YOUR HOME FALLPOTSMAGAZINE®THEBEST&PANSFLAVORSINNOVATIVEKITCHENTECHTheKitchenIssue TAYLOR VALENTE Taylor.Valente@Compass.com954.789.0231 ANDREW DITTOE Andrew.Dittoe@Compass.com954.647.2900 Compliments of
If you have been thinking about buying or selling a home, now is the time and we are your home team! Interest rates are still historically low and buyers remain aggressive, making the market prime for you as a Seller. So, why wait? Abode Group’s success is built on the kind of innovative marketing techniques you need to get your home sold for top dollar. What’s more, we’ve been selling homes in Lauderdale by the Sea and its surrounding areas for over ten years and are very familiar with our home turf. Call us or just pop in to talk to one of our agents soon. We can guide you through the selling process or examine all the exciting new possibilities of home ownership! Andrew and Taylor
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ANDREW DITTOE Andrew.Dittoe@Compass.com954.647.2900 TAYLOR VALENTE Taylor.Valente@Compass.com954.789.0231
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 1 2 breathtaking in bonita springs Beach town flair in a stunning high-rise 10 splurge or save Upgrade your kitchen with these great gadgets 14 olive oil What to look for in this historic kitchen staple 16 art house style An exquisite artfilled home that is a masterpiece itself 24 go with the flow Organizing your kitchen by work zones 28 a cut above The best knives for every home chef 30 island time A newly renovated home on Marco Island 38 top picks The best in barware for your home 40 cookwarecurated Stylish and functional pots and pans to make cooking a breeze 43 oktoberfest Hearty and delicious fall-themed recipes contents SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022 28 40 16 Your Home Magazine is published by Your Home Magazine, Inc © Copyright 2022. All right reserved. All prices, specs, and financing rates & terms are subject to change without notice. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Advertisers in Your Home Magazine should not be considered referred or endorsed by Your Home Magazine or any other advertiser. If your home is currently listed, this is not an offer to list your home. PUBLISHER Channing Spano ART DIRECTOR Tarra Wood PRESIDENT Tony Spano CONTRIBUTINGWRITERS Oliver Nash Andrea G. Rollin YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® LET US FEATURE YOUR HOME PRODUCTS AND SERVICES We are always on the lookout for new and innovative products and services that our readers would enjoy knowing about for their fine homes. Give us a call at 239.235.3170 or email at info@yhmagazine.com to discuss how effective content marketing can be for your company. Your Home Magazine® is sent to you courtesy of the real estate professional(s) that specialize in your neighborhood. If you’d like to change your mailing preferences, please email us at info@yhmagazine.com. connect with us yhmagazine | @yhmagazineinc | www.yhmagazine.com
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BY ANDREA G. ROLLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK BETHEM GOING UP
BEACH TOWN FLAIR EXEMPLIFIED IN A STUNNING HIGH-RISE
“The owners wanted to customize every area of the home and maximize the potential that each area had to offer,” Elizabeth Manchego points out. “She wanted to make sure that her personality was reflected—she likes color and is whimsical—while he wanted to make sure the condo had a transitional look and that every area was cohesive with the other.” The end result was a transitional coastal home that maximized the potential of each area to the fullest yet customized the entire residence to their lifestyle. “We agreed to carry muted shades of blue with a neutral background blended with different tones of blue,” explains Manchego.
G ENTLE GULF BREEZES beckon residents and visitors alike to the friendly town of Bonita Springs. Those fortunate enough to live here, like the owners of a luxurious high-rise condominium in Altaira at The Colony at Pelican Landing, enjoy all of the treasures this relaxing area presents. The spacious 3,573-square-foot 17th-floor sky home showcases three bedrooms and a den, 3-1/2 baths, and an enormous great room with open kitchen and glass walls, perfect for viewing serene sunrises and sunsets. Custom window treatments and wallpaper, a striking black stone island kitchen, Thermador appliances with gas cook top, French oak doors in the master bedroom and den, exquisite lighting in every room, and custom closet build outs are just a handful of the attractions that comprise this extra-special home. Building amenities include a 24-hour concierge, an inviting infinity-edge pool complete with pavilion and cabanas, a 3,000-square-foot social room, fire pit, and rooftop terrace. Add to those conveniences Bay Club waterfront dining, a 34-acre island beach with boat shuttle, kayak/canoe park and availability of equity golf. Diana Hall, president and lead designer of Diana Hall Design in Naples, teamed up with her associate, licensed designer Elizabeth Manchego, to create tthis ideal redesign.
How much more extravagant can you get than a private elevator that transports guests and family in grand style? The entire foyer, leading from the elevator to the front door, is called a ‘jewel box’ by Hall and her team and features woodworking detail on all four walls of the entrance. “We applied a mica wallpaper that was sparkly, again capturing the owner’s whimsical nature, and custom designed a floating shelf that has a drawer,” says Diana Hall. The artwork, tranquil in shades of blue by Benson and Cobb, is flanked by two sconces by Fine Art Lighting. A stylish crystal ceiling chandelier, created by Elegant Lighting, adds another touch of glamor.
BREATHTAKING IN BONITA SPRINGS
LAID-BACK LIFESTYLE
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Carrying the pastel and neutral color palette into the living room, a colossal, curved Vanguard sofa, chosen to maximize the space, encourages lively dialogue. A distinctive area rug, knotted with shades of blue, enriches the room with color, while a curved Vanguard sofa table beautifully blends with the lines of the sofa. The glasstopped end table, to the right of the sectional, was created by Bernhardt and combines wood and metal for a sleek, updated look. The swivel chair, called a ‘tipsy’ swivel chair, was designed by Fairfield with a wood plinth base. The TV console is by John Richards; vistas beyond, like Estero Bay, are unveiled from the outside main balcony. “The views are spectacular from the living room, so we wanted to create a design that complemented the views and didn’t take away from the natural beauty outside,” Manchego expresses. “By adding an upholstered cocktail ottoman, it makes TV viewing more cozy and comfortable.”
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WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
The daughter’s bedroom (one of three bedrooms) is open and bright with its pastel color scheme and picturesque views of the outside landscape. Showcased are a wing-upholstered king-sized bed with faux blue accent pillows and upholstered benches at the foot for character. White raffia lacquered nightstands by Bungalow 5 are the perfect place to hold cube-shaped lamps of metal and marble by Port 68. Interesting blue artwork blends with the palette of the room.
