Eat Well, Live Happy

To cook in Italian... Mangia bene, vivi felice

Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey To Perfection with Verona Appliances

by

If you’ve ever hosted or will be hosting Thanksgiving, you know that the turkey truly is the centerpiece of the holiday. From deep-frying and smoking, to slow cooking and grilling, there are plenty of techniques for cooking the main dish. But sometimes the classic way is the best!

Verona Appliances has compiled a list of our frequently asked questions to help you prepare your turkey and the rest of your meal for the big day if you’re this year’s host.

Q: What size turkey will fit in my range?

A: Depending on the size of your Verona Range or Built-in oven, you may fit a turkey that is up to 25lbs or more.

  • In a 36″ single oven cavity, expect that a 25 lb. or larger turkey will easily fit; plus, there should be some room for a side dish or two.
  • In our 24”- 30” ranges and wall ovens the interiors can approximately accommodate a 16” X 13” pan, which will fit about a 20 lb. turkey.
  • In our 36” double oven ranges, a 10 lb. turkey pan will fit in the secondary oven and a 25 lb. will easily fit in the main cavity.

Q: How long should I cook my turkey and on what cycle(s)?

A: The times below are based on roasting the bird (unfrozen), breast side up, at 400°F for the first 30 minutes, then reducing the oven to 325°F and roasting until done. Aim to have the bird done about 45 minutes before serving to allow it to rest for 30 minutes – and time to carve. The times below reflect an unstuffed bird:

Turkey Weight                           Roasting Time

10 to 12 lb.                                        1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours

12 to 14 lb.                                        2 to 2 1/2 hours

14 to 16 lb.                                        2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours

16 to 18 lb.                                        2 1/2 to 3 hours

18 to 20 lb.                                        2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours

20+ lb.                                                3 to 3 3/4 hours

Q: How do I keep cooking time on track?

A: One of the most overlooked aspects of cooking prep is pre-heating. Make sure you leave adequate time for your oven to fully pre-heat before you put your turkey in the oven, otherwise, the entire cooking process will last longer.

Utilize your convection fans. Verona’s new Designer Series of 36” ranges are perfect for keeping cook-time to a minimum with dual fans that allow for optimal heat distribution and consistent cooking temperatures.

Resist the temptation to open your oven door! Doing so causes a great amount of heat to escape from the cavity and the heating cycle will need to start up again. The new, brighter dual halogen lights in the Verona Designer Series gives you a clear view of what’s going on inside the oven and will keep you assured your turkey is moving along.

Q: How do I know if my turkey is done?

A: The breast should register 165°F and the thigh, 175°F. You can use a meat thermometer, like the one available in the Verona Chefs Pak, to determine when the turkey is properly cooked.

Q: What is European convection and why use it?

A: Verona electric ovens use True European Convection cooking, which incorporates a third element and the use of fans. The added element and heat circulation ensures that the turkey will roast evenly on all sides. The even airflow will also keep the turkey moist and minimize the need for basting throughout the cooking process.

Another advantage of a True European Convection function is that it prevents flavor transfer, which allows you to cook multiple dishes at once without your pie tasting like your green beans.

Q: When should I begin cooking and warming my side dishes?

A: In a single oven range, such as the new Designer Series which features an extra-large oven cavity, you can start a side dish or two while your turkey is also cooking. Otherwise, you should start preparing your side dishes while the turkey is cooling.

If you have a double oven range like the one offered in the Verona Prestige Collection, you can begin to cook or warm side dishes in the smaller oven while the turkey is still cooking in the larger oven – or vice versa if you are preparing a smaller bird.

And let’s not forget about the stovetop prepped dishes that truly add to a well-rounded meal – gravy, soup, sautéed veggies, etc. These types of dishes tend to require more precise and varying temperatures, which are easily accommodated by the new brass burners on the Designer Series ranges. With brass burners, you can go from a quick boil to a slow simmer with better control.

Q: What is the importance of proper ventilation?

A: A considerable amount of grease and humidity will be expelled into the air in your kitchen on Thanksgiving. To reduce lingering fumes and moisture, be sure to utilize proper ventilation, like a range hood, while cooking. A running vent can also help get rid of built-up heat as well, so your kitchen and nearby areas, like your dining room, don’t get too uncomfortable.

