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Granite

kitchen 

Granite Kitchen: Celebrating the world’s most popular beverage |

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If you need yet another excuse to drink a cup of coffee, International Coffee Day, a day to celebrate the world’s most popular beverage, is right around the corner

The first International Coffee Day was Oct. 1, 2015, and it was launched in Milan, Italy, by the International Coffee Organization.

According to the ICO, “Every year on 1 October, the world comes together to celebrate coffee and recognise the millions of people across the globe — from farmers, to roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners and more — who work hard to create and serve the beverage we all love.”

I use a French press to make coffee and usually have a little extra coffee left over. I hate wasting perfectly good coffee, so in the summer I pour what’s left into a jar and stick it in the refrigerator for iced coffee.

When it gets colder outside, I’ll use leftover coffee to add to my recipes for baked beans or tiramisu.

But I recently heard about coffee gelatin and decided that was something I wanted to try to make. You can slice the gelatin up and add it to a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and cream or evaporated milk for a creamy coffee dessert.

If you’re vegan, you can swap out the gelatin for agar agar, which is made from red algae (gelatin is made from animal collagen) and get the same result, then mix it into sweetened coconut cream.

Another unusual way to use leftover coffee is to make coffee baked eggs. I came across a recipe from the late 1700s for making coffee eggs. I was skeptical.

You mix sweetened coffee into egg yolks, pour it into a mold then bake it. The result is similar to a custard, and it was unexpectedly delicious.

If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy coffee, try using ground coffee to make a spice rub for steak. The rich flavor can be an excellent and unique enhancement to meats.

Coffee Gelatin

1 (.25 oz) package unflavored gelatin

2 cups strong brewed coffee

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons hot water

Add hot water to a saucepan then add the gelatin. Stir to dissolve. Add sugar and coffee then set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for five minutes. Pour mixture into an 8-inch baking dish and put in the refrigerator to set for 5 to 6 hours.

Coffee Gelatin (vegan version)

4 cups strong brewed coffee

4 tablespoons agar agar

1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener

Add the coffee, monk fruit sweetener and agar agar to a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently, then lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Pour mixture into an 8-inch glass baking dish and place in the refrigerator to set for 5 to 6 hours.

Coffee Baked Eggs

4 egg yolks

8 ounces strong brewed coffee, room

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kitchen 

Granite And Stone In Kitchen, Doghouse: Bel Air Dream Home

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BEL AIR, MD — Tucked away on more than 3 acres of land near Maryland Golf & Country Club, this contemporary home features vaulted ceilings and natural light. Highlights are the gourmet kitchen with wet bar, master suite with private balcony and master bath with walk-in shower and granite vanities. The house could be yours for less than $600,000.

  • Address: 800 St Andrews Way, Bel Air, Maryland
  • Price: $596,100
  • Square Feet: 3974
  • Bedrooms: 5
  • Bathrooms: 3 Full and 1 Half Baths
  • Built: 1980
  • Features: This beautiful custom Lacey Francis home in Bel Air is truly a treasure, and a rare listing you should act on fast. The construction here offers five beds and four baths (three full, one half) across its substantial 3, 976 finished sq ft, and there is a lot to fall in love with in between! The elegant style of this home cannot be understated! The main floor’s unique and semi-open layout situates a number of living spaces among vaulted ceilings and lots of natural light. Upon entering, the most prominent initial space is the open living room and entertainment area, with hardwood floors and great corner light. The central gourmet kitchen is spacious with sleek black granite countertops wrapping around the stone, an exposed chimney of the rear family room, double wall-embedded oven, tile backsplash, a wet bar, and an array of spacious modern cabinets. The family room around the corner from the kitchen has large, semi-skylight windows, with an excellent view of the stream, that extend from the wall to ceiling, new carpeting, and a prominent wood fireplace with floor to ceiling stone masonry. The breakfast area is adjacent to the kitchen and has sliding glass doors that leads to the screened-in deck. While most of the structure’s bedrooms are on the lower floor, this structure’s owner’s suite is on the main level and is a bright and spacious corner room with a luxurious ensuite bath and a private deck overlooking the stream. The enormous owner’s bath has dual granite vanities, a wonderful skylight over the large jacuzzi tub, an over-sized walk-in two-person shower, and a huge walk-in closet! Throughout the lower level of the home, we find pristine carpet and recessed lights, and features a working wood potbelly stove that heats the entire house. Each bedroom is substantial, gets good natural light, and has a dedicated closet. The laundry area is on this floor and comes included with high-efficiency washer and dryer appliances. Additionally, there is a large workroom with a huge storage closet! There are premium outdoor spaces all around the home, in addition to the covered deck by the kitchen, there are two external decks around the home, with one of them being brand new! This home is also dog-ready, with a large indoor-outdoor dog house! Other great features of the home include a brand new water heater and a two-car garage! Living at 800 St Andrews Way, you will be nestled on a quiet, forested private lot, in a beautiful area
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kitchen 

