Waukesha County Home

(StatePoint) — Of course, cooking like a chef at home requires talent and practice. But there's no doubt about it — having the right culi- nary tools, appliances and prep space is essential, too. To upgrade your kitchen so that you can cook like a chef, consider the following: Prep like a pro Save time and energy and get a cleaner cut by main- taining your knives. Proper- ly clean, dry, and store knives directly after use and regularly sharpen them. Whether that's on a magnetic strip on the wall or an in-drawer organizer, the best options will allow you to see all your knives at once so you can reach for the correct one. Precision slicing? You may also wish to invest in a mandoline. Bake a lot? Consider ditching the measuring cups by using a digital scale instead. You'll get faster, more accurate results. And the bonus of less to clean- up. Cook like a pro When it comes to ensur- ing that there are no limits to what you can do in the kitchen, it's all about hav- ing top-notch appliances. Check out the Pro Series Collection of free-standing ranges from ILVE. Known for their handcrafted Italian appliances, the new series offers chef-quality features such as a removable griddle, high BTU brass burners and a built-in warm drawer to keep cooked food at an ideal temperature for serv- ing. Available in a 36-inch single or unique double- oven configuration as well as 40-inch and 48-inch sizes with double ovens, the elec- tric ovens feature multi- function cooking options and included rotisserie accessory. Offered in stain- less steel and matte graphite colors, you can get a professional-style cooking experience while maintain- ing the sleek design of your kitchen. Move like a pro Do an audit of your cur- rent cooking habits, bearing in mind the layout of your kitchen and the organiza- tion of go-to ingredients. Are you expending time and energy walking all the way around the kitchen island just to get to the fridge? Are you spending too much time poking around for a particu- lar spice or oil? The optimal flow in your kitchen space will allow for more intuitive food preparation and help you stay light on your feet. Want to cook like a profes- sional? Update your kitchen accordingly. A few upgrades can help you become a bet- ter chef. SEPTEMBER 2018 HOME 7 K i t c h e n s | B a t h s | D e n s | C a b i n s | O f f i c e s | R e c R o o m s Work With Experienced Design Professionals "We Specialize in Cabinetry" 1005 Richards Road, Hartland | 262.367.9439 www.kitchencreators.com Cabinetry For Every Room, Every Budget! 261583002 We Beat All Big Box Stores and all Competitors | Visit Our Showroom By Appointment SHOWROOM CLOSEOUT SALE GOING ON NOW! WE SPECIALIZE IN NORCRAFT'S MID CONTINENT CABINETRY StatePoint Sharpened knives, pro oven and an efficient kitchen layout can help you cook like a professional chef. Upgrade your kitchen to cook like a professional chef Of course, talent and practice can help a lot Keep your yard, home, deck and tools look- ing and working great for years to come. Protect them from winter with these tips. Debris ■ Rake up any fallen leaves, as these can inhibit grass growth once spring comes. ■ Pests often settle in fallen leaves or weeds, so pay special attention to flower beds and vegetable gardens. Mow and feed your lawn ■ Using fertilizer with a high phospho- rous content in the fall gives your lawn nutrients it needs to flourish in spring. Protect your cold-sensitive plants ■ Add 3 to 4 inches of mulch to the bases of trees, shrubs and plants to prevent dam- age from freezing. ■ Keep the mulch an inch from the base of the trunk. ■ Cover plants and shrubs with burlap to prevent winter burn. Burlap allows the plant or shrub to breathe, helping air to circulate and not get trapped. Protect your deck ■ Power washing with a pressure washer can prevent mold and mildew growth. ■ A weather-proofing stain prevents mois- ture damage over winter. Hoses, fountains and irrigation sys- tems ■ Drain or blow out all water from hoses, fountains, and irrigation systems with an air compressor, and store them in a dry place, as water left standing over the winter may damage your equipment. Trim and prune trees and shrubs ■ Trimming any large or out-of-place branches can prevent breakage from snow buildup. Clean and repair gutters ■ Clogged or broken gutters can cause damage to your home or flooding when snow melts. Tools ■ Adding a light coat of oil can also pre- vent rust buildup over the winter. Take a diverse approach in cleaning up for fall It's equal parts yardwork and outdoor maintenance

• Cover