Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse

St. Patrick's Day Irish Cream Chocolate MousseHere's a lovely dessert for St. Patrick's Day or any special occasion meal. For simplicity, I would make the mousse and call it a day, but gourmet cooks with the time may want to proceed with the complete recipe. Serve the chilled mousse in Irish coffee glasses and garnish with a spoonful of whipped cream flavored with the liqueur.

Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse
Serves 12
from epicurious.com

"This rich chocolate mousse cake was created by Geri Gilliland, the Belfast-born chef-owner of Gilliland's, a cafe with an Irish accent in Santa Monica, California."

Mousse

4 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
 
Directions
 
Whisk eggs and sugar in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water) and whisk constantly until a candy thermometer registers 60°F, about 5 minutes.

Remove bowl from over water. Using electric mixer, beat egg mixture until cool and very thick, about 10 minutes.

Place chocolate in top of another bowl over simmering water; stir until melted and smooth. Remove bowl from over water. Cool to lukewarm.

Combine cream and Irish cream liqueur in medium bowl; beat to stiff peaks. Pour lukewarm melted chocolate over egg mixture and fold together. Fold in cream mixture. Cover and chill until set, at least 4 hours or overnight. 

Cake

6 large eggs
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder or coffee powder
Pinch of salt
1 cup all purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides. Line bottom with parchment paper. Using electric mixer, beat eggs, sugar, espresso powder and salt in large bowl until mixture thickens and slowly dissolving ribbon forms when beaters are lifted, about 8 minutes. Sift 1/3 of flour over and gently fold into egg mixture. Repeat 2 more times (do not overmix or batter may deflate).

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool cake completely in pan on rack.

Run small sharp knife around pan sides to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Turn out cake. Remove pan bottom. Peel off parchment. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Wrap cake in plastic and chill.)

Syrup

2/3 cup sugar
5 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons Irish whiskey
Combine sugar and water in small saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and bring to boil. Remove from heat. Mix in whiskey. Cool. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and let stand at room temperature.)

Assembly

Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. Place bottom cake layer on platter. Brush with 3 tablespoons syrup. Spread 2 cups mousse over. Top with second cake layer. Brush with 3 tablespoons syrup. Spread 2 cups mousse over. Top with third cake layer, cut side down. Brush with 3 tablespoons syrup. Spread remaining mousse over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate cake while preparing chocolate bands.

Chocolate Bands
2 14 1/2 x 3-inch waxed paper strips
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon solid vegetable shortening

Line large basket sheet with foil and set aside. Place another large sheet of foil on work surface; top with waxed paper strips, spacing apart. Stir chopped semisweet chocolate and vegetable shortening in heavy, small saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour half of melted chocolate down center of each waxed paper strip.

Using metal icing spatula, spread chocolate to cover strips evenly and completely, allowing some chocolate to extend beyond edges of paper strips. Using fingertips, lift strips and place on clean foil-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate just until chocolate begins to set but is still very flexible, about 2 minutes.

Remove chocolate bands from refrigerator. Using fingertips, lift 1 band from foil. With chocolate side next to cake, place band around side of cake; press gently to adhere (band will be taller than cake). Repeat with second chocolate band, pressing onto uncovered side of cake so that ends of chocolate bands just meet (if ends overlap, use scissors to trim any excess paper and chocolate). Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 5 minutes. Gently peel off paper. Refrigerate cake.

Ready to create a dream kitchen with restaurant quality appliances? Visit a Fine Lines store for a complete selection from Wolf, Sub-Zero, Thermador and others.

 
 


Sub-Zero and Wolf Wine Week

Sub-Zero Wine Storage
Today Sub-Zero and Wolf announced Wine Week on its Facebook Page, promising videos, tips and recommendations. Storing wine, pairing wine with food and cooking with wine are sure to be upcoming topics.

In the meantime, integrating wine storage into a new or remodel kitchen design should be considered. Sub-Zero offers several options, including under the counter wine preservation units, free-standing wine storage and an entire refrigerator-like unit. The appliances feature two independent storage zones, sealed and digitally controlled, to regulate temperature, humidity, provide UV protection, and allow bottles to rest undisturbed in specially designed racks.

Open the door of a Sub-Zero wine storage unit to experience the attention to design for ideal wine storage. Roller-glide shelves faced with natural cherry wood have a three-quarter extension for easy access to the bottles, which are stored flat and then lifted to an ideal angle for removal. Sub-Zero shelves will accommodate standard 750 ml bottles, half-bottles and magnums.

I'm looking ahead to our Wednesday cooking post, which will surely feature cooking with wine. Note that Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are available at Fine Lines.
 

Homes with Sub-Zero Sell Faster

Sub-Zero helps sell homes fasterIf you have ever sold a home or shopped for one, you know that kitchens may be deal breakers. If it's not an immediate, "I've got to have this kitchen," don't be surprised if the calculators come out. The cost of replacing a new kitchen may become the central negotiating point, but if a gourmet kitchen is already in place, expect a quicker sale.

