Eat Well, Live Happy

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

Tips to host a healthy Thanksgiving or Holiday Celebration

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Whether you’ve decided to attend or host Thanksgiving this year, safety will be top-of-mind for your family and friends. Although experts agree there is no completely “safe” way to hold a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, here are clever tips for creating new traditions that honor the spirit of the holiday while creating memories for future ones.

A Perfect Virtual Party Plan

The safest way to spend time with family and friends is virtually, but you can still make a seat at the table for them to make the cyber connection more meaningful. Make the virtual event as festive as possible by crafting a beautiful space at the table complete with decor and even desert. If young children are involved – have each family hide a turkey or other themed drawing/toy in plain sight for them to find on the screen and give out prizes if they see it. Create new traditions by sharing images from past Thanksgivings. If you have time, collect the photos upfront and share them on a screen or in a digital photo album for conversation and keepsakes afterward. Use this precious time with older family members and younger ones to share memories, stories and family history.

Keeping it Hot Tip 🔥🔥🔥: If conversations linger, you can use the Verona Chef’s Pak Steamer Insert to keep stuffing moist on the cooktop.

Take it Outside

Other than a virtual gathering, the next safest situation is to take the event outdoors. Think of it as a tailgate party and change the meal/seating options to suit a tailgate environment which can be socially distanced. The most important thing is to be together – not what you eat or where you eat it. And a tailgate can be a memorable occasion with a firepit, outside games and big bowls of hot cider, turkey chili or barbeque turkey legs. Make new traditions as you celebrate the time together and give thanks for the moments and memories you are enjoying.

Staging Hot Tip 🔥🔥🔥: If you gather outdoors or indoors – try and avoid shared plates/passed foods. Create separate platters for each family group vs. buffets and appetizer tables – use eco-friendly disposables to reduce therisk of handling dishware and have garbage bags so each family can help clean their own areas. A Verona double oven range gives you the flexibility to cook different meals or keep different plates warm since staging is going to be more complex.

Prestige Series Double Oven Range

 

Think Small or Give Big… Menu Prep

If you can’t possibly cook anything but the full Thanksgiving meal – consider packaging up containers to drop off to those on your list who can’t go outside the home to eat or to donate to those in need. Many local food banks and shelters have options for meal drop offs, especially for families living in temporary situations without access to hot meals. Then you can keep what your smaller gathering will consume and donate the rest to those in need this season.

Many households are worried about how to prepare a small Thanksgiving feast and of course Martha Stewart has a menu for that. Another option is to support your local restaurants and order that turkey special and pumpkin pie to go. No cleanup or endless turkey leftovers!

Electric 110v Wall Oven

Work Station Hot Tip 🔥🔥🔥: Consider separating your cooking appliances with built-in wall ovens and cooktops. This gives you more options to cook with family in different areas of the kitchen. It’s perfect for staging, distancing and big meal prep. Plus built-in Wall ovens free up ergonomic storage space under the cooktop for seasonings, tools, pots and pans.

N Series Single Oven Range

How Do I Cook a Turkey??

If you are stuck at home and have never cooked a turkey before – don’t worry, we have your guide right here! Most of us need a refresher every year since last Thanksgiving is the last time we made the perfect Turkey dinner.

Happy holidays and don’t forget to make time to write down one or two things you are grateful for right now. It’s a great exercise to do with family and to read them out loud to one another on Thanksgiving as well.

For more from projects, products, trends and news Verona Appliances, follow us on Facebook or Instagram or visit www.veronappliances.com

Cooking with a Double Oven Range

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If you’re a serious home chef or constantly cooking for a large group, then you know it’s necessary to outfit your kitchen with appliances and design features that are flexible and allow for the most utility. Where ovens are concerned, there are a myriad of options and the best choice might not be a single oven.

Double-oven ranges, as the name implies, are equipped with two ovens and could be the perfect upgrade your kitchen has been craving.

If you’re in the market for a new stove or are considering purchasing a double-oven range, read on as Verona Appliances explores what makes these appliances an extremely valuable tool in the kitchen.

Saves Time by Preparing Multiple Meals Simultaneously

With two ovens, you can prepare multiple meals that require different temperatures or modes simultaneously. This option allows you to save on time when cooking for your family or a group of guests and ensures all of your main dishes are served all at once.

 

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Culinary Customization

In addition to saving time, double ovens allow for culinary customization when cooking multiple dishes at the same time. You can cook meals exactly how you want them in whatever mode you want – broil, roast, steam or bake without the hassle of over and undercooking, or crossing flavors between certain dishes.