Outdoor Kitchen Guide Using Granite Countertops

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For anyone who's made the decision to install a kitchen that utilizes outdoor space, there are a number of important considerations to bear in mind during the design process. An outdoor kitchen is a unique home project, because not only is style and functionality important, but the materials selected for use in the space also have to be durable and weather-resistant.

An outdoor kitchen can be a space that's welcoming for family gatherings, or just a place to enjoy nightly family meals. Like an indoor kitchen, it should be equipped with all the necessities, including appliances and an adequate work space. While selecting the perfect grill may be easy for most homeowners, choosing the materials for the countertop can pose more of a challenge.

Planning an Outdoor Kitchen
During the planning process, the priority is often designing for adequate counter space. Similarly to an indoor space, it's important to include enough space for both food preparation and serving. While the primary preparation space will usually be around 36 inches tall (standard for indoor kitchens as well), there's also the option to create a split level counter, which also has a raised bar area of ​​42 inches. Outdoor countertops are usually deeper than what's found in indoor kitchens, in order to accommodate a grill, so anticipate a depth of about 30-36 inches, rather than the indoor standard of 24 inches.

Selecting a Kitchen Countertop Material for the Outdoors
Granite is one of the best materials to use in an outdoor kitchen, and it allows homeowners to enjoy luxury in an outdoor space. Not only does it provide an elegant and lavish style, but granite is also a great material because it's easy to clean and maintain, durable and heat-resistant.

For outdoor use, it's best to select slabs of granite that don't have a great deal of veining, because epoxies and fillers are used on heavily veined granite, and those materials can have a negative reaction to the sun's rays.

It's also a good idea to avoid extremely dark granite countertops for outdoor use, since they'll retain heat and leave the home's residents and visitors susceptible to burned hands.

The Advantages of Using Granite Outdoors
Aside from the style and durability of the material, granite countertops are also a great material to use on outdoor kitchen countertops because they are a natural stone, which complements the natural beauty of the outdoors. It's a great way to tie in the convenience and modern capabilities of the outdoors with the surrounding landscape.

In addition, granite has the ability to withstand extreme temperature changes-so whether it's below freezing, or there's sweltering heat, granite will maintain its integrity.

Other Outdoor-Friendly Materials
While granite is one of the most commonly used natural stones in outdoor kitchen countertops, there are other options available. Most notably, these include travertine and limestone. While these materials are somewhat durable, they're not as durable as granite, meaning they may be more susceptible to scratching, staining and heat damage, so they're not ideal …

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house interior kitchen 

Why Should You Use Granite for Your Kitchen Countertop?

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What is Granite?

Granite is a highly-durable natural stone which forms from within the depths of the earth. Quarries extract it as big chunks of rock. From blocks, they turn these into slabs. A large gang saw carves through the massive stone like a giant bread slicer. Once cut, a particular machine polishes the granites' surface. In turn, this process brings out the stones' full color.

What Does Granite Look Like?