According to Sub-Zero, kitchens often sell homes, and homebuyers know top quality appliances when they see them. A Sub-Zero refrigerator can make your kitchen stand out and mean the difference between selling and not selling your home.

And if your kitchen is not quite up to snuff, know that kitchen remodeling can net an return on investment of 85 percent or higher, and homeowners with a Sub-Zero unit in the kitchen will offend find the refrigerator may pay for itself when it comes time to sell.

"Homes with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances sell 45 percent faster than homes with traditional appliances," Linda Aparicio of Prudential Realty in Connecticut told Sub-Zero.

The business trade recognizes the value of Sub-Zero as well. For the 12th year in a row, Sub-Zero refrigerators were ranked number one by "Builder" magazine.

Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances may be found at all Fine Lines locations.


Dinner Party 101 with Thermador at Sur La Table this Month

Thermado cooktops are perfect for preparing dinner party favorites like chocolate mousse
Did you know that all Sur La Table stores are equipped with Thermador appliances, one of the exceptional brands of appliances found at Fine Lines? If you are fortunate enough to have a Sur La Table location near you, you may sign up for one of its on-going series of cooking classes.

This month's classes include Dinner Party 101 where you will learn how to prepare spinach salad with caramelized pears and goat cheese, pan seared chicken breast with sauce fines herbes, rice pilaf, sauteed green beans with garlic, and for the grand finale: chocolate mousse. Dinner Party 101 will be held at the Columbus, Ohio location on March 17.

For gourmet cooks beyond the reach of Sur La Table, here is the recipe for chocolate mousse, a simple and elegant dessert that's perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Garnished with chocolate curls and a dab of freshly whipped cream, it can hold its own at the most elegant party.

Sur La Table chocolate mousseChocolate Mousse

Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream, chilled, divided into ¾ cup and 1-¼ cup measures 
Pinch salt 
Pinch instant espresso powder 
4 egg yolks 
3 tablespoon sugar 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
7 oz. bittersweet chocolate, fine-quality (not unsweetened), chopped 
Lightly sweetened whipped cream for garnish and chocolate curls (optional) Leslie's note: Use a sharp vegetable peeler on room temperature chocolate to make the curls. If the chocolate is cold, you will only get chocolate shavings, which is fine and can be sprinkled on top of the whipped cream.
 
Heat the ¾ cup serving of cream, salt, and espresso powder in a saucepan until hot. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks and the sugar together until well combined. Add the hot cream, in a slow stream, whisking continuously until combined. Transfer the mixture to the saucepan and cook over mod-low heat, stirring constantly, until an instant read thermometer registers 160° F. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and stir in the vanilla. Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler (or in a glass bowl in a microwave at 50 percent power 3 to 5 minutes), stirring frequently. Off heat, whisk the custard into the melted chocolate until smooth. Allow this mixture to cool. While the chocolate mixture is cooling, beat the remaining 1 ¼ cup of cream in a bowl until the cream holds stiff peaks. Whisk one-fourth of whipped cream into the chocolate custard to lighten the mixture. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream, gently but thoroughly. Spoon mousse into 8 (6-ounce) stemmed glasses or ramekins and chill, covered, at least 6 hours. 

Let the moose stand at room temperature about 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls if desired.

Thermoador Expands One, Two, Free Promotion

Thermador extends One, Two, Free promotion
Good news for the building industry as Thermador, a major home appliance manufacturer, announced it is expanding its One, Two, Free program.

“Our expanded One, Two, Free offer is good news for professional remodelers and smaller home and condominium owners who want to upgrade to a Thermador kitchen but may not meet the kitchen space requirements for our larger appliances,” said Zach Elkin, director of the Luxury Division of BSH Home Appliances Corp., Thermador’s parent company.

Elkin continued, “Now culinary enthusiasts can save big while creating a professional-caliber kitchen that will showcase their cooking skills.”

Contractors or consumers who buy any size Professional Series range top or Masterpiece Series cook top and accompanying double or triple oven will get a free Thermador Emerald dishwasher. And if they also buy a refrigerator or two wine, freezer or refrigeration columns, they’ll get a free ventilation system.

Thermador is supporting the expanded program with new point-of-sale materials and other on-floor collateral throughout 2010. Thermador appliances are available at all Fine Lines locations.


Weekend Morning Baking

Thermador kitchen
 
Winter weekends are made for baking. This recipe for Indiana Cinnamon Puffs comes from Thermador's Taste of America cookbook, a collection of 50 oven recipes selected by Chef Bradley Ogden. Indiana winning chef Darci Montovani said she learned her culinary skills from her mother and grandmother, carrying on a proud Indiana family baking tradition.

This is a two step recipe: first bake the puffs and then roll them in sugar. Gather the family around the table and have them roll their own. Now that's a way to start a Saturday morning conversation.
 
