Mostly finished unpacking today: just the paintings, larger decorative items and my bags and shoes are still lying in cartons.
Take a quick look at what I'm now calling "the breakfast club corner": cereal, coffee and different kinds of tea!
I decided to put all this stuff together on a small open shelf -- we use these items every morning and I reach for one of the teas at least 2-3 times a day! This was it's accessible and also looks very attractive. Adds a pop of colour to the kitchen :)
After the recent confusion about which blender best suited my needs, I finally reached a decision today. I'm going to go with the dull but dependable blender (Philips HR 2011/70, to the left).
I think the more funky mini-blender (Philips HR 2870/60, to the right) would be a great addition to an established kitchen, which already has a primary blender. In summer, you could put it on the countertop instead of storing it away and make smoothies/iced coffee whenever frequently.
But for a new kitchen like mine, which is in the process of being set up, I think I need a tougher and more versatile blender that can do more than make smoothie. I want to be able to chop hard walnuts, blend tomatoes for soup, churn a litre of milk...all of which the basic, no-fuss single unit can handle.
Here are some points to consider when you're planning to buy a blender/mixie.
Top tips to choose the right blender for you:
- Capacity: Jar capacity varies from 500 ml to 3 litres. Do you cook in large quantities? How many people do you prepare food for? Also, do you have the space to store a larger blender?
- Wattage: Power typically varies from 250 watts to 750 watts amongst household blenders. Choose lower-wattage blenders if you're going to blend dressings and sauces; go for a higher-wattage model if you're keen to blend large quantities of food or crush ice.
- Material: Glass jars are sturdier but more expensive, while plastic jars are flimsier but more affordable. If it's a long-time purchase, try and go for glass. Also, is the footing (the base on which the jar rests) sturdy and well-balanced? If not, it could topple while in operation.
- Speed: Multiple speed settings will allow you to blend different ingredients best. A pulse feature is also helpful - it allows the chunky food items to stop and start and fall downwards to the blade for better impact. Less time, smoother blend!
- Cord: If you're planning to leave the blender on your countertop, look for one with a cord-storage feature. It'll look neat and be safer.
- Features: Opt for a model with numerous jars/multi-function units only if you plan to use the blender for food processing (whip cream, chop spices, etc.). If your main aim is to blend, stick with a simpler, no-frills model.
- Budget: If you're a nomad like me, and move every few years, stick with a basic model. If you're planning to use the same blender for a number of years, splurge and get one that works for you and your kitchen!
Happy blending!
Picture source: Philips
Close on the heels of yesterday's blender-related bewilderment, I am now facing yet another kitchen dilemma! Should I buy one of these nifty looking Philips airfryers or not?
The revolutionary concept is that the gadget uses hot air to fry foods, using minimal oil - so cooking in the airfryer is healthier than deep frying.
If I were setting up my kitchen once and for all, I'd get one without a second thought - although it is substantially more expensive this side of the world than in the U.K. or the U.S. (No discounted prices yet - it's too new!) But given that I may have to sell it/give it away in two years, I'm wondering if it's worth the price?
I like the idea of being able to make healthy chips once in a while, but I'm not a big fan of eating potatoes too frequently. I'm more excited about using it to airfry other things we traditionally deep fry: okra (ladies' fingers), cauliflower, spinach, bitter gourd... Otherwise, in our attempts to eat healthy, we rarely consume these vegetables in fried form - even though they're super-tasty!
I heart the white model and it would fit in perfectly with my planned kitchen colours, but I suspect it's an older model because I can't seem to locate it on the Philips website. The black is super-sleek but would look terribly out of place.
Plus, people who've used it have mixed feelings about it. (I've been reading the reviews online, especially on Amazon.) Some say it's the best kitchen investment they've ever made, while others say it's an expensive mistake!
Unfortunately, I don't know a single person who owns one. I'd love to get more user info about the kinds of food you can cook in the airfryer and whether it turns out well. Most of the U.K./U.S. reviews are focused on chips and chicken nuggets.
At its high price point, I think I'll give this item a skip until I hear some feedback from people I know or Philips offers a discount in my area. (The husband is also going to check out the pricing in the Dubai Duty Free Store on his way back from a business trip. Perhaps we'll get lucky!)
PS - Whether or not my husband and I buy the airfryer, both sets of parents are definitely getting one each as a present from us! My mom and my mom-in-law have elevated cholesterol levels, and both find it hard to steer clear of yummy fried foods. So this will be a PERFECT addition to their kitchens.
Picture source: Philips