Enticing neutral-hued barrel chairs, manufactured by Wesley Hall, are set around a whimsical, “playful” mesh cocktail table in the sitting area, purposely designed to add character and not disrupt the room. Situated between the dining room and living room, the space spotlights a round pendant light fixture that drops, and swivel chairs with colorful pillows. The area rug brims with color shades of minty green and spa blue, with purple undertones. Nearby ‘Mermaid’ drink tables, called that for their mermaid color, are as interestingly iridescent as they are well-placed. One of Diana Hall’s favorite rooms, the fun factor here is apparent. A picturesque, panoramic view of the mangroves on Hickory Island and Estero Bay, with the Gulf beyond, is framed with draw draperies that traverse in a sheer fabric with a geometric pattern.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
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Kitchen Items for Everyone Great appliances in the kitchen can help you whip up great new meals. From top-of-the-line ovens to fantastic fridges, or smaller items that save you time and make your day better, this issue takes a look at what’s new and what will actually improve your life in the kitchen. This is a space that can quickly become cluttered since so many items can fill your cabinets and pantries, never to be used again after their first time out of the box. There are also larger purchases that may or may not be worth the price tag, so we’ve compiled some of the most “worth it” items that we think should make their way into your kitchen.
For $199, this unique and highly functional coffee maker brews coffee pods faster than the leading K-Cup machine, while also giving you the option to brew a super-rich coffee concentrate to create delicious lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
Waking up to a good cup of coffee or sitting down to a lovely afternoon espresso and having the ability to make both in the comfort of your own home is a real joy. With so many to choose from, we have picked two that we think are worth their price tags based on reviews and functions. These two coffee/espresso machines will turn out a delicious cup, turning you into an expert home barista.
Budget Friendly Ninja CFP301 DualBrew 12-Cup Coffee Maker
The Ninja features dual coffee makers for grounds and pods with multiple brew sizes. You can also select from four brewing strengths: Classic, Rich, Over Ice or Specialty. A built-in, fold-away frother turns hot or cold milk into silky-smooth froth and is removable for easy cleaning. www.ninjakitchen.com
Splurge Worthy
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Profitec Pro 300 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
Save Splurgeor
For an avid home barista or for someone wanting to learn how to craft the perfect cappuccino, the Profitec Pro 3000 by Clive Coffee is as stylish as it is functional. At $1,799, its larger price tag is worth it with an average of 4.9 stars and a list of happy customers. The Profitec Pro 300 makes competitive dual boiler performance more attainable with a minimalist design, small footprint, temperature control, and boilers that warm up in ten minutes. A perfect espresso machine for cappuccino and espresso lovers alike. Customizable with handmade hardwoods add to the beautiful design. www.clivecoffee.com
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The stars of the show, your oven and cooktop are integral to your success in the kitchen. Older ovens can struggle to heat evenly. There’s nothing worse than half your dish being cooked at a different rate than the other half in an oven that won’t heat properly. When it comes to the stovetop, again, you want something that will heat evenly and will get pans to a hot temperature so you can evenly sear and fry as needed. These two products are well-loved online and offer everything you want in an oven and cooktop at two different price points.
Budget Friendly GE 30 in. 6.6 cu. ft. Double Oven Electric Range
Splurge Worthy Viking VGR5486GSS Series 5 With almost 40 years of experience, Viking is a leader in high-end kitchen appliances. Their large collection of freestanding ranges means there is an option that will work for you and your home. A favorite in luxury kitchens, their 5 Series is an option that will take your kitchen to new heights. With Viking features like the VSH™ Pro Sealed Burner System, Porcelainized Cooking Surface, Gourmet-Glo™ Gas Infrared Broiler, and TruGlide™ Full Extension Rack, the 5 Series is a fantastic and stylish kitchen workhorse. Available for both propane and natural gas, the double oven gives you plenty of space to work as you turn out gourmet meals or the best frozen pizza you’ve ever had. www.appliancesconnection.com
If you’ve never owned a double oven then you need to give it a try. GE’s budget-friendly double oven electric range offers the ease and consistency of convection along with a Power Boil Element and Fifth Element Warming Zone. This oven comes with a steam cleaning setting that cleans the oven cavity in a 30-minute cycle with less odor and heat. The fast preheat technology is great for when you forget to turn on the oven and the double oven lets you cook multiple items at the same time thanks to its large capacity. www.homedepot.com
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A good refrigerator should not only keep your food fresh, it should offer you a welldesigned place to store and organize your groceries so you can get the most out of your weekly shopping. We all know the pain of not having enough storage space in our refrigerators, so here are two well-loved options that will fit any budget and will help your kitchen reach its full potential.
Budget Friendly Samsung 28.2 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Steel Samsung’s large capacity refrigerator is beautifully designed with sleekedge doors, and EZ open handles. It features a completely redesigned interior with 28 cu. ft. capacity that fits more groceries than previous models. The clean lines and modern form blend beautifully into your kitchen while the fingerprint resistant finish means you spend less time cleaning. Multi-vent technology keeps items on every shelf evenly cooled and large drawer space offers enough storage for party platters, deli items, beverages and more. www.homedepot.com
Splurge Worthy Dacor DRF427500AP This high tech and beautiful fridge offers top-of-the-line functionality. The Dacor has a 42 inch Smart Counter Depth with 23.5 cu. ft. of total capacity. It is WiFi enabled with an iQ RemoteView Camera, so you can easily see what’s in your refrigerator as you make your shopping list or take a last minute trip to the grocery store. Five large glass shelves offer plenty of storage and organization space. It also features an internal water dispenser, crisper drawer, Energy Star Certification, ice maker, 3D LED lighting, FreshZone Drawer, and Triple Cooling technology. www.appliancesconnection.com
Budget Friendly DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer
The Cadillac of air fryers, the new Breville Joule Oven connects to an app for the ultimate, convenient cooking experience. The app brings the advantages of remote oven control with real time progress monitoring and gives you access to an expanding library of video recipes. The generously-sized oven also features 13 smart presets–including roast, air fry, dehydrate, and pizza. It boasts two convection modes, precise and even heating, and a built-in light for enhanced visibility. www.williams-sonoma.com
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With over 27,000 reviews and 4.6 stars on Amazon, this much loved, compact air fryer comes in six colors and two different size options. Coming in at just under $50 for the smaller size option, this is the perfect fit for smaller kitchens or for someone who just wants to test out an air fryer to make sure it works with their cooking routine. The crisper basket allows for greater surface area inside, so food gets crispier, faster. This air fryer is energy efficient and won’t heat up your kitchen like a traditional oven.
With all the hype surrounding them, air fryers can feel like a trendy option but they are a great appliance to have in your kitchen. Basically countertop convection ovens, they quickly and evenly cook almost everything from “hard boiled eggs” to juicy and tender steaks. Here are two great options to consider whether you’re adding an air fryer to your home or upgrading the one you already have.
www.amazon.com
Splurge Worthy Breville Joule® Oven Air Fryer Pro
The next thing to consider when purchasing is the bottle. Light, heat, and air are the enemies of olive oil so you want to look for a dark bottle, especially if you are purchasing EVOO. The dark bottle will better protect it from the light. If you do find oil stored in a clear bottle (and some of the world’s best oils are), those bottles will be protected by a box. Once you’ve purchased an olive oil, make sure you store it in a pantry or kitchen cupboard and not your counters with direct sunlight.