Cinnamon sugar breakfast puffsCinnamon-Sugar Breakfast Puffs
Makes 12
 
Butter for muffin cups
11 tablespoons butter, room temperature, divided
1 cup sugar, divided
1 large egg
1½ cups all purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 
Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter 12 standard muffin cups. Using wooden spoon, beat 5 tablespoons butter, ½ cup sugar, and egg in large bowl. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Stir flour mixture and milk alternately into butter-sugar mixture. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake until puffs are golden brown, about 20 minutes.
 
Meanwhile, melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in heavy small saucepan. Combine remaining ½ cup sugar and cinnamon on large plate. Roll hot puffs in melted butter then in cinnamon sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container.) 
 
Ready to make your kitchen the heart of your home? Visit a Fine Lines store for inspiration. 

Thermador Takes the Field at The Pro Expo

Thermador at Pro Expo event
Sports venues across the country have new players on their fields as they host The Pro Expo, a 30 city tour event to help those in the design, building and remodeling industries build their business skills and help feed the hungry. Thermador and Bosch are two Fine Lines brands participating in these educational events sponsored by Pella Windows and Doors.

During the free events, attendees can obtain continuing education credits, learn about the latest products, services and tips to help build their business and support local food banks in partnership with The Salvation Army.

One of more than 20 brands on display, Thermador is the only kitchen appliance manufacturer taking part in the tour and will showcase five products, including a 48-in. Pro Series Harmony dual-fuel range and hood, 36-in. Pro Series Freedom French door refrigerator and 24-in. Pro Series Emerald and Pro Series Sapphire dishwashers.

Training and educational credits will be offered in partnership with the National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and American Institute of Architects (AIA). Sessions will cover proper window installation, marketing ideas, construction tips, trends, and green building.

Events will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. showcasing products, services and the latest building practices.

Events scheduled in hhgregg and Fine Lines states:
March 4 — Atlanta, Turner Field
March 9 — Charlotte, N.C., Bank of America Stadium
March 16 — Richmond, Va., Richmond Int’l Raceway
March 30 — Philadelphia, Citizens Bank Park*
April 6 — Pittsburgh, PNC Park*
April 20 — Columbus, Ohio, Schottenstein Center
April 27 — Cincinnati, Ohio, Great American Ball Park
April 29 — Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland Browns Stadium

hhgregg will open six new stores in the Harrisburg, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA markets this Spring.


Kitchen-Wide Win for Thermador

Chicago Athaneum Design Awards recognize Thermador appliances
Thermador received seven awards in the annual 2009 Good Design Awards competition sponsored by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Center for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The museum's annual competition recognized the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world. In its 60 year history, everything from the humble paperclip to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been honored. With a record number of entries last year, award organizers narrowed the field down to 500 products and firms from more than 35 nations.

Thermador received Design Awards for the following appliances:
  • Thermador High Performance Dishwashers
  • Thermador Mirror Induction Cooktop
  • Thermador Pro Harmony Range
  • Thermador Masterpiece Built-in Oven (2008)
  • Thermador Masterpiece Built-in Oven (2006 and 2007)
  • Thermador Framed and Pre-Assembled Modular Refrigeration Collection
  • Thermador Masterpiece Series Easy Lift Hood

“The fact that the entire Thermador kitchen was honored – from cooking and refrigeration to cleaning and ventilation – shows how we’re able to extend our commitment to premier design, innovation and performance across the entire line,” explained Zach Elkin, director, Luxury Division, BSH Home Appliances Corporation. “We’re delighted that this represents one of the few times when cooking, cleaning, refrigeration and ventilation products from the same brand have been honored during the same year.”

The annual awards were originally created in 1950 to honor Chicago’s founding fathers of modernism, including Eero Saarinen and Charles and Rau Eames, and have evolved into a premier worldwide design program. The criteria established in 1950 is still used by the design jury. Products are judged on their aesthetic in terms of innovative design, new technologies, form, materials, construction, concept, function, utility, and energy efficiency, and sensitivity to the environment.

The public may see the winning Thermador appliances along with other honored products during the Good Design Show, scheduled for June 2010 in at the Chicago Athenaeum Museum.

Applications for the 2010 Good Design Awards
are being accepted now through July, 1, 2010.

Thermador appliances are available at Fine Lines locations.

Bon Mercredi: French Dessert Crepes

Making crepes so easy kids can do it

Weekends with the grandparents are always a treat, both for the grandkids, the grandparents, and parents who get a weekend to themselves. Growing up, Grandpa Frederic made what he called French pancakes for a special breakfast treat, a tasty indication of his French ancestry. His mother along with her six sisters sailed from Le Havre in 1896 to make their home in San Francisco.

My own children attended a French school in California. Madame was an iron-willed task master, but still believed in treats for her well behaved students. As soon as the kids were old enough to handle hot pans, Madame turned the job of cooking over to them. Crepes were quick and easy.

Spread with a little butter and sprinkled liberally with sugar, crepes are a perfect snack. Here is a recipe from Thermador that is a little fancier, a better choice for dessert than breakfast. 

