to help hold shape. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350° F, and cut roll of dough into ½ inch slices, laying on a cookie sheet with room for the cookies to expand. Add sugar and bake cookies about 10 minutes until dough is set but not brown. Move immediately to wire racks to cool. Cookies are done when cookies are firm but not tough, and there is a very light golden color.

Happy Holidays! From my family to yours! -Sarah K

Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

November 23rd, 2011

CJG

Blog entry & recipes courtesy of AJ Madison resident chef Sarah Klinkowitz.

Thanksgiving Prep 14 Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

Thanksgiving is over. The turkey was delicious, crispy skin and juicy meat complimented with tart cranberry sauce. The potatoes whipped to perfection, dressed with thick giblet gravy. The yams were so sweet, so good, their taste still lingers on the palate. Let’s not even get started on what a treat the pumpkin pie was…

Now that the holiday is over, everyone has said their good-byes and headed home, but you have a fridge full of leftovers. Never fails, does it? No one is really interested in eating turkey straight off the bird anymore, and plain mashed potatoes are… well, plain. So the challenge is how to get your family to eat all this food you slaved over yet again!

With that in mind, I’m excited to share two of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving leftovers that my family absolutely love!

2010 10 06 Turnovers3 Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

Turkey Turnovers

Leftover turkey dark meat

Pre-cut frozen puff pastry squares

Leftover potatoes (white or sweet)

2 eggs for egg wash, whisked

Spray Pam (or equivalent) on baking sheet, or take a paper towel that was slightly dipped in oil and grease down pan, then add flour to cover lightly. Lay pastry squares on sheet, without overlapping. In the center of each puff pastry square add a spoonful of potatoes and pieces of the leftover dark meat. Bring two diagonal sides to meet in the middle and pinch to close. If there are open spaces in the corners, gently pinch the dough to seal the edges. Using a pastry brush add egg wash to entire top of pastry. Place pastry on baking sheet, leaving adequate space in between each square. Bake at 350°F for approx 15 mins, or until dough looks puffed and golden brown on top.

turkeyvegsoup nc Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

Turkey Vegetable Soup with Barley

Turkey Stock (use water and add seasoning as a substitute)

2 large carrots or 1 bag regular carrots, cut in half-pennies

4 celery ribs, diced

2 medium onions, cut in half then sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced fine

6 oz dry barley (use more for a thicker soup)

Leftover dark turkey meat, cubed remove all bones, connective tissue & fat)

3 bay leaves

½ tablespoon lemon juice

3 good shakes of dried parsley

Salt & pepper to taste

Splash of olive oil for cooking vegetables

In bottom of large, preheated stock-pot, add olive oil, garlic, and onions. Cook on high heat until garlic starts to brown and onions look translucent. Add carrots and celery, cooking for several minutes. Add barley and parsley at this time, cooking until barley turn a bit of brown.

Add stock, bay leaves, lemon juice, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and, when barley is partially cooked (kernels will look a bit soft and white), add turkey meat. Stir gently and cover for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Remove bay leaves (they will float to the top) and stir in salt and pepper, cook for additional 5 minutes. Soup is ready when barley is al-dente.

As I said, my family really love these delicious dishes. So much so that you’d never know they were eating leftovers. My kids (all three, a true miracle!) can’t get enough of the Turkey Turnovers and my husband really loves the soup, especially the fact that it offers a “light change after all the heavy turkey meals.” We hope you enjoy as much as we do! -Sarah K

The Perfect Turkey

November 17th, 2011

CJG

Blog entry & recipes courtesy of AJ Madison resident chef Sarah Klinkowitz.

It’s that time of year again! The leaves have almost all fallen and are crunching underfoot in vibrant shades of red and gold. The days are shorter, the air crisp, cold with bright blue skies and frost on the grass in the early morning.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so turkey is inevitably on the brain these days. With that in mind, I have the perfect recipe to help us reflect on friends, family and life in general, as well as show some gratitude for the goodness and kindness therein. It’s such a fun time for coming together to reconnect with the ones we love and share some home cooked delicacies that are typcially only enjoyed on this one special day each year.