You should also check the olive oil bottle for any signs of drips or leaking, dust, a broken seal, or an orange tint, and avoid purchasing if any of these conditions exist. Always try an olive oil before you buy if you have the opportunity. Fresh EVOO should smell and taste like fresh olives with a grassy, green flavor. Some varieties can also have a fruity taste. If it’s rancid you’ll know because it may taste of crayons or rancid walnuts. And if you taste a peppery bite, bitterness, or even pungency, that’s a good thing and indicates the oil is rich in phenols and polyphenols. These more peppery oils pair well with foods. When purchasing an olive oil, read the fine print. First, check the ‘best by’ date and remember the fresher the olive oil, the better.
A KITCHEN STAPLE for thousands of years, good olive oil is the foundation of great food across the globe. Thought of as a Mediterranean staple, wild olives originated in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) around 6,000 years ago. Olive oil has had many applications throughout history including religious rituals, medicines, lamp fuel, soap-making, and skincare routines. Modern olive trees likely originated in ancient Persia and Mesopotamia, spreading towards Syria and Israel in the Mediterranean Basin, then cultivated and later introduced to North Africa. However, there are some scholars who think olive cultivation began with the Ancient Egyptians since olives have been found in Egyptian tombs from as far back as 2,000 BC. No matter where they originated, olives and the oil they produce have had a profound impact on history. Crowns of olive branches were even given to athletes during the ancient Olympic Games and athletes rubbed olive oil on their bodies before and after the competition to prepare for a massage. Religion also helped cement the olive tree and olive oil in popular culture with the “liquid gold” playing a key role in Greek mythology. The god Aristaeus was thought responsible for the spread of the oil throughout the Balkan Peninsula, the Aegean Sea, and later Sardinia and Sicily. During the age of the Roman Empire, the use of olive oil began to expand throughout the Mediterranean until it reached Hispania, or modern day Spain. Today, not all olive oils are created equal, so here are a few things to consider when selecting one for your kitchen. A good place to start is understanding what the term “extra-virgin” (EVOO) means. This refers to olive oil that’s extracted from the olive by mechanical means only, with no chemicals or heat. It signifies that the oil was cold pressed from the first pressing of olives, which means it’s the purest, least acidic oil. It’s stable and safe to cook with and is considered the best olive oil for your health. EVOO retains most of its antioxidant properties when heated and used to cook within normal cooking situations. If you are trying to find an unprocessed olive oil, pay attention to key terms. Anything that says “light tasting,” or if the bottle just says “olive oil,” without the virgin or extra-virgin, then you know the oil has gone through a refining process that includes heat and maybe chemicals. With that in mind, it’s also best to buy organic, when possible.
Experts suggest avoiding bottles without a date as you are risking purchasing an olive oil that’s less than fresh. An oil with a ‘pressed on’ or ‘harvest date’ is likely to be a higher quality oil. Inexpensive oils labeled “Product of Italy” are more than likely not actually from Italy.
Companies are required to label an oil’s source but a loophole allows them to only say where it was bottled. That means low quality oil from all around the world can be labeled as being from Italy. Look carefully on the back label for the initials of the true country of origin. You want oil that has only one country of origin and if you can find one with the name of the producer, estate, or the variety of olive used, you have found a quality product.
OLIVE OIL What to Look for in This Historic Kitchen Staple 14 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE®
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STYLE
entrez-vous
Photography by Matt Steeves Art House
Another unique feature of the home was their focus on rooms other than the kitchen. “This is a space they use but they wanted it to take a backseat to the other main living areas, something that many people aren’t interested in doing currently,” says Rose. “The kitchen is still a fantastic space, but the focus is on the fabulous dining area and the great room. Both really showcase their excellent taste and eye for beautiful art and home decor.”
A beautiful, new construction home located on Florida’s East Coast, the contemporary design found inside is a testament to what happens when a designer listens to a client and helps them masterfully tackle their vision. When the owners reached out to Clive Daniel Home Interior Designer Nubia Rosa, they requested a modern, comfortable design with clean lines and pops of shimmer and flashes of color. The couple had an incredible art collection to work with, so Rosa knew she needed to create a space with a gallery feel in order to showcase their much loved purchases. Each room has incredible backgrounds that showcase their favorite paintings, photographs, and sculptures.
The home is elegantly appointed with custom finishes, art, and furniture making it a truly personal space for the owners. “They love color and during the design process were very clear in their desire to have color in their home,” Rose explains. “Blue and red became the two dominant colors based on their personal preferences and you can see them both throughout.” Rose had to find a way to bring those colors together in a cohesive way while not overwhelming the eye with the rich colors. Her solution throughout was to focus on one color at a time and then add an accent of the secondary color into the room to bring in the couple’s personal taste.
The dramatic entry wall greets the family and their guests. This space was created to set the tone for the entire home, evoking a sense of sophistication and elegance. “I wanted this to feel like a gallery space since this couple loves art and has such a great collection of their own,” Rose says. The entry’s focal point is the unique wall of 24x24 inch tiles, individually set to create a pattern with organic movement. Rose placed a bench against the opposite wall as a nod to galleries and museum seating around the world, and hung two abstract pieces above with a splash of color to balance the metallic tone of the tiled wall.
By Channing Spano |
“We were working on the home during the height of the pandemic, so we had our consultations and picked all the finishes and colors over Zoom and FaceTime,” says Rose. “I would get samples and then send them to the owners so they could see them in person and make their decisions. It was challenging but we made it work and I think the end product we created speaks for itself.”
sleek surroundings
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A functional and attractive space, the kitchen was designed to melt into the background of the home. “We chose high gloss white cabinetry to match the contemporary theme of the home but also to create a space that didn’t overwhelm the main living areas since this is an open concept floor plan,” explains Rose. A line of barstools add a hint of color and texture to the sleek space thanks to their chrome and silver combination.
contemporary seating
In the dining room, classic lines and modern textures play together to create a beautiful space to entertain. The acrylic dining table is reminiscent of a long farmhouse table but the clear base surrounded by chrome and velvet chairs create a very contemporary scene. Blue velvet adds a beautiful amount of color and richness to the space while chrome and silver accents on the wall and in the linear chandelier add glamor to the dining room. Since this is a one story home, Rose created a reflective surface on the ceiling to help heighten and brighten the dining and great room. Light is bounced throughout the space and the reflection of the pool adds movement.