Thermador Chocolate CrepesChocolate Crepes by Thermador
(makes about 8 crêpes)

Ingredients

For Crêpes
2 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
3 tsp cocoa, unsweetened
1 cup whole milk, or combine 1/2 cup light cream and 1/2 cup water
2 tbsp butter, melted
1-1/2 tsp Chambord® raspberry liquor
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp almond extract

For Chocolate Sauce
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup. sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions

Crêpes
Blend all ingredients together in a blender on medium until smooth, then briefly on high. Let the batter rest in the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate sauce.

Chocolate Sauce
Melt chocolate, sugar, milk and butter over low heat or a double boiler until smooth. Use the ExtraLow® setting if using a Thermador cooktop to prevent scorching. Add vanilla, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, still stirring, to retain smoothness.

Crêpe Preparation
Remove batter from refrigerator and stir gently to ensure it is properly mixed. Then heat a 10" frying pan (to make an 8" crêpe) over medium heat. Using a pastry brush, sweep the bottom and sides of pan with butter to coat, then add approximately 1/4 cup of the batter with a ladle, swirling with the ladle to coat the pan evenly. Cook over medium heat until edges are firm and the crêpe can be turned easily. Turn and cook briefly on the other side, turn onto plate, drier/browner side of crêpe down (this is the first side you cooked). Repeat. This batter makes about eight crêpes.

Assembly
Take a crêpe, "good" side down, and fill the center portion with the chocolate sauce and roll the crêpes. Add 1/4 c. of heavy cream, whipped with a bit of almond extract and top the crêpes with a good dollop of the heavy cream. You may also add raspberries and a bit of orange zest and sugar. Finish with a dusting of confectioner's sugar.

See European-style range top options at Fine Lines.


How to Make the Kitchen the Heart of the Home

How to transform a kitchen into an Electrolux Live-in room
According to the National Association of Home Builders, the walls are tumbling down. The kitchen is taking center stage as other rooms—living, dining and family rooms—lose their identity and are incorporated into one central space.

In response to the growing importance of the kitchen in American family life, Electrolux proposed a new name for the kitchen: The Live-in Room.

If homeowners want their kitchens to become useful spaces for cooking, entertaining, and simply hanging out, changes may be necessary.

The designers at Electrolux offer these tips for transforming a kitchen into a Live-in Room:

Make comfortable seating a priority

Straight-back chairs lose their allure while everything from cozy club chairs to chaises made for lounging vie for valuable floor space. Even a sunken cushioned fireplace hearth beckons. 

Warm up, but don’t overwhelm, the space with color

Imbue the live-in-room with hues infused with light, helping to bring a feeling of optimism into the space. Brighter and fresher shades—of coral, rose, greens and whitened yellows—add a glow, while imparting a sense of peace and calm. And don’t discount the power of a burnished, antiqued look for faucets and hardware.

Use plenty of light

Light up the live-in room with plenty of ambient light, overhead lighting and task lighting. Consider what happens here—cooking, reading, bill paying, web surfing, homework and more—then plan your lighting to meet your needs.

Include technology

Tap technology to help maximize the space. Get wired—laptops are more moveable than a PC. Keep technology out of sight with HDTVs that fold up under cabinets and built in speakers you’ll hear but never see. Look for the latest gadgets like video and voice-activated telephones and motion sensitive lighting to keep your room up to the minute.

Think out of the triangle

Don’t relegate appliances to the traditional “work triangle.” Instead, relocate them to the parts of the room that make the most sense. Who says a dishwasher or winecooler can’t be conveniently located? In the live-in room, great appliances, large and small, are never out of reach.

Surfaces are key

Don’t settle for sub-par surfaces. Choose the right table—one that can do double duty for meals, homework, arts and crafts, bill paying, etc. Round or oval tables encourage conversation. Create countertop spaces that adjust to various tasks.

Design different zones


Rethink the traditional work triangle in favor of live/work zones. Even the smallest kitchen can accommodate different zones for eating, entertaining and everyday living. For example, set up an easel in one corner for arts & crafts projects or put a chaise lounge by the window to relax  and read in. Homework stations are a must for parents who want to monitor the Internet surfing of their youngsters.

The timeless appeal of stainless

Choose appliances you know you can live with, that blend seamlessly. Sleek and stylish stainless steel appliances are a must because they complement a variety of design styles from contemporary to traditional. Another bonus—premium stainless steel appliances stand the test of time by never going out of style.

Make it yours

Put your personality on display. Set aside areas purely for display just as you would in any other room of your house. Use built-ins, free-standing cabinets or shelving to display your collections, books, artwork, photography and more. Experiment with lighting to add drama and call attention to your display.

A Fine Lines sales associate can help put these tips to work as you consider a new kitchen design or simply an update.


Electrolux Reports Americans Love Their Kitchens

Electrolux surveys Americans and how they use their kitchensSweden-based Electrolux, one of largest manufacturer of European-style appliances and a featured vendor at Fine Lines stores, recently commissioned a national study to learn just how Americans are using their kitchens, and more important, how Americans feel about their kitchens.