Verona Appliances offers two types of hoods that will properly ventilate your kitchen during the holiday season.

Want more inspiration for your Thanksgiving feast? Bon Appétit offers 50 delicious recipes from cornbread stuffing to pecan pie and everything in between!

For more from Verona Appliances, visit www.veronaappliances.com

Verona’s Designer Ranges are Now Available in Gloss Black and Slate Gray

by

Verona Appliances, crafted in Italy but made for the  U.S. market, introduces two new standard colors for the Designer Series of ranges. The new Gloss Black and Slate Gray colors allow you to customize your kitchen even further.

The Designer Series color options make a bold statement with a fully colored range body, including the control panel. These ranges offer professional performance with a splash of style for any kitchen to maximize your cooking experience.

“Stainless steel kitchen appliance finishes have long saturated the market. But bold, creative looks are on the rise for 2020,” says Melissa Haber, Vice President for EuroChef USA. “The sleek darker hues of the Gloss Black and Slate Gray finishes provide a trendy, modern flare to the kitchen. They pair well with any color pallet and are the perfect addition to any design.” 

Available in both gas and electric options, the Designer Series is fully equipped with a new extra-large capacity, smooth-glide oven racks, 5-burner cooktop, full-width storage drawer, and a myriad of powerful cooking features. 

 In addition to Gloss Black and Slate Gray, the Designer Series is available in Stainless Steel, Matte Black, True White, and Burgundy. Visit our range builder to explore the new color options.

For more from Verona Appliances, visit www.veronappliances.com.

Football Season is here: Host Game-Day like a Pro

by

Football season has officially kicked off. If you’re hosting Sunday’s game-day celebrations, having a game plan is essential for a successful party. Grab your pen and paper and start drafting your to-do list, Verona Appliances has created a list of hosting and recipe tips that are sure to keep your guests entertained.

Have Ample and Comfortable Seating
Your current seating arrangements might not be able to accommodate a large crowd. Bring in additional seats from other areas of your house. You can also create a comfortable game-viewing environment with throw pillows and floor cushions by placing them in spots where people might take a seat.

 

Ensure everyone has a Perfect View of the Game
Guests will most likely be in and out of their seats during the game. Arrange your television and furniture in a position where traffic can flow seamlessly without blocking anyone’s view.

Support the Teams
A little decorative detail goes a long way. Score points with football-themed plates and serving trays or napkins, cups and balloons in team colors. Go one step further by transforming your food table into a football field with a green tablecloth.

Provide a Drink Station
Your guests won’t want to miss the game to quench their thirst. Create a drink station in your living room. While beer might be the popular drink of choice, please all of your guests with multiple drink options.

Keep Food Flowing and Hot
Guests always gravitate towards hot food options. Let Verona Appliances take the stress out of prepping your menu. Each Verona Range is equipped with high-performance features that will keep your courses flowing and hot until the last quarter:

  • Burner heads are mounted close to the cooking surface for better heat distribution.
  • High output double and triple ring burners allow for faster cooking.
  • European convection ovens are equipped with a third fan element to pre-heat the circulated air in the oven cavity for consistent temperatures and superlative results.
  • Durable and heavy-duty glass doors keep heat and energy in the oven cavity ensuring timely meal prep.

Game-Winning Recipes
The menu is the most important element of a successful party. Be sure to have enough food and an array of options to accommodate all of your guest’s taste buds.

Verona Appliances diverse line of cooking appliances and accessories offer unique features and benefits that offer time-saving prep options such as:

For more from Verona Appliances, visit www.veronappliances.com.

5 Ways to Design your Kitchen for Wellness

by

Your health and wellness shouldn’t be limited to just changing your diet or exercise regimen. Creating a healthy lifestyle can start by rejuvenating the spaces you spend most of your time in, like the kitchen.

Let Verona Appliances help you liven up your kitchen with these 5 wellness tips.

Bring the Outdoors In

Did you know plants are natural mood boosters or that they inspire creativity and purify the air? A great way to incorporate plants in your kitchen is by building an herb or vegetable garden.

Whether you have room for 1 or 5 pots, having year-round access to fresh plants you grow yourself will make cooking even more exciting, tasty, and healthy.

