Eat Well, Live Happy

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

A EuroChef Thanksgiving Guide: Featuring Verona Appliances and Lofra

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where family members gather for social interactions, making it the focal point of the house. It is a space where cooking is infused with love, and what better way to share these cherished moments than through a Thanksgiving meal? Whether it’s the mouthwatering marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, crisp string beans, flavorful stuffing, or the savory turkey centerpiece, EuroChef aims to elevate your delicious home cooked meals this holiday.

Our Verona and Lofra brands are dedicated to enhancing your cooking experience by offering functional and user-friendly cooking modes to assist you in preparing your Thanksgiving feast. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to make cooking a breeze.

Q: What size turkey will fit in my range?

Depending on the size of your EuroChef Range, you may fit a turkey up to 25 lbs. 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 roughly accommodate a 16” X 13” pan, perfectly suitable for fitting approximately 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 with what oven function(s)?

Photo Credit: Lofra Dolcevita 48” Dual Fuel in Lavender

When preparing an unfrozen turkey, begin by using the Conventional Cooking function to roast with the breast side facing up at 400 degrees for the initial 30 minutes. Afterward, lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees and continue roasting until the turkey is thoroughly cooked.

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?

It’s essential to always leave adequate time for the oven to fully preheat before cooking, as failing to do so can extend the cooking duration.  It is also helpful to begin the cooking process with cookware and foods at room temperature, and not directly taken from the fridge to the heated oven. 

Convection fans will also assist in maintaining consistent temperatures and are often used for cooking turkeys and roasts, as they help to keep the cooking schedule on track. Verona’s Designer Series of 36” ranges are ideal for keeping cook-time to a minimum with its dual convection fans that ensure optimal heat distribution for the most even cooking temperatures throughout the entire oven cavity.

Another valuable tip for staying on course with your cooking time is to resist the temptation to open the oven door, as this action leads to heat escaping and then the need for the oven to work to reach the set temperature once again. Instead, utilize the oven light to keep your cooking progress visible without the need to open the oven door, preserving the heat and energy.  

Photo Credit: Beth Bryan; Verona Chefs Pak

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

Ensure that the turkey’s breast reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, while the thigh should register at 175 degrees Fahrenheit. To guarantee the turkey is cooked to perfection, we suggest using a meat thermometer, such as the one included in the Verona Chefs Pak.

Q: What is European Convection and why use it?

Photo Credits: Caroline Sharpnack, Leverick Homes, Aimee Lee Kinssies Design, Dustin De Rosier

European Convection cooking combines a third heating element that works in conjunction with the convection fan(s), guaranteeing even roasting of the turkey from all angles. The consistent airflow will keep the turkey moist and minimize the need for frequent basting. Additionally, it effectively prevents flavor transfer, enabling you to cook multiple dishes at once without the risk of your pumpkin pie tasting like your asparagus. The European heating element combined with the convection fan(s), overall helps you to enjoy your meal more quickly without any concerns about flavor intermingling.

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

Verona 36” Electric Double Oven Range

When using a single oven range, which features an extra-large oven cavity, you have the flexibility to start preparing side dishes while your turkey is roasting. You can also use the oven to reheat other dishes once the turkey is done cooking and begins to cool down. On the other hand, if you have a double oven range, you can cook or warm side dishes in one oven while simultaneously roasting the turkey the other oven. This allows for seamless multitasking, offering you the utmost convenience in preparing your complete holiday meal.

Additionally, stovetop prepped dishes such as stuffing or mashed potatoes contribute to a well-rounded Thanksgiving feast. Each Lofra semi-sealed brass burner is perfect for precise cooking performance with its heat precision and flexibility.

Q: What is the importance of proper ventilation?

Photo Credit: Anastasia Casey; 36” Designer Electric Range in Matte Black

To minimize the persistence of fumes and moisture when cooking, the range hood can effectively reduce the accumulated heat, odors, grease and humidity that will be generated in the kitchen during Thanksgiving preparations. Both Verona Appliances and Lofra offer a selection of hoods designed to efficiently ventilate your kitchen throughout the holiday season.

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

To learn more about Lofra, visit https://lofra.us/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.