 

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Cook Main and Side Dishes at the Same Time

Whether you cook for a large family, love to entertain, plan to host the next holiday dinner, or enjoy cooking gourmet meals – a double oven like the Verona Appliances Double Oven Prestige Gas Range gives you the extra space you need to produce the quantity and quality of food you want. The larger oven is great for cooking main dishes like the Thanksgiving turkey, while the smaller oven and stovetop perfectly prepare the side dishes.

 

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Saves Energy When Cooking Small Meals

Double oven ranges offer the potential for energy savings when cooking everyday meals. The smaller oven utilizes less energy than a larger single oven with a quicker pre-heat and while keeping the temperature inside the cavity consistent.

 

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

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

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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.

7 Tips For Entertaining In Small Spaces

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Your love for entertaining doesn’t have to be stifled by your square footage. Get the drinks ready and the food prepped, because Verona Appliances has compiled the best tips for pulling off the ultimate gathering in small spaces!

1. Clean and De-Clutter

Clean countertop space is essential for gatherings of any sorts. Put away the cookie jars and accessories to make room for food, drinks and any hostess gifts that your guests might be bringing.

2. Plan your menu & prep your food

Have a game plan for the food and drinks you plan to serve way in advance so that you can strategically plan when you’ll be cooking which dishes, the temperature they need to be served at and how they’ll be plated. Prep any food that doesn’t need to be served warm ahead of time so you can focus on one task at a time. If possible, take advance of your warm drawer to keep your food at an optimal serving temperature after cooking!

Photo Courtesy of Nera Lerner

3. Know the capabilities of your range, cooktop or oven

A high-powered appliance is essential to the success of a meal, but you don’t need a large appliance to get the job done. Verona Appliances 24” Gas Range offers all the power of a full size professional range for a small space kitchen. The selection of both high and low power sealed burners that will handle any cooking chore, while the oven’s turbo electric convection fan bakes foods up to 25% faster than a conventional oven

4. Space food and drinks apart

To keep your guests from gathering all in one place, space your food and drinks away from each other. If tabletop space is limited, consider renting or purchasing a bar cart for the occasion to tastefully style your drinkware in a way that is inviting for your guests.

Photo Courtesy of The Ranch UnCommon

5. Get creative with storage solutions

When it comes to small spaces, storage space is often times the biggest limitation. Use your bedroom to house guest’s coats and bags, and take advantage of any additional space – from floor to – ceiling to create easily accessible storage for party supplies. Store any extra cooking sheets and low rim pans in the full-width storage drawer so they are out of the way and out of sight.

6. Invest in good ventilation

Nobody likes walking into a hot, smoky home. A good ventilation system helps to clear the air and cool down the kitchen while you’re cooking so your guests walk into a comfortable environment. If outside ventilation is not possible, make sure to get a recirculation kit for your hood to keep the air moving!

Photo Courtesy of Sara Parsons

7. Keep emergency clean-up materials on hand

Slips and spills are bound to happen, especially when you’re in close quarters. Roll with the punches and keep supplies such as paper towels, stain removers and surface cleaners on hand so you can quickly cleanup and get back to the party!

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

Verona Appliances Takes A Phoenix Flip from Drab to Fab!

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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

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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/

 

High-Style Look with High-Power Function, Verona Introduces the Prestige Collection

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Verona Appliances, crafted in Italy but made for the U.S. market, introduces the Prestige collection to its award-winning line of ranges. The new dual fuel and all-gas ranges combine all the features that customers have grown to love with an upgraded look that is only surpassed by its high-powered capabilities. The collection is available in a highly sought after 36” option that adds professional performance to any space.

Aesthetic upgrades include new continuous grates, beveled doors, rounded handles, spindle legs and an upgraded knob design. The 36” range is offered in stainless steel, true white, matte black and burgundy colors with both single and a unique double oven configuration for a more personalized array of choices that accommodate virtually any kitchen design.

“Verona Appliances is dedicated to creating quality products that fit the functional and design-centric needs of the modern homeowner,” says Melissa Haber, Vice President, EuroChef USA. “The Prestige series combines all of the most praised functions of our previous lines of ranges with beautiful new upgrades that bring even more power and style into the kitchen.”

In addition to the aesthetic upgrades, the Prestige features five semi-sealed gas burners, electronic ignition, flame failure safety device and an easy-to-clean porcelain oven cavity. The dual fuel options are equipped with multi-function European convections ovens that provide seven cooking modes and the gas options feature a pro-style infrared broiler. The entire collection features porcelainized cast-iron burner grates and caps as well as high BTU burners that can simmer down to 700 BTUs for more delicate dishes.

