Newlyweds Guide to Pots and Pans

Pots and Pans!  What kind should I buy?? What do I need?? Almost everyone is perplexed by this question, but it isn't that difficult.The bottom line is---  What you need depends on what you cook.  I fell into this trap and have pots I never use but am too guilty to discard.   The pots I don't use were part of a  large set I bought.  So my first suggestion: STAY AWAY FROM THE BOXED SET  WITH OVER 8 PIECES.
1. The 8 piece set usually comes with  2 fry pans (1 being an omelet pan), 1 stockpot with lid,1 saute pan with lid and 1 saucepan with lid. This should be adequate with a few open stock additions.
Non Stick, All Clad ,Multi Clad, Copper,Enamel. Iron???
NON-STICK
1. If you are weight watching or cooking fat free  You can use very little oil or none to achieve great results. The non stick saucepan is also great for oatmeal ,rice, puddings, hot cocoa, melting chocolate, soups or anything you cook that tends to stick to the pan.
2. Omelets come out great in a non stick fry pan--they don't break up and slide right out of the pan.
3. If you are an average cook this may be your best bet, but only use WOOD or NYLON utensils!!!
4.  Works on traditional gas, electric and ceramic cook tops NOT the newer INDUCTION cook top.

ALL CLAD/ MULTI CLAD

1. It's all about the heat conductivity here.  These pans provide even heat to be distributed throughout the pan to eliminate hot spots and uneven cooking. Some of these will work with INDUCTION .If you are a more advanced cook this is for you.


COPPER

1. Similar to the All Clad with heat conductivity.  This was the cooks choice for years before non stick,all clad and multi clad.  It's beautiful but needs to be polished.  If you love the look--go for it!

ENAMEL
1.Enamel cast iron is known for its intense heat retention without the hot spots.  Its great for stews, soups, briskets, slow roasting and stove to oven cooking. The name synonymous with this type of cookware is
"Le Creuset" made in France.
2. It can be used on ALL types of cook tops
CAST IRON
1. Holds high heat for searing,blackening and DEEP browning.  Gives food intense color from the high heat it generates. Nothing gives steak and chops a deep crust like an iron skillet. It also makes great corn bread. The name synonymous with cast iron is LODGE. This is a MUST in every kitchen.
2. Inexpensive

OPEN STOCK PIECES:
Roaster Pan with Rack
NON Stick Griddle/grill
Pasta Pot

                                                             Le Creuset Dutch Oven

So let's get our pans!
1. Select your 8 piece set
2. If you are selecting All Clad, Multi Clad,Copper
    ADD
    Non Stick 8" omelet pan
    Non Stick saucepan
    12" cast iron Lodge Skillet for the searing ,blackening steaks, chops, fish, vegetables
    Double Reversible Griddle for steaks, chops,pancakes
    Le Creuset Dutch Oven for stew, chili, brisket, pot roast
    Large Non Stick Roasting Pan  with rack for Turkey, Chicken  Calphalon has a great one
    Large All Clad pasta cooker steamer for soups, pastas, vegetables
3. If you are selecting Non Stick
    ADD all of the above except the non stick omelet and sauce pans
4. If you are selecting the Le Creuset
    ADD all of the above except the Dutch Oven (unless it is not part of your set)

OPTIONAL :
Electric Fondue Pot
It's fun--make cheese or meat fondues and don't forget chocolate fondue dessert!

Non Stick Wok
If you love stir fry this is a  must have addition

New York Gift Show

" Pier 94" part of the NYC Gift Show, is where you find the Home Decor.  Lighting was big this year! Jatex had incredible copper lighting and I fell in love with the huge fire pit (above)they had.  Erkut Aribas, the owner, imports  his copperware fromTurkey and it is unusual. The copper pendant light below is one of my favorites.

There were several transitional pendants lights and fantastic drum shades shown this year(below)

                                               Loved this Wine Bottle Chandelier

The furnishings shown were eclectic and fresh additions to any interiors.  There were some very attractive mirrors and furnishings at Julian Chichester (above)

       "Roost" had amazing terrariums and organic furnishings that would add interest to any room. 

Here is a list of merchants I really liked.  Check them out online.
blissstudio.com
callistohome.com
camillahouse.com
couef.com
designworkshop.com
DLIP.com
downtowncompany.com
gohomeltd.com
halostyles.com
jatexinternational.com
lampworks.com
LatifsDesign.com
jdvintage.net
julianchichester.com
Lostine.com
mercyoceanny.com
NotreMonde.com
objetinsolite.com
roostco.com
sabiracollection.com
trowbridgegallery.com

Check them out--------It was a great show!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

REMEBER MY CHILI RECIPES!!!!

Rob's River House Renovation Weeks 5&6

The Sky Light is Here!

And ----INSTALLED!   The shower is framed out with the shower seat under the skylight.  After meetings with the plumber and electrician for fixture placements,  we wait for them to finish their rough-ins and wiring.