Use Proper Ventilation

Boiling water, grease, and other liquids can easily accumulate on your kitchen surfaces. Range hoods are a great way to reduce excess moisture and grease particles that linger in the air while you cook and prevent mold growth and residue build-up.

Range hoods can also limit the natural carbon monoxide runoff created by burners. Verona Appliances offers two 36” hood options each with powerful multi-speed fans, LED lights and additional features.

Photo Courtesy of the little gold book

Say Goodbye to Plastic

As we grow more aware of where our food comes from it’s just as important to be mindful of how we store it.

By switching from plastic to glass containers you can reduce your carbon footprint, stop airborne germ and smell absorption into your food, and prevent chemicals from leaching into your meals if using a microwave for reheating.

Limit Microwave Use

Its no secret, microwaves are not the safest option for cooking and heating food. Steamers are excellent alternatives.The Chefs Pak by Verona Appliances features a stovetop steamer that sits on top of the included griddle and perfectly cooks vegetables and fish as well as easily reheats leftovers.

Try Chemical-Free Cleaning

If you clean your countertops and appliances with harsh chemicals there’s a good chance they will end up contaminating your food. Try incorporating surfaces and appliances that can be cleaned organically.

All Verona Appliance range cavities are built with an easy-clean enamel, which allows for simple and chemical-free cleaning. The interior of all ranges can be cleaned with a water, lemon, and vinegar solution, while the glass in the oven doors can easily be removed and wiped down with soap and water in the sink.

For more from Verona Appliances, visit www.veronaappliances.com

Kitchen Design Trends for 2019

by

Over the years, kitchens have gone from the hidden room in the back of the house, to the heart of the home. Now the epicenter for food and entertainment, it’s important that your kitchen reflects your personal style and aesthetic. Whether you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or get inspired for a simple refresh, Verona Appliances shares six design trends you won’t want to miss out on this year.

Verona 36″ N Series Range. Photo Courtesy of Teoria Interiors.

Bold Appliances
Appliances can be a big investment, why not make them a statement piece too? Designers and homeowners alike are now opting for bold color choices when it comes to kitchen appliances. It is becoming more and more popular to see home owners mix and match colorful ranges, refrigerators, microwaves and hoods in order to reflect their personal style. Verona Appliances offers the Prestige Series, Designer Series and N Series in a variety of on-trend colors including white, matte black and burgundy to help you find your unique aesthetic.

Verona 30″ Induction Range. Photo Courtesy of Stone House Revival.

Colorful Cabinets
If stainless steel appliances are more your speed, another way to inject color into your kitchen is through different cabinet paint colors, finishes and wood stains to create a pops-of-color throughout the room. We are seeing everything from sage green, navy blue and charcoal, to jewel tones like black, navy, emerald green and even plum. If color throughout all the cabinets are too much, trying starting with a colorful center island or base cabinets and work your way up.

Verona 30″ Gas Cooktop. Photo Courtesy of Blythe and Barnett.

Space Savers
One of the most integral pieces to a functional kitchen is a well thought out storage system. Homeowners and designers are starting to look for solutions to storage woes beyond basic cabinetry. Some of 2019’s top storage solutions so far include: appliance garages for small appliances, drawer dividers for cutlery & utensils, pull-outs for spices, tray dividers, space saving cooktops, built-in ovens, roll-out trays and caddies for pots & pans; as well as wastebasket cabinets for garbage and recyclables and/or deep drawers.

Verona 36″ Prestige Series Range. Photo Courtesy of Joinery and Co.

Beautiful Backsplashes
A kitchen backsplash can completely transform the kitchen. From clean subway tiles, to decorative reliefs and large scale slabs, there is no shortage of options for backsplashes that show off your personal style. With upper cabinets on their way out, we are also seeing backsplashes continue up to the ceiling rather than stopping at a lower level, keeping the design focus more minimalistic.

Verona 30″ Induction Range. Photo Courtesy of Sara Parsons.

Earth Toned Countertops
There is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to countertops. With customers opting for more colorful appliances, backsplashes, decorative hardware and accents, earth toned countertops provide the perfect anchor for the room and a break for the eye. With countertops being the most difficult part of the kitchen to replace, opting for a neutral toned material will ensure your design stays timeless for years to come.