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 19 focal point Rose continued her bold vision in the living room where she used a vivid, crystalline mural wallpaper. She says, “The owners loved the color and the texture, but due to how impactful the design of the wallpaper is, I decided it needed to be scaled. I used it as statement art rather than as a complete feature wall.” The comfortable curved sofa is decked with bold blue fabric and topped with throw pillows in a matching color with geometric details. Across the room, the slateclad fireplace offers a focal point while the organic movement of the stone acts as art in its own right. “The owners weren’t interested in having TV in this space so I was able to create a feature wall out of the uninterrupted, large format tiles of the stone on the fireplace,” says Rose. A dry bar with glass shelves and mirrors provides an area to entertain guests and storage for this important room. The armchair with rounded back offers seating and adds another pop of chrome into the space with its unique honeycomb design.
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modern life Just off the kitchen, the media room offers a more casual space for the owners and their daughter to relax. In this room Rose added pops of reds accompanied by gray and silver tones to tie in the other main rooms. “Almost all of the furniture in the home is custom so I had the ability to add fun details throughout, like the red piping you see here on the sofa,” says Rose. Rose took great care in making sure the furniture in the home was as beautiful as it was functional, picking things like the coffee table, a modular piece that can be moved around the room as needed. Against an accent wall of elegant wallpaper, a floating entertainment stand features an industrial texture in keeping with the modern theme of the home. A whimsical chandelier and an area rug with thin and organic lines finish the space.
On the ceiling, applied molding was added to both create visual interest and to break up the line of the dark color. “The room is large, so having much of the space painted in one color, any color really, could begin to feel like it was too much,” says Rose.
“Using molding adds one more great element to the room but also softens the color.” Layered textures and luxe fabrics, like those found on the crushed velvet covered arm chairs, keep the space both intimate and fashionable.
accentscurated The master bath was kept sleek with mushroomcolored cabinetry, chrome accents, and muted, yet impactful, tile. Simple lighting and accessory choices help to create a cohesive space. Used throughout the room, the tile creates a seamless transition as the eye moves around the room while the different shapes and sizes of the tiles in the shower provide definition as well.
The tone of the dark walls and ceilings were pulled from the subtle accent in the drapes as Rose worked backwards to create this cozy, yet glamorous space.
approachmasterful
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“I knew after talking to the owners that they wanted something really special in their master suite, so I approached them with the idea of doing a dark and moody color that would create a warm feeling in this large room,” says Rose.
natural life
The home’s outdoor spaces are as elegantly appointed as the ones found inside. “That indoor/outdoor lifestyle is so important in Florida, so we focused on creating an entertaining area that worked for the family as well as any parties they might want to host here,” says Rose. The owners wanted two seating areas, so Rose picked a dining table flanked with woven back chairs and a long bench. She also added a bar-height table with a set of matching chairs under simple art. On the left wall, the grill has been set in a bank of cabinets for storage and there is plenty of counter space for prep and serving. Behind the grill Rose chose a large slab of porcelain both for its durability and its beauty. “It’s easier to clean than stone or tile because there are no grout lines, but it acts as a beautiful piece of art,” she explains.
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family time Rose created the perfect fire pit area by selecting this dramatic sofa with an arched back and canopy design. “The basket-like frame is perfect for this outdoor setting and since this is a side of the house that faces the neighbors, the design also provides a bit of privacy,” says Rose. The round matching table in the middle can be moved around the space for serving s’mores and the home’s full outdoor lighting package illuminates the area when it’s too hot for the gas fire pit.
Well Loved, Most Used
Store Items Accordingly Now that you know where your zones are, setting up your cabinets and drawers will be a breeze because you will put them away based on those zones. Cutting boards and knives go in the prep zone while pots and pans should be as close to the stove as possible. Things you wash everyday, like your dishes and coffee mugs should be put near the cleaning zone so you don’t have to trek across the kitchen each time you empty your dishwasher or drainboard. To help you make decisions on what items should go where, take stock of what you use regularly in each phase of cooking and cleaning and make sure those are the things most easily accessible. For example, you probably use your knives to chop and slice a range of food items more than you use your mandolin or food processor, so prioritize storage and placement for knives. Same for things like spices. You use salt and pepper daily, but probably aren’t cooking with cinnamon regularly, so keep that in mind.
There are three main zones and two sub zones to think about when setting up a kitchen. The first is your prep zone. This, as the name suggests, is where you will be preparing your food for cooking so this space is usually the island or the largest area of countertop. This space should be kept clear of other small appliances and kitchen equipment and should be easy to clean. Make sure this zone has easy access to your oven and stove so you can quickly move chopped items to pans or filled casserole dishes into the oven. The second zone is cooking. Once you’ve prepped, it’s time to cook so this area will include ovens, your stove, and microwave. If possible, this will also be where you place things like a crockpot or air fryer when you use them to keep them out of your other kitchen zones. The third main zone is cleaning. Your sink and dishwasher should be housed here. The two subzones are your food storage, like your pantry and fridge, and non-food storage, i.e. cabinets where you store dishes and glasses.
Stay Organized Now that you’ve figured out your zones and where you will be storing your different kitchen items and products, it’s time to make sure you put the proper organization into place. There are clever solutions that will help you create user-friendly drawers, cabinets, and pantries.
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The items you use every day should be at eye level, easily accessible, and close to your cleaning zone. This category includes dishes and bowls, mugs, drinking glasses, and flatware. The key to creating a wellorganized kitchen is to maximize the vertical space in your cabinets and pantry. Look for shelf inserts you can place inside your cabinets to add another level of storage. This will double the amount of space you have and keep your important items visible so you can quickly access them. You can also add racks to your cabinets that will suspend your wine glasses, opening up shelf space for other items. For flatware and serving utensils, use drawer inserts to keep everything organized and in place for easy access. There are so many great options from clear plastic inserts to ones that will match the color of your drawers and they come in a range of prices to fit all budgets.
Define Your Zones
Ranging in price from $100 to a few thousand, something is bound to fit any budget. Stores like The Container Store and Home Depot offer DIY products while local companies will come and install your system for you, so keep the cost of installation in mind when you are shopping.
If you are unable to redo your pantry, don’t worry. Here are some great storage ideas that will help transform this important space with very little effort and money. Make sure your dry goods are visible. Store grains, pasta, coffee, and flour in clear containers so you can easily see what you have on hand before shopping. It also creates a more uniform look inside the pantry. Unlike the different shapes and sizes of the original boxes and bags, clear containers can also stack so you can utilize the vertical space. These airtight containers will also keep your foods fresher longer.
The pantry is an area where organization and good setup is essential. From canned goods to snacks, paper plates to tea, pantries can serve as a catch-all for many kitchens and space is usually at a premium. You probably also store some smaller appliances in your pantry so it really is a multipurpose space. If your pantry has the original, builder-grade wire shelves, adding an organization system is going to create the best possible storage solution.