MSRP starts at $3,099 for the dual fuel single oven stainless steel.

 

 

 

Top Cooking Tips from Around The World

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Looking for some fresh new ways to spice up your cooking? Whether you’re looking too add in a healthy alternative or just need some general cooking advice we have the scoop for you. Check out our tips and tricks from our customers, top chefs and celebrities all over the world that will help kick your cooking up a notch.

Keep Tasting It!

“While it seems like such an obvious trick, my mom would always tell me to make sure to try my food to ensure it tastes good. As a chef, it is important to taste everything all the time at every stage of the cooking process.” – Lean Cohen on today.com

Don’t Cry Over Onions

“Put onions in ice water for 10 minutes before cutting them; this prevents them from causing your eyes to water.” – Angel Leon on Style Caster

Be Adventurous 

“Don’t be afraid to swap and substitute—have fun in the kitchen! Experiment and share! Make it a fun adventure.” – Lyza Joe on Verona Appliances Facebook

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with a Healthy Twist

“To make your desserts healthier, replace ¾ of the cream that the recipe outlines with whisked egg whites (which you will delicately blend with the remaining amount of cream). It will make your desserts light, airy and exquisite.” – Michael Guerard on Vougue.com

Keep the Skin On Your Potatoes

“The secret behind making a great mash for me personally, is keeping the skins on. The skins protect the potatoes, therefore it doesn’t absorb all that water.” – Gordon Ramsay on Buzzfeed

Use Olive Oil to Prevent Free Radicals

“Use olive oil which is an oil that doesn’t oxidize easily or create free radicals as easily as other oils can.” – Christine Cushing on Setting for Four

Stack Your Pancakes The Right Way

“Piled high, flapjacks will become soggy, as the stack prevents steam from evaporating. You can solve this problem by warming them in a signal layer on baking sheets. To avoid driving out the pancakes, warm them for no more than half an hour. You could also use a two-burner griddle, which will shorten your overall cooking –and warming-time.” –Martha Stewart on MarthaStewart.com

Layer The Flavors

“Try not to add all of the ingredients at once. It does make a difference. Most raw foods have a significant amount of water apart from the flavor components. By treating each component separately, we are better able to manipulate the individual characteristics of the ingredients.” – Tony Nogales on HuffingtonPost.com

Add a Splash of Olive Oil

“Invest in a bottle of high-quality olive oil. Just a small drizzle can really bring out the flavor of pizza, mozzarella, pasta, fish and meat.” – Nancy Silverton on Buzzfeed

For even more cooking tips, recipes and kitchen inspiration follow Verona Appliances on social media!

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Verona Wall Oven Helps Give New Life to a 1972 Airstream

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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.

EuroChef USA KBIS 2018 Preview

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The EuroChef USA brands are heading to Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). The 2018 show will be taking place at the Orange County Convention Center from January 9-11. Verona (Booth S4650) is one of over 600 kitchen and bath brands offering an interactive look at their latest products and designs.

Below is just a sneak peek of the new products Verona will be showcasing at the 2018 show. Be sure to stop by the EuroChef USA booth for even more!

 Verona Appliances KBIS Preview

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Verona Designer & Designer Plus Ranges

Verona introduces the all-new Designer and Designer Plus series to their line of single oven free standing ranges. With rounded handles, spindle legs, a new modern knob design and clean beveled doors, the Designer and Designer Plus series are sure to be the focal point of kitchen designs. The new ranges are available in Dual Fuel, Electric and Gas options and are equipped with continuous cast iron cooktop grates and a larger capacity oven cavity to tackle even the most robust recipes. The brass burners on the Designer Plus series provide even better heat conductivity with higher temperatures that are ideal for boiling and searing.

 

Verona 36″ Double Oven Electric Ranges in Trending True White

Verona introduces a new True White color option to its exclusive line of 36” All-Electric Ranges. In line with current home trends, the true white color adds a fresh and vibrant element to kitchen designs. With the addition of this highly sought after color, consumers can now choose between four color options for Verona’s 36” all-electric range series.

 

Verona Designer & Designer Plus Cooktops

Verona introduces the all-new Designer and Designer Plus series to their line of gas cooktops. The entirely new collection ranging from 12” to 36” flaunts high-end features such as powerful BTU burners, continuous grates for easier cookware movement and a modern design. The concept for the new line was developed in Italy by EuroChef USA exclusively for the Verona brand, with the focus on the most power possible for the design.