Verona Appliances Partners with Good Bones

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Verona Appliances has partnered with the star of HGTV’s “Good Bones,” Mina Starsiak Hawk, to renovate at-risk properties within the city of Indianapolis, Indiana. Mina, along with her mother, Karen E. Laine, both work at their family company, Two Chicks and a Hammer, where they flip run-down homes and renovate them into contemporary design dwellings.

Mina’s skillful intelligence in real estate and Karen’s knowledge of interior and exterior design forms an unbeatable partnership, coming together to transform dream houses into reality, one house at a time. As Mina was renovating kitchens in these three flipped homes, she realized she wanted to create a modern design with European flair, so she decided to add a Verona range.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Charming Cottage: Where Vintage Vibes Take Center Stage

In the premiere episode of Season 7, titled “Quaint Cottage with Vintage Vibes,” Mina decides to enhance a small cottage home in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis with modern upgrades while preserving its timeless vintage charm. From the very first step on the porch, the house portrays lots of character with its charming siding, inviting windows and curb appeal.

Mina’s design choices come to life within the interior of the home, where you’re struck by the warmth and inviting ambiance. Mina designed this home with natural wood, a palette of soothing colors and a selection of textures, that overall creates a balance of both coziness and style. One of her primary objectives was to redefine the kitchen and dining room as a unified space while keeping the vintage aesthetic. To achieve this, she introduced a modern quartzite countertop with ample open space for functionality and style. For the perfect finishing touch, she added a counter-to-ceiling wall backsplash perfectly paired with a Matte Black Designer Dual Fuel Range from Verona Appliances.

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Small Space, Big Luxury

In Season 7, Episode 13, titled, “Little Bit Luxurious,” Mina decided she wanted to transform this house from outdated and dull to elegant and modern. Located in The Valley of Indianapolis, her goal was to merge the living room and kitchen into one cohesive space, perfect for entertaining. To make the kitchen into an ideal dream space, Mina added several key elements. She installed a stunning quartzite countertop island, a stone backsplash and a Verona Designer Gas Range in White. In expressing her passion for designing the kitchen, she states to the homebuyers, “Look at your really fancy stove. That is not a first-time homebuyer’s stove. We’ve got the backsplash going all the way up, and other than it just being pretty, it makes it so easy to clean.”

Photo Credit: The Home Aesthetic

Dazzling and Divine: Where ‘Wow’ Is the Norm

In Season 8, Episode 1, titled, “Income Property with Big Issues,” Mina converts a two-story house into a dual-income property in the Bates Hendrick neighborhood of Indianapolis. Mina’s first decision on renovating the house was to refresh the home with contemporary upgrades while preserving some of the older elements. A significant aspect of the design was the kitchen, where she provided ample storage space and a pantry area. She also added black marble that extended all the way up to the ceiling, creating beautiful contrast with the Prestige Gas Range in White from Verona. Overall, Mina aimed to achieve the ultimate “wow factor,” leaving the homeowners stunned by the transformation that the house truly turned into the perfect dream home.

To learn more about which Verona appliance is the best fit for you, visit https://veronaappliances.com/ and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Verona Appliances Celebrates Apple and Apricot Month

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Here at Verona Appliances, we don’t just want to spotlight our products – we also want to spotlight what you can do with our products, and that includes cooking and baking for you and your family.

This month, we put the spotlight on apples and apricots because January is Apple and Apricot month. You might wonder why these fruits are paired (or should we say pear-ed?) together because other than their shape, they look nothing alike. Apples can vary in color from red to yellow to green and can be quite large, while apricots are more orange in color and are smaller. Apricots have large stones at their centers, while apples have seeds in a signature star pattern at their core.

These two fruits actually both belong to the rose family, or Rosaceae. They also both have versatility in cooking and can be used in several dishes. So, to honor Apple and Apricot month, we have a full three-course meal planned for a cozy night in.

Photo Credit: Kristy Hayes

Appetizer: Apple Brie Crostini

It will be hard to eat just one!