Miscellaneous Areas
If you have a home office or a homework space in the kitchen, this area will also benefit from some baskets and canisters. Drawer organizers made specifically for offices will help keep pens and paper handy. On the desk, add a cord organizer to keep the smaller counter space uncluttered.
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Don’t forget to organize areas that aren’t immediately categorized into a specific zone in the kitchen, like an office cubby or under the sink. These areas can get filled with junk, cords, paperwork, and cleaning supplies, so setting up a good organization system is helpful. Use crates and boxes under the sink to hold cleaning supplies—look for materials that won’t warp or rust when they are wet or if there is a spill or leak. If you keep your trash under your kitchen sink, consider investing in a pull out system that will help you keep recycling and trash separate. You can also use a rail to hang cleaning towels and baskets for sponges opening up the cabinet floor for more storage.
Use crates and baskets to house products that are commonly used together, like baking supplies or oils and vinegars. These items are difficult to stack, so placing them in their own bins helps keep your pantry uncluttered. Add shelf inserts so you have a variety of heights and can use more vertical space. As suggested for cabinets, freestanding shelves in your pantry can help you store more and keep your sightlines open for quick and easy access. There are also tiered shelves available so you can give your canned goods a “stadium view” which helps you quickly find what you’re looking for each time you open your pantry.
Optimize Your Pantry
Another way to take advantage of the vertical space in your pantry is to hang things where you can. Add wall hooks to keep items like brooms and mops up and out of the way. You can also use rods with hooks to hang baskets above shelves to give you more storage space.
of nitrogen-treated, premium metal, this knife will become the star in your kitchen. www.madeincookware.com
Every chef knows the quality of their knives plays an important role in the quality of their food. Dull knives will squash food, tearing the fibers which can create an uneven, almost grainy texture. They can also damage cell walls in your ingredients, changing the taste. Using dull knives to cut vegetables puts unnecessary stress on them and can lead to the loss of nutrients. Sharp knives reduce the risk of bacterial growth and keep your vegetables from softening before you have a chance to cook them. Before you prepare your next big meal, make sure your knives are ready for the job.
SHUN HIKARI 7-PIECE KNIFE BLOCK SET Named Hikari after the Japanese word for illumination, the masterfully crafted, award-winning knives in this set are distinguished by their stunning pakkawood handles and “hornet’s nest” pattern. Extraordinarily sharp with a long-lasting edge, the blades have micro-serrations that reduce friction for clean, effortless slices that enhance the flavor of the food. The set includes five essential knives, as well as a dual-textured honing steel and solid birch block for eye-catching display and easy access. 7-Piece Set includes a 4” paring knife, 6” utility knife, 6” chef’s knife, 8” chef’s knife, 9” bread knife, 9” honing steel, and an 8-slot storage block. www.crateandbarrel.com
28 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® A CUT ABOVE
MESSERMEISTER OLIVA ELITE 6 PIECE MAGNET BLOCK SET
This knife line is one-piece, hot-drop hammer forged, which produces the strongest blade from heel to tip, handcrafted in the historic cutlery capital of Solingen, Germany. The threestep, 15° Elite edge is hand-stropped on a cloth wheel, creating the sharpest possible cutting surface on an edged tool. The bolsterless heel simplifies all cutting, sharpening, and honing tasks, making use of the entire blade. The Messermeister Oliva
The stainless-steel handle is seamlessly constructed and textured for a good grip. Crafted to professional standards, this knife is lightweight yet perfectly balanced.
Maximum versatility, minimum counter space. These are the essential knives you need to start cooking better. The set comes in a 3, 5, and 7 piece option for all your home chef needs. www.misen.com
GLOBAL CLASSIC CHEF’S KNIFE
Combining the duties of both a chef’s knife and a cleaver, this santoku is deftly proportioned for precision tasks like mincing and paper-thin slicing. The high-carbon steel blade has shallow oval-shaped depressions along the cutting edge that keep foods from adhering to it. They are also precision forged from a single piece of sturdy highcarbon steel that resists stains and corrosion. The blade’s hollow-edge depressions reduce friction and minimize sticking while Wüsthof’s Precision Edge Technology (PEtec) ensures a 20% sharper blade with twice the edge retention. The polypropylene handle is contoured for a comfortable grip.
WÜSTHOF CLASSIC HOLLOW-EDGE SANTOKU KNIFE
Made to the exacting standards of Japanese professional chefs, Global’s award-winning knives are an excellent choice for the discerning home cook. This knife’s long razor-sharp blade is suited to virtually any cutting task, from dicing vegetables to quartering a chicken. The stamped blades are made of exceptionally hard Cromova 18 high-carbon stainless steel and ice-tempered to resist corrosion.
SANTOKU HARUTA 67 LAYER DAMASCUS STEEL KITCHEN KNIVES
Haruta-kyokuto Series is made with a V Gold core steel with 67-layers of steel composite folded and forged over the top, making for solid, tough knives. Along with a beautiful finish on the blades and a gorgeous oval pakkawood handle to truly complement the seamless finish. Damascus blades are made out of carbon steel with small amounts of chromium in the alloy. While high in carbon steel, the blade can show rust if not cared for. You should keep the blades clean and dry to avoid rust or staining. us.santokuknives.co.uk
MISEN ESSENTIAL KNIFE SET
BY OLIVER NASH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLUMARBLE PRODUCTIONS, LLC. A Newly Renovated Condo on The Gulf Island TimeIsland Time
L OCATED WITHIN THE EXCLUSIVE Marco Island Community of Cape Marco, this condominium in the Tampico was built in 1994. With a total of 3,153 square feet and 27 years of wear and tear, this unit offered an incredible opportunity to give this home a much-deserved face lift. Working very closely with the owners, the wonderful team at J. Sweet Construction completed the demolition and reconstruction in less than five months. “We have a very limited amount of time to work in condos,” stated the Job Superintendent, Brian Buckler. “We have a talented team of professionals who we can count on to do quality work within a tight time frame.”
J. Sweet Construction worked with the owner not only on the style and decorative touches of the home, but also the architectural plans as well. With this project started and completed within the summer of 2021, supply chain issues presented many problems, but quick and creative solutions were always found to keep the project on track. The overall goal of the project was to take an outdated space that was dark and closed off, and open it up to the rich views of the Gulf of Mexico, allowing a graceful flow for the eye and body to wander. With its modern coastal design, this refreshed condo boasts a minimalist look with the beachy, cool-toned aesthetic of coastal styles. It incorporates whites and creams with accents of beach and sky blues and placement of minimal, yet intentional, décor items. As you move from room to room you will notice the continuity of colors, styles and textures, all tied together with the same large format tile flooring throughout. Each room has its own charm and appeal, but they all speak the same language. This theme interwoven throughout the rooms is a prime example of thoughtful design, which this home truly exemplifies.