Granite is available in a wide range of color and pattern combinations. It often comes in shades of red, brown, black, white, and gray. Of course, there are other exquisite colors too, like green and blue. Most slabs appear with scattered black and gray specks on its surface. In some stones, swirls and veins make up its appearance. And, there are a few types which have minute crystals that shimmer under the light. All these variations are natural and inconsistent. The various minerals that form these rocks give its unique colors. Hence, no two slabs are identical. As a result, this natural process yields a virtually unlimited number of granite selections on the market.

But there is more to granite than meets the eye. After all, it is a natural material that has endured through time. Many of our history's majestic structures are a testament to its strength. In particular, it forms some of the great pyramids of Egypt. It makes up, too, the famous sculpture at Mount Rushmore. These, along with a few more, prove that granite is in for the long haul.

How Tough is Granite?

So what makes granite an excellent countertop material?

For one, granite is hard enough to resist abrasion. It holds out against scratches from daily kitchen preparations. It is harder than most kitchen utensils. And, believe it or not, it is more robust than your kitchen knives. Second, it is sturdy enough to bear significant weight. It remains steadfast even if you place many kitchen items over it. It will neither bend nor break under normal kitchen use. Lastly, it is inert enough to resist weathering. Just like a diamond, granite is a product of the constant pressure underground. Hence, it withstands heat from hot pots and pans without absorbing damage. As such, it is safer to use than its synthetic counterparts with resin and polyester. Granite does not melt, warp or even change color when subjected to high temperature. Furthermore, it holds its color and luster even when exposed to the elements.

For all its inherent strength, granite, however, is not indestructible. Use it beyond its normal function, and it may break or chip like any piece of rock. A countertop is meant to provide a work surface for the kitchen. So do not sit or stand on top of it. Use a stool when replacing a light bulb or reaching for the upper cabinets. Also, do not drop heavy objects on the slab. Any sudden impact may damage its surface. Keep in mind that with proper care and maintenance, your …

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kitchen 

Why Granite Kitchen Counter Tops?

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Many Americans have found that granite kitchen countertops are the ideal surface choice for their kitchen counter and islands. If you are like many Americans, chances are that you will be planning to do some remodeling of your kitchen in the near future, including replacing worn and outdated kitchen countertops. In years past you were limited to painted, vinyl-covered, or synthetic choices which would be susceptible to cracking, peeling, burns and other staining.

Fortunately, today's modern home owner has the option of choosing to install granite kitchen countertops. Long used to enhance and beautify building exteriors, they have made it indoors with dramatic results. There are several benefits to choosing this natural stone counter top over types available in the past and even now. These include:

– granite counter tops add a sophisticated, luxurious appearance to any kitchen. Available in many colors, each and every piece of granite used for counter tops is unique, coming in a wide variety of veins, swirls, and crystal patterns. Unlike dyed synthetic products, granite is uniformly colored throughout the particular piece you may choose. An added advantage is that often the sunlight dances off the small crystals contained in it, the result is minute changes in the appearance of your stone throughout the day, adding to the overall richness and the ambiance in the kitchen.

– kitchen granite countertops are easier to care for and more kid friendly than other surfaces. They are naturally more resistant to staining, resistant to scratching, hot items such as hot pans, griddles, fryers, and toaster ovens placed on your granite counter tops do not create burns or leave char marks on them, and you can roll out dough and do chopping on them. Granite is easy to clean, and plain soap and warm water will do the job perfectly. Unlike other materials, granite is a sanitary countertop material since it does not promote bacteria growth by harboring the germ in pores like synthetic or painted materials do.

– unlike synthetic or painted surfaces, granite kitchen counter tops with minor damage can be repaired without having to replace the entire piece. If another kind of countertop is damaged, chances are the homeowner will have to undergo the added expense of replacing entire surface. In some instances be eager do-it-yourselfer can exact repairs without having to call on the aid of a professional, rendering results that look just as good.

They can be expensive however. While costing a little more initially, granite kitchen countertops are amazingly affordable and more than make up for the initial cost in terms of durability and ease-of-use and luxurious looks. They also add value to your property, especially in terms of resale value. You can very well find that those granite counter tops you are enjoying five years down the road can be a major selling point.