Ingredients

  • 16 crostini
  • 1 wedge brie
  • 2 honeycrisp apples
  • 2 tbsp apricot jam
  • 1/4 cup basil (lightly packed)
  • Sea salt

Directions

  1. Slice apples into fine wedges and chop the basil. You can use your Verona cutting board if you have one.
  2. Spread brie on crostini, then top with sliced apple, a dollop of apricot jam and basil.
  3. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Pro Tip: You can pre-heat your Verona oven for the next recipe while you’re working on the crostini.

Photo Credit: Beth Bryan

Dinner: Apple and Apricot Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Veggies

This chicken dish is packed full of flavor – literally!

Ingredients

  • 2 slices uncured bacon
  • 1 Gala apple
  • 1 tbsp. avocado oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp. chopped, dried apricots
  • 1 tbsp. orange juice
  • ¼ cup chopped, raw pecans
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat your Verona oven to 400°F.
  2. Chop bacon and apple. You can use your Verona cutting board if you have one.
  3. Sauté bacon and apple in ½ tbsp. of hot oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
  4. Transfer to a bowl, and stir in apricots, orange juice and pecans.
  5. Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness.
  6. Cut a 2-inch slit horizontally into each breast. Stuff apple mixture into each pocket, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook chicken in ½ tbsp hot oil in skillet for 2 minutes per side or until browned.
  8. Transfer skillet to oven, then bake 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is done.

Pro Tip: To cut down on prep time (and dishes), pop a cook-in-bag vegetable in the microwave. Green beans or broccoli would pair well!

Photo Credit: Amy Davidson

Dessert: Apricot Apple Crisp

This twist on a classic recipe gets a hint of sourness from the apricots.  

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons softened butter or margarine
  • 2/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
  • 8 medium tart sliced cooking apples (we recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 2 cups chopped dried apricots

Directions

  1. Heat your Verona oven to 350°F. Mix flour, sugar, butter and macadamia nuts in a large bowl.
  2. Place apples in an ungreased rectangular 13 x 9-inch pan. Top with apricots. Sprinkle flour mixture over top.
  3. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until apples are tender.
  4. Serve warm with vanilla or cinnamon bun ice cream if desired.

Pro Tip: Use the Convection Cooking Mode during baking for even cooking. You can check out our Simple Guide to Oven Functions for information on this setting, or you can refer to your product manual. 

Share your recipes and pictures of you enjoying apples and apricots on social media with the #AppleAndApricotsMonth and #VeronaAppliances hashtags. And if you tag @VeronaAppliances, you might be featured on our social channels!

For more projects, products, trends, recipes and news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn or visit www.veronappliances.com.

Save $200 on the Verona CHEFS PAK with the purchase of any Verona Range!

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A chef-worthy range calls for chef-worthy accessories. The Verona CHEFS PAK includes a cast iron griddle, maple cutting board, steamer pan set, beveled spatula, digital meat probe and two protective oven mitts. Save $200 with the purchase of any Verona range! Promotion valid from February 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2023.

Savvy Consumers Turn from Trendy to Friendly as High Prices Motivate More Sophisticated Purchase Decisions

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In the world of appliances brands, smart consumers are finding entry-level luxury brands like Verona Appliances whose style, quality and functionality are on par with trendier brands, but come at a more accessible price and are in-stock!

First there were no appliances to be found and then came the price increases due to supply chain issues and inflation. While manufacturers have shouldered some of the costs, consumers are seeing at minimum a 13% increase in appliance pricing from 2021 to 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and in some cases, they could be as high as 20% more given that many promotional plans and rebates have been discontinued. Moving from high-priced brands to an “entry-level luxury brand” can go a long way right now for the customer that needs to balance their budgets.

Fortunately, there are hidden gems in the market that are beautiful, functional and reliable – but they do not carry the same high price point as trendier brands. These entry-level luxury brands are getting more than a second look as savvy consumers are ditching brands whose pricing has risen astronomically for companies who have items in stock, come at a lower price and often prove to be more feature rich for the money. With a little research and persistence, consumers are unearthing these gemstones and turning them into hot commodities overnight.