Whole Roasted Turkey

15-20 lb turkey

*Combine the following ingredients to make basting liquid

1 ½ cups of dry white wine

Generous splash of canola oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

5 heaping tsp margarine

4 generous shakes of parsley

2 shakes of salt

*Creating the vegetable base

1 bag celery

1bag carrots

→ Alternate the carrots and celery on bottom of roasting pan as base for turkey

1 large onion, cut in half, slice thick, then separate slices

6 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole

→ Top with onions and scatter garlic, place turkey on vegetable base

*Use the following ingredients to stuff cleaned turkey cavity

1 large onion

1 pack of crimini mushrooms

4 whole garlic cloves

Place turkey in roasting pan, breast side down. Apply basting liquid generously, but be sure to save some to baste turkey midway through. Cover in foil, cook for 2 hours, uncover and re-baste. Cover again, cook for 1 more hour. Uncover turkey, and remove most of the liquid from bottom of pan, reserve if desired. Continue to cook turkey for 1 ½ hours, then turn oven off and let turkey rest inside oven for a minimum of 1 hour. Carve and reserve bones for stock, if desired. Should you have an Electrolux oven, use the “Perfect Turkey” button for absolute best results. Otherwise, set oven temperature to 325° F or use best judgement based on your oven’s settings.

Red Bliss Mashed Potatos with Crimini Mushrooms & Onions

10-12 red bliss potatoes

1 pack crimini mushrooms, sliced

1 meduim onion, rough-minced

3 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp of margarine

Salt, pepper & parsley to taste

Peel potatoes, chop into quarters, and boil. Potatoes are done when you poke one and it’s soft enough that a fork goes in a little. Drain, and add an overflowing tablespoon of margarine, then mash to desired consistency. Set aside.

In a preheated saute pan, add margarine and melt, careful not to burn it. Add onions and garlic, saute this on high for 2-3 mins, until onions start to become transparent. Add sliced mushrooms and parsley. Reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes until onions are soft, slightly browned, and mushrooms are slightly crispy. Remove from heat and gently mix mushroom mixture into the mashed potatoes. Serve as is, or for extra crispness bake uncovered in oven at 350° F for 10-15 mins or until top is slightly browned.

Sauteed Colored Peppers & Yellow Squash

1 large red pepper, sliced

2 large orange pepper, sliced

1 large yellow pepper, sliced

3 yellow squash, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced very fine

1 medium onion, sliced

Margarine or olive oil to saute

Generous splash of dry white wine

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat a large, deep pan with either margarine or olive oil. Making sure oil is very hot (test with little piece of onion, if it starts to bubble and sizzle oil is ready.) Add onion and garlic, stirring often, cooking until onion starts to become clear. Add squash and wine, cooking for a few moments until squash just starts to soften, then add all peppers. Add salt and pepper to taste. Vegetables are done when they are tender, but not soft.

Like many holiday recipes, these are very special to me and my family. The turkey recipe will guarantee you very juicy breast meat and a crisp golden exterior. The mashed potatos with crimini mushrooms are “ridiculously good” according to my mother-in-law, a tough critic. While the sauteed colored peppers and yellow squash have been deemed “yummy-yum” by my adorable-but-picky 3 year old daughter. From my family to yours, we hope you enjoy and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! -Sarah K

3 Hearty Recipes That Won’t Break The Bank

October 24th, 2011

CJG

It’s getting chilly out there! With colder weather, meals that stick to your ribs become great everyday fare. Meals that are baked, roasted or slow-cooked, with hearty cuts of meats, poultry and loads of root vegetables and grains are on the top of the list. These foods tend to be less expensive; cheaper cuts of meat such as ground beef, stew meat, whole poultry, and poultry parts as well as all types of potatoes and vegetables play leading roles. Foods cooked by these methods are packed with tons of nutrients and a natural goodness that is brought out in the cooking process. In addition, it’s more fuel/energy efficient which not only benefits the environment but also your bank account.

What I like most about baking and slow cooking is that recipes can easily be tailored to a person’s preference. You can add spices and herbs as you see fit… and best of all, you aren’t chained to the oven! Here are a few of my favorite recipes. The amounts are approximate, and the ingredients are easily substituted to fit most tastes. Use more or less of ingredients and spices/herbs for your personal needs.