For more from Verona Appliances, visit www.veronappliances.com.

Verona Appliances Takes A Phoenix Flip from Drab to Fab!

by

In Phoenix, Arizona Ellie Folz and the team at Elz Design worked to flip a dated desert home into a classic modern masterpiece that captured the original charm of the house. Before Ellie came in, the 35th street project was still sporting its original closed in kitchen with a dysfunctional layout and decades old appliances. The goal of the renovation was to create a modern, yet inviting space that would attract homebuyers and sell quickly.

Before

After

“I like simple clean lines, but with some warmth,” says Ellie of her inspiration. The design was beautifully executed by blending modern details, such as waterfall countertop edges and stainless-steel appliances, with organic materials like reclaimed wood beams and marble.

Directly across from the middle island sits a 36″ Verona Appliances Dual Fuel Double Oven Range in stainless steel. According to Ellie, the range was picked because of its stunning aesthetics and technical features. “The Verona range is sleek, modern, and really compliments all the other appliances. The price of the Verona range fit perfectly within our desired renovation budget. The two ovens in one is a great feature and selling point for a potential homebuyer!”

Of her personality as an interior designer, Ellie reveals “I typically don’t choose just one style. I like to mix complimentary styles together.” The combination of light and dark cabinetry modernizes the kitchen, while gold hardware adds some trendy warmth. The farmhouse sink brings in a touch of country while the stainless steel appliances keep it contemporary.

Through all these stunning designs, Elz Design has created a timeless kitchen that is also state of the art. The spacious fridge alongside Verona’s five-burner double oven range has the potential to accommodate any size family. Happily, Folz reports, ”This home was sold before it hit the market!”

Follow more of Ellie’s designs on instagram at @elliefolz and on facebook at @elzdesignhomes. Photography by Dan Ryan, @roehnerryan, www.roehnerryan.com.

Verona Introduces the Designer Series of Ranges

by

Verona, crafted in Italy but made for the U.S. market, introduces the all-new Designer series to their line of 36″ single oven freestanding ranges. With rounded handles, spindle legs, a new modern knob design and clean beveled doors, these electric and gas ranges are sure to be the focal point of kitchen designs.

The new series is equipped with a new larger capacity oven cavity and newly designed continuous cast iron cooktop grates (gas model only) to tackle even the most robust recipes. The Designer Series gas ranges also feature brass burners that produce a higher BTU power on all burner elements – ideal for boiling and searing.

“The Designer series combines all of the best features of Verona’s previous lines of ranges into one extraordinary collection,” says Melissa Haber, Vice President of EuroChef USA. “Cosmetic updates ensure that the range matches seamlessly with other kitchen appliances, while upgrades to Verona’s highly-acclaimed pro-style performance allow for precise and simplified preparation in the home.”

MSRP starting at $4,099. Product Details:

Additional Features:

  • Available in Stainless Steel, Matte Graphite, True White & Burgundy colors
  • Equipped with a full-width storage drawer
  • Oven cavity features 2 halogen lights
  • Dual fans in oven cavity (electric model only)
  • Soft-close oven door with 3 panes of glass
  • Oven glide rack included
  • Low profile 1” High Backguard
  • New pro-style depth of 25 ¼”

For more information visit http://veronaappliances.com/

 

Verona Range Adds Style and Function to the Heart of This New York Home

by

In upstate New York, Laura, a high school assistant principal, interior designer and the mastermind behind The Unique Nest blog, drew up a floor plan and built her dream home for her busy family.

While designing the home, Laura directed most of her attention to the kitchen. Knowing that it would be the heart of the home, it was important that the space would allow for everything from cooking, to entertaining and even a spot for her children to do their homework. With all of this in mind, design and functionally was at the top of her “must have list.” That’s where Verona Appliances came in.

While sourcing her products, Laura came across Verona Appliances. The 36″ single oven range instantly became the centerpiece of the design.

“I honestly love the look,” explains Laura, “It’s sleek, modern, and really compliments everything else we have selected.”

While working on her own kitchen, Laura recognized that designers and consumers alike are putting more and more effort into the significance that appliances have on kitchen designs.