The kitchen ain’t just for cooking anymore…

Nearly nine in 10 Americans (86%) are involved in some sort of activity in their kitchen besides cooking such as paying bills, doing work or homework, doing a hobby or craft, reading or playing a game.

More than two thirds of adults (67%) say they use their kitchen to socialize and entertain guests.

One-third of adults spend three to four hours in their kitchen during a typical day, while nearly 20% say they spend five hours or more a day.

My kitchen, my castle…

More than half of Americans (58%) say the kitchen is one of their favorite rooms in their home.

Nearly seven in 10 Americans (69%) agree that they really enjoy spending time in their kitchen.

More than two third of Americans (68%) would rather have a kitchen where they can socialize and spend quality time than a kitchen that is just used for cooking meals.

Nearly half of adults (46%) agree that the kitchen is the center of activity in the household.

Electrolux said kitchen, Americans said…

When Americans were read a list of words and asked which phrases describe what they would like their kitchen to be, nearly nine in 10 said “comfortable” (88%) and “practical” (88%).

One in two (47%), or approximately 104 million adults, say they want a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Nearly nine in 10 of adults (88%) agree that they want the kitchen to be a comfortable place that reflects on their household’s lifestyle.

More than half of Americans (57%) agree that their kitchen should be a reflection of their personal styles and tastes.

To learn more about incorporating Electrolux appliances into your or your clients' dream kitchens, visit a Fine Lines store.



Snow Days Are for Bread Baking

rescued by a tractor Virginia snow days

My friends up and down the east coast have all reported more snow than they could remember. My old neighborhood in Virginia posted 40-inches in two days.

I do remember a particularly big snow storm that kept us all in the house for three days. Kind neighbors hung bags of eggs at the end of the ¼ mile driveway. Another friend delivered milk to the back of the property, but to get it, I had to struggle across a field knee deep in snow. At last, the snow plow arrived. No, not affixed to a pickup truck, rather on the front of a tractor driven be a fearless female farmer. We heard her long before we saw her. I was never so grateful to get in my car and make a run to the store.

As the kids take advantage of snow days, outside on makeshift sleds, cooks take to the kitchen. There is no better time to bake bread, no rush … you can't go anywhere anyway!

Thermador's Rustic Italian BreadRustic Italian Bread by Thermador

Makes 1 large loaf

This recipe requires a bit of patience—the sponge, which gives the bread flavor, must be made 11 to 27 hours before the dough is made. We find it makes the most sense to prepare the sponge (which requires just 5 minutes of hands-on work) the day before you want to bake the bread. On the second day, remove the sponge from the refrigerator and begin step 2 at least 7 hours before you want to serve the bread. If you own two standing mixer bowls, in step 1 you can refrigerate the sponge in the bowl in which it was made. Use the second bowl to make the dough in step 2. Have ready a spray bottle filled with water for misting the loaves.

Ingredients

Sponge
2 cups (11 ounces) bread flour
1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
1cup water, at room temperature

Dough
3 cups (16 1/2 ounces) bread flour, plus more for dusting the work surface and hands
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 1/3 cups water, at room temperature
2 teaspoons salt

1. For the sponge: Combine the flour, yeast, and water in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook. Knead at the lowest speed until the ingredients form a shaggy dough, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the sponge to a medium bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let stand at room temperature until it begins to bubble and rise, about 3 hours. Refrigerate the sponge at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

2. For the dough: Remove the sponge from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature while making the dough. Combine the flour, yeast, and water in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook; knead at the lowest speed until a rough dough is formed, about 3 -minutes. Turn the mixer off and, without removing the dough hook or bowl from the mixer, cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap; let the dough rest 20 minutes.

3. Remove the plastic wrap, add the sponge and salt to the bowl, and continue to knead at the lowest speed until the ingredients are incorporated and the dough is formed (the dough should clear the sides of the bowl but stick to the bottom), about 4 minutes. Increase the mixer speed to medium low and continue to knead until the dough forms a more cohesive ball, about 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a large lightly oiled bowl (at least 3 times the dough’s size) and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a cool, draft-free spot until slightly risen and puffy, about 1 hour.

4. Remove the plastic wrap and leaving dough in the bowl, slide a plastic bench scraper under one side of the dough, gently lifting and folding one third of the dough toward the center. Repeat with opposite side of the dough, and, finally, fold the dough in half, perpendicular to the first folds (so that it resembles a rough square). Replace the plastic wrap; let the dough rise 1 hour. Turn the dough again, replace the plastic wrap, and let the dough rise 1 hour longer.