Meatloaf

meatloaf sq 3 Hearty Recipes That Wont Break The Bank

Ingredients:

2lbs ground beef

6-7 extra large eggs

1 cup of bread crumbs plus a bit extra (I prefer flavored)

¾ jar of marinara sauce (I prefer Buitoni) plus 1 jar

Salt (about 2 shakes of a canister)

Garlic powder (about 3 good shakes of canister)

Black pepper (about 1-2 good shakes of canister)

Onion powder (about 3 good shakes of canister-may add 1 med onion if preferred)

Recipe:

Mix all the ingredients together, except the extra jar of marinara sauce. The mixture should stay together easily, if not add more bread crumbs. Separate mixture into two 9’’ x 13’’ pans equally and form into loaves, making sure there are no cracks. Take extra jar of marinara sauce, and spoon over both meatloaves until covered (about half-jar per meatloaf) Bake at 375° F for about 1 ½ hours, or until knife stuck in center comes out clean and very hot.

Roasted Whole Chicken w/ Potatoes & Carrots

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, approx 3lbs, cleaned of innards

3-4 Idaho potatoes, cut into small chunks

2-3 carrots, cut into strips

1 med. onion, cut into halves then sliced, don’t separate slivers

Salt (a few pinches)

Parsley (good few shakes of canister)

Garlic powder (a shake or three)

Black pepper, as desired

Recipe:

Lay the potatoes down in a 9’’ x 13’’ pan, covering the bottom completely. Lay chicken on top of layer in middle of pan, and place carrot strips and onions inside chicken cavity. Season with salt, parsley, garlic powder and pepper (if desired). Bake at 375° F uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until you are able to poke the chicken thigh with a sharp knife and the juices run clear.

Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken about 3lbs or 1pk chicken bottom (leg & thigh) with skin removed

1 large onion, diced

3-4 Idaho potatoes, cubed

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 carrots cut into half-circles

1 small parsnip, cut into small pieces

Splash of oil to sauté vegetables

Water to cover chicken and vegetables

Salt and pepper to taste

Parsley (few firm shakes)

Recipe:

In a 8-10 Qt pot, add small amount of oil. Once hot, add vegetables and sauté for a minute or two. Add chicken, water and seasonings, bring to a simmer. Let cook for at least 2 hours, checking once or twice midway to stir. Soup is done when chicken is completely cooked (poke thigh with knife, no red should be seen at all), vegetables are tender and broth is a nice golden color.

These three recpies represent some of our family favorites for this time of year. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we do! -Sarah K.

Blog entry & recipes courtesy of AJ Madison resident chef Sarah Klinkowitz.

Buy Green, Save Green! High Efficiency Appliance Rebates

September 15th, 2011

CJG

As of just recently, there are numerous rebates available for purchasing highly energy efficient appliances. Subisidized by state governments, these rebates are fantastic incentives to start thinking green when it comes to your home appliances. Not only will you save energy and our enviromment but you can save some cash as well!

In New York, our program is sponsored by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research & Development Authority). The NYS program is pretty simple: purchase a new CEE Tier 2 or 3 refrigerator or clothes washer and receive a rebate of up to $350. After you make your purchase, just fill out the application and submit your receipt. For complete details visit the Buy Green, Save Green website. Demand is high for these rebates and resources are tight so make sure you act swiftly if you want to take advantage before it’s too late.

For those of you who already bought and applied for your rebate, but want to return, exchange or cancel your order please note the follow information from NYSERDA:

If you purchased an eligible BGSG refrigerator or clothes washer and then canceled the purchase or returned the product for a refund, it is essential that you also turn in the original purchase receipt. Without the purchase receipt you will not be eligible for the full return.

Consumers in other states should check with their local and state government agencies to see if there are similar programs in your area.

Even if there are no monetary incentives available for purchasing energy efficient appliances, it’s still important to consider them for your next appliance purchase. Of course it’s a great move for those that are energy and environentally conscious. But more importantly, lower energy usage equates to lower energy costs, which means it’s ideal for those that are budget conscious as well. To research qualifying energy efficient appliances visit our Energy Star page at AJMadison.com.

Think of it this way: save some money and our environment all at the same time. It’s a win/win!

September Savings: Labor Day Deals & More!

September 2nd, 2011

CJG

Labor Day is upon us, which unofficially signals the end of Summer. So, that’s it. It’s over. I know, it’s tough to hear however, the good news is that as the weather cools down, the deals are just getting hotter! AJ Madison is offering some incredible deals this Labor Day holiday and beyond. Not only are we offering some super savings this Labor Day weekend but, there are also some great deals that run for the whole month of September. If you have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to get that high-end appliance you have been eyeing, now is the time to act! Offers expire soon so don’t delay!!!