The favorite design element is the style and openness of the floorplan. On one side of the kitchen, you have the entertainment room and sit-down breakfast bar, while on the other side an open dining room that leads to the wet bar and living area. From one end to the other, one enjoys a spectacular view of the beautiful island of Marco and the pristine beach and Gulf. It is a pleasure to cook in this open kitchen with friends and family all while experiencing the feeling of the beach as part of the living space. With more than 25 years of experience, J. Sweet Construction brings a vast knowledge of general contract work to each project they tackle. Specializing in custom new and single family home and condominium remodels, they’ve got what it takes to get the job done right and pride themselves on their range of completed projects in the Southwest Florida area.
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The original kitchen floorplan remains largely unchanged, but the way the space is now utilized creates a totally different room, perfect for quick bites or elaborate meals. Thoughtfully placed cabinets offer much more storage than the originals and the larger island is topped with a matching stone counter with the bar in the great room for continuity. The wood used on the island also matches the dry bar in the great room. Above, the ceiling was modernized and squared off and recessed lighting was added to make the space more functional. A stacked microwave and oven offer more cooking space. Originally, a wall next to the refrigerator created an L shape between the kitchen and the dining room. That was removed to open the flow of the rooms making the space feel larger than the original layout.
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 33 Clean & Bright
Cozy & Comfortable
34 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE®
The entertainment room is just off the kitchen, creating a cozy place for family to gather close to the hub of the home. J. Sweet Construction modernized the space by cleaning up the walls and painting them in a cool tone, and by adding beams to the ceiling for visual detail. Painted in the same refreshing color, the beams are coastal yet modern. Comfortable seating was added, along with accents, like the marbled rug, which bring in a pop of blue from both the outside and the great room. Stools with woven backs offer seating at the breakfast bar and tie the two rooms together. Thanks to the removal of the unnecessary and non-structural walls, the sightlines in the home are unobstructed from the entertaining space to the great room, offering beautiful views from every room
The master bathroom’s layout has been updated to reflect the needs of today’s homeowner. The original bathroom focused on a large tub, leaving little room for counter space and storage. The remodeled bath now offers a beautiful double sink vanity with a tall center cabinet and plenty of drawer space. The old tub and small shower have been removed and reworked to create a large and functional shower with frameless glass doors. The same tile has been used on the walls of the shower and the floor of the bathroom to create a seamless transition for the eye.
Calm & Restful
New & Relaxing
The master bedroom’s simple yet impactful design once again emphasizes the blue, white, and cream theme. Here, navy blue is used to create a more subtle and restful appeal. A cloth-clad headboard and frame is accented with nailhead details and flanked by nightstands with a solid base and glass top. Double mirrors keep the symmetry of the space while a rug with splashes of color anchors the room. The main bedroom also features gold metals accents for a touch of glamor.
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Contemporary & Welcoming
The first of two guest rooms is a beautiful space with an impactful accent wall covered in modern wallpaper with a classic appeal. The blue botanical print is perfect for the condo’s coastal location and is a wonderful backdrop for the crisp white linen and wood bed frame perched on a simple navy and white striped rug. A pop of natural wood is achieved by the flanking nightstands and colorful, coastal art finishes the space.
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 37
Simple & Warm
The second guest room features a unique set of woven headboards placed against a slate blue accent wall. Attractive bedding complemented by earthy tones offers a relaxed feel, perfect for guests coming in after a day at the beach. Another navy and white striped rug has been used in this room, with contrasting design for a customized feel. Sliding shades open to reveal an outdoor space with comfortable seating. Simple furniture and nautical accents are perfect in this well-appointed bedroom.
TOP PICKS Cocktails are the perfect companion to great dinners, parties, or relaxing evening on the couch. Here are a few fun and practical items to add to your bar cart to make your next mixology session even better. cheers! 1 3 4 2
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 39 1. MOROCCAN HANDCRAFTED RECYCLED GLASS PITCHER $39.50; potterybarn.com 2. BILLIE AMETHYST DOUBLE OLD-FASHIONED GLASS $10.95; crateandbarrel.com 3. RABBIT RBT WINE DECANTER $99.95; crateandbarrel.com 4. SIMPLE BRASS COCKTAIL SHAKER & BAR SET $138; food52.com 5. IVV ITALIAN RETRO GLASSWARE $55-68; food52.com 6. TAFT DECANTER $39.95; cb2.com 7. ALIR SHAKER, BRASS FINISH $88; burkedecor.com 8. MARRAKECH RED WINE GLASSES SET OF 2 $75; caskata.com 8 7 5 6
40 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE®
The foundation of a good meal, the tools you use to cook with make all the difference in how the food turns out and how easy it is for you to create culinary masterpieces. Chef-quality pots and pans are now readily available to the public, so stocking your kitchen with great equipment is an easy task. The main problem is deciding what will work best for you and your cooking needs. Here are some recommendations that will help you curate the perfect collection of pots, pans, and bakeware whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or the most proficient home cook.
OUR PLACE ALWAYS PAN
This elegant pan features an exclusive non-toxic, non-stick ceramic coating made without materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs, lead, cadmium, toxic metals, and nanoparticles. Compatible with all cooktops including induction, this pan features nesting beechwood spatula and spoon rest, a stainless steel steamer basket, sturdy aluminum body for fast, even heat, lightweight construction, a modular lid to let off steam, and pour spouts for mess-free cooking.