5. To shape the dough: Dust a work surface liberally with flour. Gently scrape the dough from the bowl and invert onto the work surface (the side of dough that was against the bowl should now be facing up). Dust the dough and your hands liberally with flour and, using minimal pressure, push the dough into a rough 8- to 10-inch square. After delicately pushing the dough into an 8- to 10-inch square, fold the top left corner diagonally to the middle. Repeat this with the top right corner, and begin to gently roll the dough from top to bottom, continuing to roll until the dough forms a rough log. Roll the dough onto its seam and, sliding your hands under each end, transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper. Gently shape the dough into a 16-inch football shape by tucking the bottom edges underneath. Dust the loaf liberally with flour and cover loosely with plastic wrap; let the loaf rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position, place a baking stone on the rack, and heat the oven to 500 degrees.

6. To bake: Using a single-edge razor blade or sharp chef’s knife, cut a slit 1/2 inch deep lengthwise along the top of the loaf, starting and stopping about 1 1/2 inches from the ends; spray the loaf lightly with water. Slide the parchment sheet with the loaf onto a peel or inverted rimmed baking sheet, then slide the parchment with the loaf onto the hot baking stone in the oven. Bake 10 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees and quickly rotate the loaf from front to back using the edges of the parchment; continue to bake until deep golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the loaf reads 210 degrees, about 35 minutes longer. Transfer to a wire rack, discard the parchment, and cool the loaf to room temperature, about 2 hours.

To see a selection of ovens at home in kitchen vignette showrooms, visit a Fine Lines store.



The Kitchen of 2050: No Pots, No Pans

Electrolux Kitchen Concept 2050 Heart of the Home
With the old-fashioned name Heart of the Home, Electrolux unveiled its kitchen of the future at DesignBoost, a gathering of international designers in Stockholm. Interactive, energy-efficient and multi-functional, today's desired design elements were thrust 40 years into the future to produce a vision of utmost minimalism and functionality.

Heart of the Home works as a kitchen table, cooking surface and bar all in one.

According to Electrolux this is a new design concept created for the person driven by culinary curiosity using new technology without removing the essence of cooking. Here's how it works:
  1. Place ingredients on the surface. Heart of the home analyzes the ingredients and displays a list of recipes.
  2. Choose a recipe and use your hand to determine how large the cooking area should be.
  3. Create a virtual pot or pan by pressing on the surface.
  4. Set the temperature and cooking time by touching the surface which has been illuminated with the available ranges for both heat and time.

Heart of the Home was designed to address the impact of a significant increase in urban living. The United Nations projects 74 percent of the world's population of 9 billion in 2050, will live in a city.

In dense conditions, living space will be at a premium. No more 1000 square foot kitchens with separate breakfast nooks and formal dining rooms. Floor space for people will have to take precedence over single purpose appliances, regardless of how well engineered they may be. Henrik Otto, Senior Vice President of Design at Elextrolux said, "The appliances of the future will need to be integrated and adjustable. We won’t have room for a whole host of products each with their own specific function."

Further, sustainability will take on an even more critical role as space and resources shrink. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources will continue to influence Electrolux design.

Otto talked about his overall design philosophy. He said, "I believe in what we at Electrolux call ”Thoughtful Design” which is based on developing and applying consumer insights into all aspects of a product’s design: its functionality, usability and visual appearance. Looking at design language, it is important to me that every shape has a purpose. I’m not much for decoration, rather minimalism." Heart of the Home conforms to these principles.

In closing, Otto said, " We won’t make it without technology: Technology is important today, but it will be a matter of survival in 2050. Technological advances are a prerequisite for us being able to have a sustainable development, environmentally as well as socially.

Electrolux appliances are available at Fine Lines. Though you won't find the futuristic Heart of the Home, you will find a wide range of exceptional appliances designed for today's families.

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa: Cake Off for a Cause

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa launch Cakery to support Ovarian Cancer Research Center
Electrolux is sponsoring a sweet new promotion featuring Kelly Ripa to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. Each day you participate, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF. There are two ways to participate, both accessed through Kelly-confidential.com:

Vote in the Cake Off
 

Five teams of three "bakers" each including IT specialists (computer!), food bloggers and all 'round foodies from across the country gathered in the Electrolux kitchen to create their masterpieces under the watchful eye of TLC's Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro.

Teams of foodies created 5 masterpiece cakes for the Electrolux promotionAll are double tiered, marzipan-covered confections. Cast a vote for your favorite whether that's Take a Bow!, Mod Squad, Snow Day, Fall for Me or Here Comes the Sun. Fall for Me is currently in the lead by a sizeable margin. 
 

Decorate and Send in the Cakery

Visit Kelly's Cakery to decorate a virtual cake and send it to a friend. 

For the more adventurous bakers, Kelly Confidential also offers cake building tips from master cake baker, Buddy Valastro of TLC's "Cake Boss."

Each day you log on and send a cake to a friend, you are automatically entered for a chance to win an Electrolux induction range. The contest runs February 9, 2010 through April 12, 2010. 

Electrolux appliances are available at all Fine Lines locations.
 

Valentine's Day Dessert from Electrolux

Strawberries are a natural for Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day calls for a festive treat and strawberries are a natural. Not only are they red and juicy, slicing the berry makes a natural heart shape, the symbol of one of my favorite holidays.