Save up to $1000 on GE Cafe

If you’ve been researching new appliances, then you likley know how amazing GE’s Cafe line is. When creating this line, GE combined designer styling with superior functionality to create the perfect marriage for those that love to cook. Featuring GE’s most advanced cooking technology, decerning chefs need look no further for the ultimate in residential cooking. This Labor day weekend, GE and AJ Madison are offering up to $1000 in savings on select GE Cafe kitchen packages by combining exclusive rebates. Offer ends September 5th so don’t be late! For details, visit the GE Cafe page at AJMadison.com.

Save $500 on the Smeg FAB Fridge

If you’re looking for extraordinary retr0-styled appliances, Smeg is the brand. With their FAB line, Smeg has brought back the simple, mid-century design of the 1950′s and blended it with all the modern features we expect from 21st century technology. It’s the best of both worlds and Smeg has pulled it off brilliantly. Available in 10 different colors, ranging from retro mint green to classic creme, there are options for every home. You can now save $500 off this ‘FAB’ulous piece through September 6th! Act now, before it’s too late!!! For details, visit the Smeg FAB page at AJMadison.com.

Save up to 30% on Bosch

Bosch has often been synonomous with high-end, premium appliances. However, high-end price points can often mean that these great pieces are out of reach for most budget sensitive shoppers. Bearing that in mind, you can now save a whopping 30% off new Bosch kitchen packages with this limited time offer! Just combine instant and mail-in rebates for maximum savings! Take advantage now, before it’s too late!!! Offer ends September 6th. For details, visit the Bosch page at AJMadison.com.

Save $500 + Free Delivery on Electrolux

Electrolux has a rich history of developing ground breaking products that have helped us tremendously in our day to day lives for decades. In recent years, they have introduced countless innovations that are making us rethink how we interact with appliances. As of this week, the folks at Electrolux are now offering some great rebates that could save you as much $500! As with most great opportunities, it won’t last long so act now and save big!!! Offer ends September 12th. For details, visit the Electrolux page at AJMadison.com. Did I mention free shipping?!?! That’s right… FREE!

Save up to 20% on Frigidaire Professional

You’ll love the look and feel of the new, high-performing Frigidaire Professional appliances. Not only do they offer a host of clever features and professional styling, but they are truly built to last. Save as much as 20% on select models by combining instant rebates with mail-in rebates! 20% can often me the difference between getting that extra piece or not, so shop now while the opportunity lasts!!! Offer ends September 5th. For details, visit the Frigidaire page at AJMadison.com.

Save up to $1750 + Free Delivery on Viking

When people think of Viking, the bold, commercial look of the Professional Series range is the image that most likely pops into their heads. Ultra-premium features and an array of sizes and finishes make it the perfect fit for any kitchen. For those who want professional performance without the professional look, there is the Designer Series. Clean lines and contours meld gracefully into cabinets with style, offering a striking new look for Viking. Fully equipped with outstanding features and power, this complete line of built-in products doesn’t sacrifice any of the world-renowned Viking performance for fashion’s sake. Now for a limited time, you can save up to $1750 on select Viking appliances from either line! Add in the bonus of free shipping and we’re talking trmendous savings!!! Offer ends September 30th. For details, visit the Viking page at AJMadison.com.

Save up to $500 on GE Profile

GE Profile has long been regarded as a top tier brand in the appliance world. Offering a sophisticated, contemporary design and innovative technology, it’s a simple choice for those looking for a high-value appliance suite in their kitchen. Good through October 2nd, GE is offering as much as $500 in rebates. For details, visit the GE Profile page at AJMadison.com.

6 Quick Tips To Save Energy This Earth Day

Refrigerators

Ovens & Ranges

Happy Earth Day!

Holiday Greetings …with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

The Perfect Turkey

3 Hearty Recipes That Won’t Break The Bank

Buy Green, Save Green! High Efficiency Appliance Rebates

September Savings: Labor Day Deals & More!

Recent Posts

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6 Quick Tips To Save Energy This Earth Day

Refrigerators

Ovens & Ranges

Happy Earth Day!

Holiday Greetings …with Hot Chocolate & Sugar Cookies!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Never Tasted So Good

The Perfect Turkey

3 Hearty Recipes That Won’t Break The Bank

Buy Green, Save Green! High Efficiency Appliance Rebates

September Savings: Labor Day Deals & More!

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