Curated Cookware
CARAWAY BAKEWARECOMPLETESET Make healthier baking a piece of cake with this bakeware. The Complete Bakeware Set includes 11 pieces, all featuring a toxinfree ceramic surface, so you can get to baking goods without any of the bads. Their bakeware is free of PFOAs, PTFEs, PFAs,
www.fromourplace.com
This beloved French porcelain bakeware just got a redesign. Made In uses a 202-year-old porcelain recipe, with natural non-stick capabilities, and high heat performance. They also teamed up with Chef Nancy Silverton to bring a unique design to each piece. This rectangular baking dish features a beautiful blue wave design. Durable, handdecorated, and produced from the finest raw materials in the world, this will be your new baking centerpiece. www.madeincookware.com
MADE IN 9” X 13” BAKING DISH
SMITHEY NO. 12 CAST IRON SKILLET
Copper cookware is known for its superior conductivity, which is why you’ll find it in high-end restaurants. This Copper Rondeau features Made In’s signature performance details like a stainless steel cooking surface and an ergonomic design for maneuverability. Its superior responsiveness is due to its premium composition of 90% copper and 10% stainless steel. Whether you’re searing tough cuts of meat to braise, or frying the perfect milanese, the Copper Rondeau will take your most memorable meals from the stove to the table. www.madeincookware.com
Offering the well-known durability and quality of All-Clad, this versatile sauté pan features a large surface area for searing, with straight sides to hold in liquid and prevent splattering. Classic triply construction, made with a responsive aluminum core bonded together with two layers of stainless steel for maximum durability and fast, even heat distribution. Compatible with all cooktops including induction, and oven/broiler-safe up to 600°F. www.all-clad.com
ALL-CLAD D3 STAINLESS 3-PLY BONDED
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Smithey’s 12 inch skillet is perfect for pan-frying chicken, searing steaks on the range, roasting vegetables in the oven, and even baking biscuits. A daily companion in the kitchen, the No. 12 is also at home outdoors on the grill or over an open campfire. With their signature polished interior finish, the No. 12 is naturally non-stick when seasoned and free of chemical coatings. www.smithey.com
COOKWARE, 6-QT. SAUTÉ PAN WITH LID
MADE IN COPPER RONDEAU
Proving that eco-friendly cookware can deliver sophisticated style, the GreenPan™ Reserve series pairs glossy black interiors with lustrous gold-toned handles. More than just attractive, these pots and pans are built to last. The Thermolon™ Diamond Advanced non-stick ceramic coating is diamond-infused for durable performance, and the armored exteriors are scratch-resistant to keep them looking new. Safe for use with metal utensils and the dishwasher, they are heat-resistant to 600°F and lids are oven safe to 425°F. The 10-Piece Set includes 8” and 11” fry pans, 2-qt. saucepan with lid, 2 3/4-qt. sauté pan with lid, 6-qt. casserole with spouts and straining lid, 8-qt. stockpot with lid. www.williams-sonoma.com
42 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® CARAWAY 2.7-QT. FRY PAN
This beautiful fry pan allows for healthy cooking in the kitchen without harmful chemicals. It is perfect for slide-off-the-pan eggs, sautéing veggies, and more. Featuring a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior, this durable non-stick pan makes cooking easier than ever, cleaning enjoyable, and adds a pop of color to any home. www.carawayhome.com
The HexClad 8-qt. Hybrid Pot with Lid is ideal for slow-cooking stews and soups, simmering stocks, and boiling pasta. It is one of the cornerstones of a well-equipped kitchen, and will surely earn a permanent spot on the stove. The hybrid technology allows for easy cleaning, durability, and even heat distribution. Their products have no harsh chemical coatings and are PFOA-free, dishwasher safe, oven safe up to 500°F, induction-ready, metal utensil safe, and backed by a lifetime warranty. www.hexclad.com
HEXCLAD HYBRID 8 QT POT WITH LID
GREENPAN™ RESERVE CERAMIC NONSTICK 10-PIECE COOKWARE SET
MISEN ENAMELED CAST IRON BRAISER Add a little color as well as a fantastic cooking tool to your kitchen with this braising pan. This sturdy and durable Dutch oven features a thick core, broad cooking area, and chipresistant enamel coating. The shallow and easy-to-use shape makes it perfect for everyday cooking. www.misen.com
• Whisk together the flour, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few turns of black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk together the milk and eggs in a separate bowl. Whisk the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Traditional Spaetzle
• Optional equipmentspecial : spaetzle maker (slotted spoon also works)
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In Germany, Oktoberfest starts in September and runs through the first part of October, so it’s not too early to start making some delicious German classics. Whether you’re making a full meal or just adding a couple fun elements to your weekly menu, these authentic recipes are tasty and well loved by people around the world.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Heat until the butter melts and begins to brown. Add the spaetzle and saute until they begin to brown slightly. Season with salt. Transfer to a plate and serve!
Oktoberfest
• 2 large eggs
• Neutral oil, for the bowl and spaetzle maker
SERVES 4 • 11/2 cups allpurpose flour
• 1/4 nutmegteaspoon
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, press the spaetzle dough through a greased spaetzle maker or slotted spoon (the slots should be on the larger side, about 1/4- to 1/2-inch), using a rubber spatula, into the boiling water. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. When the spaetzle floats to the top, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a medium oiled bowl.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 unsaltedtablespoonsbutter
• Cover pot with a snug lid and let steam until potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes (test for doneness by piercing potatoes through center with a knife, it should glide through). Set aside to cool just until warm enough to cut into chunks.
• Add onions to skillet with drippings and cook 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
• Place potatoes in a steamer basket set in a pot with about 1 1/2-inches of water. Bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat (if you don’t have a steamer, you can boil potatoes, then strain).
• Add chopped potatoes, bacon and olive oil and toss. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• While potatoes are steaming, cook bacon in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp (about 6-7 minutes). Remove bacon, set aside and leave drippings in skillet.
chicken broth • 1 dijontablespoonmustard • 2 sugargranulatedtsp • Salt pepperandto taste • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley • 2 olivetablespoonsoil
German Potato Salad SERVES 6 • 2 pounds red potatoes or Yukon potatoesgold • 6 slices choppedbacon, • 2 choppedcups red onion • 2 mincedteaspoonsgarlic • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar • 1/2
• Remove from heat, toss in parsley. Serve warm or chilled. If the mixture seems to be just slightly dry you can either toss in a little more olive oil or chicken broth. cup
• Pour in chicken broth, vinegar, dijon mustard and sugar. Bring the liquid to a simmer and let reduce by about half for a minute or two.
• Line a cutting board with plastic wrap, place cutlets in a single layer on the board, then cover with plastic wrap (this prevents splatter). Pound cutlets with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy saucepan, until 1/4” to 1/8” thick.
• Set up three bowls. First combine flour, garlic salt, paprika, and pepper in one bowl. In the second, use a fork to beat the eggs. In the third bowl, add panko crumbs.
• 2 lbs boneless pork chops, trimmed and sliced into ½-inch thick cutlets
Pork Schnitzel SERVES 4 TO 6
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground • 3 large eggs • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• Olive oil, canola oil or any high heat cooking oil to sauté
• Lemon wedges to serve
• Once all cutlets are breaded, heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once oil is hot, add breaded cutlets a few at a time and sauté 3-4 min per side or until cooked through. Reduce heat if browning too quickly. Remove and place in a paper towel lined plate. Cut into one to check doneness; juices should run clear. Serve with lemon wedges.
YOUR HOME MAGAZINE® | 45
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Dredge both sides of each pounded cutlet in flour then dip in beaten egg, letting excess egg drip back into the bowl before breading in panko crumbs. It helps to use a fork for the dipping process to keep your hands clean. Repeat with remaining cutlets.
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt, or sub with equal parts salt and garlic powder
• Place the drained grated potatoes in a medium-sized bowl with the grated onion, eggs, flour and salt and use your hands to work it into a tacky mixture. Add a little more flour if needed. Do not let the mixture sit for long before using it, cook immediately.