The 2 awning window openings are now cut in.  There is one in the water closet and one in the bathroom.  Both of them ensure complete privacy, but some beautiful light.   Remember, we are on the 3rd floor here--so the view out is sky and tree tops!!!

After meeting with Leo, our window treatment fabricator from 6K Interiors- we designed a soffet up at the top of the beamed cathedral ceiling for the window treatments to be anchored to.  The window treatments will consist of 3 motorized black out  Roman Shades with  a pair of motorized sheers that close from each end.  This will allow sound sleeping  and complete privacy with the Roman Shades and diffused lighting with the Sheers.  The windows span  is 27 feet therefore, the motorized mechanism will allow for THE ultimate "smooth operation" for such a length.

The River view out the 27 feet of windows.  You can see the Tappan Zee Bridge in the distance!!

Rob's River House Part 2 Week 3 & 4

The demolition is almost completed.  All that's left is removing the old windows in the bathroom. The above window is being removed and replaced with a transom window that will be placed up to the ceiling line.

The skylight is in the shower and will double in size.  This will give the shower area great light and a view of the river.

The entry french doors are relocated forward into the third floor landing to allow the doors to the Master Bath and Ladies Walk In Closet to be in the bedroom.  Before both  of these doors were located out of the bedroom in the hall landing area.

Master Bedroom ceiling is framed .  It is now a balanced ceiling.  Wait and see what we will do with it!

Ladies Closet framing begins.

Rob's River House Part 2 "The Master Bedroom Renovation"--The Demolition

Prepping Bedroom

Demolition Begins!
 WEEK 1 and 2

Bathroom Gut

We have removed all the  bedroom furniture and have begun the  bathroom demolition, which is the first step. We need to make certain we can even out the 2 floor levels by moving/removing old pipes. Waiting for the plumbers verdict.

His verdict is in and the pipes can be moved --the floors will be even!

We are also applying new insulation,removing  the existing window from new shower area and putting in a bigger skylight. The bath tub will be removed and a built-in shower bench will replace it. Everything in this room has to be gutted out.  We are putting in new heat, a heated floor, new plumbing and a new transom window.  In an old house you never know what is in the walls and this one had some bad wiring and plumbing.

 Rob doesn't know it yet, but he is going to love his new bathroom!!!

The bathroom Color Scheme is Gender Neutral--  white,gray,beige and crushed cream glass.
Shower Floor:  Mosaic
Shower Walls: 8x24 Ceramic beige brick applied vertically  with  a single row of  Mosaic every third row.
Bathroom Floor: 8x24 Ceramic brick staggered, bordered on short sides with a single row of Mosaic.
Cabinet Sink Mirrors: 4 rows of Mosaic trimmed in a decorative Pewter bead.
Cabinetry:  White
Plumbing Fixtures:  White Porcelain and Polished Chrome

Rob's River House Part 2 "The Master Bedroom Renovation"

I am starting the Master Bedroom renovation at Rob's River House.  All I can say at this point is "This was really in need of help." The room was cluttered with mismatched furniture and a bad color combination.  The flow of the room was chopped up with several misplaced entries,unorganized closets and an outdated bathroom.
 I am going to WALK you through the entire renovation.

The Master Bedroom is on the third floor of the house. There is a 27' wall of windows with sweeping views of the Hudson River.  The third floor consists of His and Hers Walk In Closets, Mather Bath and Bedroom.
After meeting with Arichetect Mary Scott ;Mount Kisco,NY , Contractor Mark Germinaro of J.Germinaro and Sons ; Montrose, NY and Tim Mulroy of Windhill Builders;Franklin, NY  we came up with the plan.

Before: Her Closet

MASTER CLOSETS: Complete Update with new carpeting, lighting and closet built-ins.

Bedroom Before

Bedroom Before

MASTER BEDROOM:
1. Even out ceiling with center beam and 12 applied beams creating a decorative cathedral ceiling.
2. New recessed lighting and sconces.
3. Built-In Coffee Bar Unit with under counter refrigerator behind automated pocket doors.
4. Built-In TV Cabinet with equipment storage and Wall Mounted Flat Screen TV.
5. Eliminate 2 doors and relocate French Doors to  bedroom entrance.
6. New bedroom furnishings to include: Upholstered King Bed, 2 Transitional Nightstands,Glass Table Lamps,Bench at the end of the Bed, 2 Chaises with Glass Occasional Table, Oriental Carpets, New Drapery and Bedding.
MASTER BATHROOM:
1. Gut renovate and eliminate tub.
2. Create a large steam shower, with bench,rain shower,and 2 additional shower heads
3.Create a private water closet with pocket door
4. Double sink cabinet with center storage tower.

Before Master Bath Sink Area

Before Master Bath Area which will be shower

Let's get started!

Happy New Year!! May 2012 be Healthy, Happy and Prosperous!!

Happy Hanukkah!!