As far as counter top choices are concerned it easy to see why this natural stone choice is so popular among home owners. Choosing it you will enjoy …

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bathroom kitchen 

10 Reasons Why You Need Granite Countertops In Your Kitchen

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Granite countertops are known for being both aesthetically and functionally appealing pieces for any kitchen or bathroom. Instead of hanging onto your old laminate, stainless steel, or wood countertops go for the classic and timeless look that comes with granite countertops. There are a lot of stipulations and stereotypes that come with granite countertops, but there are also ten reasons that adding granite countertops to your kitchen could be a great decision for you!

  1. Aesthetics: Granite is visually attractive, colorful, and a material that does not go out of style. Granite countertops will give your kitchen the extra personality it needs and deserves. This day and age, there are so many designs and colors to choose from that you are guaranteed to find the right granite style and color for you.
  2. Durable: Since granite is able to withstand extremely large amounts of pressure, heat, and water, this countertop style has the potential to last forever! Granite is perfect for that type of home where the kitchen is used frequently to cook and entertain.
  3. Maintenance: Granite requires hardly any type of maintenance to keep it looking brand new. Due to its durability, granite is easily cleaned with soap and water and frequent cleanings will keep it in tact for years to come.
  4. Variety: Granite comes in a wide variety colors, designs, and sizes. There are so many styles and types of granite that it will be easy for you to find the perfect style for your taste and your kitchen.
  5. Clean: As mentioned previously, granite is easily cleaned and maintained. As an added bonus, granite is known for its ability to resist bacteria and other unhygienic properties that could cause harm in your kitchen.
  6. Natural: Granite is a common type of rock found naturally in the environment. You can go green by selecting a product that does not use plastic or other manmade pollutants during the manufacturing process.
  7. Friendly: The heat, pressure, and water resistant properties make granite a great countertop option for homes with children. With the durability of the rock, you won't have to worry about children damaging the countertops by scratching or coloring on it which makes it a very friendly choice for a wide variety of home types.
  8. Unique: Because granite comes in several shapes, styles, and patterns it is safe to say that you will have a unique countertop that is unlike any other style of countertop and less likely to be duplicated by someone else interested in putting granite in their home.
  9. Resistant: Granite will last longer than any other countertop material with its heat and pressure resistant properties. While the initial price of the granite countertops may seem high, the long lasting durability of the countertops turns your purchase into an investment.
  10. Affordable: While granite may seem high priced at first, the price of granite is actually very affordable in the long run. Since granite does not require maintenance or repairs, this is a practical and affordable investment that comes with a one-time cost
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decor kitchen 

Granite Countertops Suitable For Any Home

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Granite countertops are in high demand.

The natural beauty and warmth of granite makes it a suitable material for nearly any kind of home design in kitchen and bath counter tops. They are commonplace in kitchen and bath home renovations today: Granite is the # 1 choice for most homeowners remodeling their kitchen or bath.

With proper care, they can last a lifetime. They are renown for their durability and strength. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, and is found in mines around the world.

They are the ideal choice for most new homes and kitchen renovations because they retain their value over time. Although it is popular now, granite has been used for thousands of years. It was used in the building of temples and other public buildings in ancient societies. Polished granite wasn't used until 1831.

These Countertops Offer Many Advantages
Granite is also very versatile, especially for chefs and cooks. It can withstand hot pots and is a great surface for rolling dough. It complements kitchens design wise as well, with many varieties and colors that compliment any room. With many colors and varieties, it can fit into nearly any decor.

Although they are very durable, they still require special care. You must properly clean granite countertops and use sealers to prevent staining. The countertops are hard, but they can still be easily chipped.

Installing Granite
Granite counters cost more than traditional countertop materials, but the bulk of the cost comes from quarrying, cutting, transporting, polishing and installation. Generally, professionals are needed to install them due to their size and the need to have precision fit on the counters.

Overall, these countertops are expected to last a lifetime and are expected to be a favorite for homeowners for many years to come.

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