• 1
• Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and place 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the mixture (depending on size preference) in the hot pan and flatten into pancakes with the back of a spoon. Fry on both sides for 3-5 minutes until they are golden. Place them briefly on paper towels.
Potato Pancakes (Kartoffelpuffer) MAKES 6 TO 8 • 21/2
46 | YOUR HOME MAGAZINE®
peeled and
grated • 2
eggs • 1/4
all-purpose
if needed) • 1
• Serve immediately while hot with applesauce, fruit compote, or powdered sugar. For a savory version serve with herbed yogurt, creme fraiche, or with meat and gravy as part of a meal. pounds raw, starchy potatoes, finely grated small yellow onion, finely large cup flour (or more teaspoon sea salt frying
• Oil for
• Thoroughly wring out the liquid in the grated potatoes by placing them in a colander and squeezing them with your hands or by placing them in a clean dish towel and wringing out the liquid.
or other semi-tart apple, peeled, cored and diced • 1/4 cup butter or oil of choice • 2 tablespoons red currant jam, or cherry preserves (optional) • 2-3 tablespoons red
vinegar • 1/2 cup vegetable broth • 1
• 3 whole cloves • 3 juniper berries • 1 teaspoon
all-purpose
• Add the apple, broth, bay leaf, cloves, juniper berries, red currant jam, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt.
Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage (Traditional Rotkohl) SERVES 6 • 11/2 pounds red cabbage, very thinly sliced • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced • 1 large Granny
• Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• 1
• 1
• 2 tablespoons water
• Add more salt, sugar and vinegar to taste. Traditionally served with roasts, rouladen, sauerbraten and potatoes, spaetzle, or knoedel. Smith wine bay leaf sugar teaspoon salt tablespoons flour (omit if gluten-free/ paleo)
• Add more broth if needed. Combine the flour and water until dissolved and stir into the Rotkohl. Simmer for another minute.
• Melt the butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and cook the onions until just beginning to brown, 7-10 minutes.
• Add the cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
• 1/2 cup pale ale beer
• Pretzel salt for sprinkling
• Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest and rise in a warm spot for 2 hours or until doubled in size. (Alternatively, you can bring the dough to the fridge overnight. The long, slow rise will help develop more flavor)
• In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and barley malt syrup. Let it proof for 10 minutes or until foamy.
• 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup
• 6 1/2 cups bread flour
• Bake the pretzels for 5 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet and continue baking for 5-8 more minutes or until the pretzels get to a deep dark brown color.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, cut into small pieces
• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• In a large pot, over medium high heat, combine 8 cups of water, the baking soda, beer and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
• Roll out each strip into a 30 to 33 inch long rope (about 3/4 inch thick), starting from the center and working toward the ends. To form the pretzels, make a “U” shape with the rope and cross the ends over, pinching at the bottom of the “U”.
• Prepare 2 (or 3) large baking sheets by spraying them with nonstick cooking spray.
• Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
• Pour the yeast mixture into the flour/butter mixture and mix everything until a shaggy dough is formed and water is absorbed.
• Roll the dough out into a large (14-by-12-inch) rectangle and cut it into twelve 12-inch-long strips, about 1 inch wide.
German Soft Pretzels (Laugenbrezel)
• In the stand mixer bowl, combine the flour and the salt. Add the pieces of butter and use your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse sand.
• Sprinkle the pretzels with pretzel salt.
SERVES 12
• 2 (1/4 ounce) packages rapid-rise yeast
• Bring the bowl to the stand mixer fitted with the dough hook and mix on medium speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes.
• 2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 8 cups water
• 2 cups warm water
• Boil the pretzels, one at a time, for about 30 seconds or until they float. Transfer the boiled pretzels to the prepared baking sheet using a perforated spatula. Repeat with remaining pretzels.
• Which type of mortgage plan would you recommend for my situation?
• What kind of bill-pay options do you offer?
• How long will the loan approval process take?
• How long will it take to close the loan?
Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, Inc. (PRMG) has been a leader in mortgage banking for well over a decade. As one of the largest privately held national mortgage bankers and residential home lenders, PRMG has successfully helped homeowners purchase and refinance their homes across the country. PRMG has consistently been recognized within the top 25 largest independently owned mortgage lenders in the nation. 954.790.9770 | NMLS#: 15753 Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one lending company to the next. Here are some great questions to ask as you begin the process of securing a loan. • What are the most popular mortgages you offer? Why are they so popular? • Are your rates, terms, fees and closing costs negotiable? • Do you offer discounts for inspections, homeownership classes or automatic payment set-up? Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Lender
• How much will I be paying in total over the life of this loan?
• What would be included in my mortgage payment (homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, etc.)?
• Who will service this loan, your bank or another company?
• What escrow requirements do you have?
• How long will the rate on this loan be locked-in? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if the market rate drops during the lock-in period?
• Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost and how long will it be required?
• Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying this loan?
Source: National Association of Realtors
O
ANDREW DITTOE Andrew.Dittoe@Compass.com954.647.2900 TAYLOR VALENTE Taylor.Valente@Compass.com954.789.0231
A NDREW DITTOE HAS TWENTY YEARS of combined brokerage and development experience. He has implemented and managed construction operations as well as the sales of large scale projects from single-family subdivisions to office parks. Fifteen years ago, Andrew made the decision to focus his efforts on the brokerage side of real estate, establishing an office in Fort Lauderdale Beach. There he has grown the Abode Group at Compass by focusing on all facets of real estate. He has been involved in the South Florida real estate market for over twenty years and has extensive experience in both distressed and regular sales and is member of the Master Brokers Forum, an exclusive invitation-only Realtor organization. A family man, Ohio native, and enthusiastic fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Andrew now resides in Plantation and has offices in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale by the Sea. Andrew is an avid runner, swimmer, scuba diver and all around devotee to all activities related to coastal living.
RIGINALLY FROM LONG ISLAND, Taylor Valente comes from a family of Real Estate Developers. Itching to get away from the cold weather and eager for sunshine and palm trees, she moved to South Florida to study at FAU. While there, she worked with a commercial appraiser in Fort Lauderdale where she was given the opportunity to see the dedication needed to help clients reach their Real Estate goals. Over the last five years, Taylor has become highly regarded in her field due to her hard work and professional track record. She can help you whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking for investment opportunities, or selling a luxury home. With extensive knowledge of the South Florida market, Taylor’s clients describe her as being devoted, detail oriented, educated with a personality that shines. When Taylor is not working, she enjoys biking, traveling, spending quality time with her family friends, and hanging out with her beloved English bulldog, Bentley. She proudly volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and belongs to several of her Church’s groups.