The kitchen truly is the heart of the home and the appliances operate that heart – making it really important to select the right pieces. Verona has allowed us the form and function we were looking for in a range,” she said. “The look is aesthetically pleasing and the function is fantastic. I love the counter depth dimensions and the wide oven. The price range also worked better for us than competing brands.

Along with style and functionality, it was important that every aspect of her design would stand the test of time. “We opted for a white shaker cabinet which is timeless, and a soapstone counter top.” In order to accommodate her desire for a passive solar design, the kitchen consistent of mainly base cabinets with multiple windows allowing for an abundance of natural light.

Thank you Laura for sharing your Verona kitchen with us! Be sure to check out Laura on Instagram and on The Unique Nest.

Verona Wall Oven Helps Give New Life to a 1972 Airstream

by

Tiny living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the things you love. In March 2017, San Diego couple Rachael and Virgil, alongside their rescue pup Jovie, decided to commit to a more simple, intentional living lifestyle by purchasing and renovating a 1972 Airstream Overlander which would eventually become their home.

“We took the tiny home route for reasons most do — to live more simply and efficiently,” says Rachael. “It seems that when this big life change approaches, you start thinking about what follows. For us, with our wedding approaching later that year, we had hopes of getting our finances under control, buying a fixer upper house and having the financial freedom to live without feeling the heavy, stressing pull of our wallets. Looking to meet that goal in a reasonable amount of time, we realized that it would be about a decade away, at least (!!), if we kept on living as we were. That didn’t sit well with either of us.”

Rachael and Virgil purchased their Airstream with its original 1972 interior. Together they gutted it down, fixed the chassis and put in all new insulation, subfloor, electrical and plumbing to make everything fresh and new. When it came time to choose the layout, priority was given to the kitchen/dining space. The couple chose a Verona 24″ Electric 110-volt Wall Oven as their primary cooking appliance.

“We both come from Italian families and love to cook together,” says Rachael. “Surprisingly, when selecting only electric appliances small enough for a trailer, there aren’t very many options. We love the size and design of our cute little Verona oven, and it works GREAT. We were really impressed with the consistency and speed of cooking.”

Inspired by southern coastal vibes, Rachael and Virgil describe their style as “California-minimal.” The Airstream design features a bright, open layout and a visually unique space that is functional for their day to day lives.

“The kitchen was very important to us, and we wanted to give it the space it deserved,” explains Rachael. “In tune with that, we also wanted to have a sizeable table where we could eat our cherished home cooked meals, and with friends if we wanted to”

When asked for her best advice for creating a home by Apartment Therapy Rachael replied, “The advice I’ve lived by is to fill your home with items that speak to you, ones that make you feel something. I’ve appreciated this William Morris quote on a whole new level since living tiny, and I plan to hold onto this methodology in all of our homes to come — ‘Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.'”

Be sure to read Rachael’s house tour feature on Apartment Therapy and follow her on Instagram.

Verona Appliances Named 2017 Interior Design Best of Year Awards Honoree

by

Verona, known for their handcrafted Italian appliances, is a 2017 Interior Design Best of Year Award honoree in the Kitchen Appliances category for their exclusive 36” All-Electric Double Oven Ranges. Interior Design’s Best of Year Awards is the design industry’s premiere design awards program, honoring the most significant work of the year as well as recognizing designers, architects and manufacturers from around the globe.

“The Verona All-Electric 36” Ranges offer the very best in industrial design and cooking performance, and it is an honor that the product has been recognized as a Best of Year Honoree,” says Melissa Haber, Vice President for EuroChef USA. “These ranges give designers even more flexibility where an electric connection may be the only option, along with professional cooking performance that one wouldn’t expect from fully electric ranges.”

Now celebrating its 12th year, Interior Design’s Best of Year (affectionately known as BoY) has become the ultimate measure of excellence, showcasing what’s happening today in every category of design while simultaneously setting the bar even higher for future innovations.

The BoY awards ceremony, held in December at the IAC building in New York City, draws over 1,000 worldwide design professionals and enthusiasts. Each finalist is announced live by hosts Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief, and Carol Cisco, Publisher of Interior Design. Winners from each category take home the coveted Best of Year bulb award, designed by Harry Allen.