This simple pound cake from Electrolux is a sweet ending to the meal, whether that's a romantic brunch for two or dinner for the entire family.
 
 
Valentine's Day Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Berries from ElectroluxCream Cheese Pound Cake with Berries
 
Ingredients
2 1/3 cups cake flour
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 large eggs
 
Directions
 
Preheat oven to 350° F. Butter and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan. With an electric mixer, cream the butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Beat in the sugar. Add flour and vanilla, mix on low  to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each egg is added. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place in the middle of a preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for about 15 minutes. Invert onto a cake rack and cool to room temperature. 

Leslie's notes: Cake may be drizzled with a glaze made from powdered sugar and water, flavored with a tablespoon of Kirsch or perhaps 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Tint pink for Valentine's Day. Fill center with berries. Alternately, arrange berries on top and dust with powdered sugar. Serve extra sliced berries and whipped cream alongside if desired. Fine Lines

Electrolux Uses Robots for Energy Savings

ABB robots used by Electrolux to save energy, increase production
Four new robots were recently installed at the Electrolux manufacturing plant in Dudley Park, South Australia, increasing production by 10 percent. The facility can now turn out 2000 high-gloss oven and grill cavities each day. Using robots to control powder coating gun movement, the automated process also saves energy and improves working conditions.

By replacing linear reciprocators with the six axis articulated robots, the system is flexible and allows different types of cavities to be processed at any time, which is critical as the site manufactures over 120 different oven models. The total investment in the powder coating facility will be returned through savings within two years.

Electrolux has been able to achieve substantial energy savings of up to 15 percent when compared to the old production line process. The automated powder coating solution not only saves energy by eliminating the need for the drying process. It also reduced water usage and is helping to increase productivity, achieve savings and improve the health & safety in the workplace.

Electrolux has set their goal to reduce factory emissions by 15 percent by the end of 2012.

According to Electrolux manufacturing engineer, Colin Thomas, “Installing ABB’s robotics equipment on the new coating process has been instrumental in our sustainability success and made a huge contribution to the site’s achievement in reaching its emission reduction goals for the year.”

Electrolux is one of the featured brands of exceptional appliances at Fine Lines.




Electrolux Helps Pro Chefs Introduce Cook It Raw

Cook It Raw with Electrolux
Electrolux hosts media event for Cook It Raw, an international culinary project focusing on green cooking techniques. Like the perfect food and wine pairings, Electrolux sponsored chefs demonstrated food and green pairing is equally appealing in today's eco-sensitive world.

With the participation of a group of avant-garde chefs at Electrolux Professional headquarters in Pordenone, Italy, Cook It Raw was presented to journalists and food critics last month.

The U.S. was represented by  Chef Daniel Patterson of Coi in San Francisco and Chef Dave Chang from New York's Momufuku and joined by chefs, Renè Redzepi from Noma in Copenhagen and Claude Bosi from London's  Hibiscus for  a live demonstration of the cooking concept

“If Cook It Raw is synonymous with cook it green, Electrolux Professional couldn’t be left out of this wonderful initiative”, says Alberto Zanata, Head of Electrolux Professional. “Electrolux Professional has been chosen as one of the preferred partners of this project because our company stands for social responsibility and a sustainable approach. The Green Spirit range is an evidence of it, thus including the most energy efficient and environmentally-sound professional products.”

In its second year, Cook It Raw redefined raw as meaning fresh as well as strong and wild. “Innovation and technology in the kitchen can become tools to highlight the taste and quality of raw ingredients, without altering or manipulating their nature and in compliance with an environmental concern," continued Zanata. "This is just the way we want it to be at Electrolux”.

Electrolux appliances are available at Fine Lines stores.

Come visit hhgreen for eco-friendly newsFind out more about green cooking every Wednesday at hhgreen.com


Halftime Nachos for Sunday from Thermador

Stadium nachos from Thermador perfect for halftime this Sunday
There are 40 concessions stands at Sun Life Stadium in Miami, plenty of food choices for the more than 75,000 fans who will fill the stadium on Sunday. You can bet Stadium Nachos will be a favorite.

Bring that perrenial game day favorite home. Sure to be a crowd pleaser, inexpensive and easy to do. This version from Thermador is a snap to make. Brown the meat ahead of time and reheat covered with foil  with about five minutes to go in the second quarter of the game. When the whistle blows for halftime, proceed with the assembly, a quick heat in the oven and it's on the table before the third quarter starts. Feel free to add additional toppings like sliced olives, diced fresh tomato and sliced avocado.

Nachos Supreme with Three Cheeses (or 4!)

Preparation Time: 20 min.
Oven Mode: Convection Roast/350 degrees F
Rack Position: 3 (third from bottom)
Total Cooking Time: 8 to 9 min.
Servings: 8

8 cups tortilla chips
1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey
1/4 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 cup each shredded Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella cheese or Mexican 4-cheese blend (1 ½ cups total)
1/3 cup sliced green onion
2 Tbsp. minced, drained chilies (fresh or canned), such as green chilie, Jalapeno or Serrano.