“As a family-owned company since 1958, we are seeing a lot of interest in our brand recently,” states Melissa Haber, vice president of Verona Appliances. “Verona is crafted in Italy, but made for the U.S. market. We don’t spend millions of dollars in marketing – so it takes a little extra effort to find us – but feature-by-feature, our products are on-par, if not better than brands that can charge more because they have more status in the market. Our office still answers phone calls in person, in New York, and our customers really appreciate the one-on-one connection, service and help. There are definite benefits beyond price for picking brands like Verona.”

“Consumers should also be wary of ‘made-in-China’ copycat brands that have recently come on the market – they lack quality and features but their price points are low, so they are grabbing the sale,” states Haber. “They do not compare in features and quality to established brands like Verona that have a good track record for service and quality. Consumers really have to look to find not just a good price, but a great value.”

Verona Appliances recently introduced their Prestige collection with seven new 36” electric ranges. The new 36” electric double oven ranges are an industry exclusive, with an upgraded look that is only surpassed by its high-powered capabilities. The single ovens are offered in four colors (Stainless Steel, White, Matte Black and Burgundy) and the double ovens offered in three colors (Stainless Steel, White and Matte Black).

A Matte Black Range Sets the Mood for this South Florida Kitchen

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Verona Appliances partnered with Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones to craft a moody black kitchen for her South Florida home. To her surprise, Haley didn’t realize that so many homes in the Florida area didn’t have gas hookups available, but she found a great alternative with an electric range from Verona.

“I wanted a gas range look and stumbled across the Verona Designer Series Range,” she says. “This was the first appliance we picked out after weeks of searching for a range that would fit the aesthetic of our modern kitchen.”

Continue to read below for more details on Haley’s experience with her Verona range.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Brand

Haley and her husband wanted a range in matte black with sleek and modern lines. The model they went with is the 36” Designer Series Electric Range. “The size is great and fits our space perfectly,” she says. “The home originally had a 30” range, but we wanted something a little bit larger to anchor the space and we love how substantial it looks!” Haley also liked how there were several Verona retailers near her, so she felt comfortable choosing the brand in case a repair was needed in the future. 

Note: If you’re interested in a Verona appliance or need repair assistance, you can use our store locator to find a licensed retailer near you. 

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Design

According to Haley, the overall design of the range is what drew her and her husband in immediately. “It’s so sleek, simple and modern, which is exactly what we wanted for our kitchen remodel,” she says. “We opted for the single door instead of the double-door because I wanted the option to cook sheet pan meals on a large baking sheet.”

Another design feature she appreciated was the feet. “I know that’s oddly specific, but it’s one design feature that I love,” she says. The range in her previous home in California was lower to the ground, so it was more difficult to get under the appliance to recover lost baby and dog toys. The feet on the Designer Series Electric Range raises the appliance higher, therefore, it’s easier for her to sweep, mop and recover toys from underneath.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Cleaning

Haley also mentioned how simple her appliance was to maintain. “The cooktop is incredibly easy to keep clean in comparison to other electric ranges that we’ve owned,” says Haley. “In addition, the soft-close oven door actually can come off completely! It’s one of my favorite things about this appliance.”

Note: Instructions for how to remove the door on this model is found on page 22 of the user manual. Cleaning and maintenance instructions start in page 17.

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

The Functions

The electric cooktop on the 36” Designer Series range has five burners. “I typically only use two at one time, but I love the larger burner in the center of the stove,” says Haley. “All the burners heat up quickly and cook evenly.”

As for the oven cavity, Haley says she typically cooks with the normal convection function, which cooks evenly as well. A fan and multiple heating elements help cook anything, from a roast chicken to a batch of brownies, with ease since it encourages even heating. 

Photo Credit: Haley Jones of Me and Mr. Jones

Review Summary

Overall, Haley says she and her husband absolutely love their electric range. “The size, the design, and the functionality of it are all really great. The design alone makes it worth the money in my opinion!” She also appreciates how she can customize her range with different colored knobs. “We have a Matte Black set that I plan on installing, but these knobs are also available in Burgundy.”

Are you ready to add an electric Verona range to your kitchen? Explore our many options at www.veronappliances.com. For more products, projects, trends and news Verona Appliances, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.