Optional toppings: Prepared salsa, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro

1. Place oven rack on position 3 (third from bottom). Preheat oven on Convection Roast/350°F.

2. Arrange chips in a single layer on a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with sides. Heat for 5 minutes; remove from oven.

3. In a skillet, brown ground meat with seasoned salt until no longer pink; drain well. Sprinkle ground meat, cheeses, onion and chilies over chips.

5. Return nachos to oven. Continue to bake just until cheese is melted. Immediately serve hot nachos with desired toppings.

The full line of Thermador appliances can be found at Fine Lines locations.


GE Profile Appliances in the 44th Annual Pillsbury Bake Off

Pillsbury Bake Off Coming on April 11 to Orlando
The 44th Annual Pillsbury Bake Off in Orlando is right around the corner. On April 11 – 13, 100 finalists from 36 different states and the District of Columbia will compete for the $1 million Grand Prize plus $50,000 in additional cash and prizes, including GE Profile appliances. This is the 37th Bake Off to include GE appliances, both in the contestant kitchens and as prizes.

"GE's partnership with the Bake-Off Contest is certainly a great fit," said Jerry Wolff, marketing manager for GE Cooking Products. "Innovation and imagination form the backbone of this competition and create the foundation on which the GE Company stands. Here in this competition are 100 of the most innovative and imaginative culinary minds in the country, cooking on appliances built by a company that continues to bring the best in cooking technology to the market."

Contestants will work at mini-kitchens set up side-by-side on the competition floor. All of the recipe ingredients needed to prepare their recipes will be on hand including the mandatory two products from Pillsbury's lists. 

Most of the products on the primary list are prepared doughs, but Pillsbury flour is an option, a basic ingredient in thousands of recipes. The secondary lists includes products from partners like Green Giant Frozen Vegetables, Jif Peanut Butter, and Hershey's cocoa, baking chips or bits and baking chocolate, expanding the possibilities even further.

We're proud of the 17 finalists who live in one of the five states with a Fine Lines location and wish them the best of luck in the competition.

Florida
"Mamma Mia" Ravioli Bites, JoAnn Belack from Bradenton
Orange-Coconut Tiramisu Tart, Gail Dean from St. Augustine
Apricot-Curry Chicken Sandwiches, Paromita Tomerlin from Flagler Beach
Almond Brownie-Cherry Mousse Torte, Catherine White from West Palm Beach
 
Ohio
Dutch Apple Breakfast Bake, Linda Bibbo from Chagrin Falls
Chocolate-Cherry-Pistachio Brownies, Yolanda Sue Bowser from Solon
"O My Ganache" Cherry Macaroon Torte, Dennis Deel from Wooster, OH
Buffalo Chicken Crescent Puffs, Beth Durnell from Columbus
Four Cheese-Veggie Lasagna Cups, Cindy Egersdorfer from Cuyahoga Falls
Pesto-Quinoa-Spinach Quiche, Katie Erbeck from Cincinnati
Blueberry Muffin Tops, Susan Spicko from Newton Falls
Deep-Dish Chicken Cordon Bleu, Amy Warren from Maineville
 
North Carolina
Sesame-Crouton Asian Chicken Salad, Katie Long from Summerfield
Java-Glazed Cinnamon Rolls, Tammy Love from Dallas
Rancheros Crescent Rounds, Amy Murphy from Huntersville
Mediterranean Breadsticks with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, Sonalee Trivedi from Pineville
 
Alabama
Hot Fudge-Marshmallow Monkey Bread, Bebe Williams from Huntsville
 
hh wants to cook with you on Facebook!The Grand Prize Winner will receive $1,000,000 and a GE Profile Induction Free-Standing Range, plus the winner's choice of an additional $7,000 in additional GE Profile kitchen appliances.  
 
Three Recipe Category Winners will each receive $5,000 and a GE Profile™ Induction Free-Standing Range.  

GE has also sponsored the GE Imagination at Work Award for the most innovative recipe. The winner will receive a set of GE Profile™ stainless steel kitchen appliances.

See all of the GE Profile and Monogram appliances at Fine Lines, the source for creative cooks.

hh says, "Let's get these great cooks on hh Sales Guide on Facebook!"
 
 

Electrolux Rewards New Washer & Dryer Buyers

Electrolux Laundry Collection Get 10% Back
Beginning next week, Electrolux has a special way of sending thank you to consumers who buy any washer or dryer in the Laundry Collection.

For each purchase (limit two per household or one pair), Electrolux will send the purchaser an American Express Gift Card worth 10 percent of the purchase price. With five inspiring colors to choose, even laundry chores may become a little more pleasant.

The Electrolux reward runs February 4 through February 21, 2010. See a Fine Lines Sales Associate for details and the mail-in rebate form.