We at Midwest Kitchens know this pandemic is requiring more thought and diligence to keep families safe and healthy!  After you come home from the store, social distancing is no longer required. However, other challenges present themselves and there still may be opportunity for the transmission of the virus. Keeping your kitchen safe during COVID-19, where most family members tend to gather, is imperative during this time.

Steps for Preventing the Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary mode of transmission for coronavirus is person-to-person contact. However, we should still exercise cautious about food handling and preparation and be extra diligent with washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen. 

After leaving the grocery store, you should use hand sanitizer in your car. In addition, after you bring the grocery bags inside your home, immediately wash your hands. If you don’t regularly use hand sanitizer in your car after visiting the store, you may even want to go inside to wash your hands before returning to your car to unload grocery bags.

According to this article by Eater magazine, following these 4 simple steps for food safety can ensure far less possibility of contamination: 

1. Clean: wash hands, surfaces and all utensils used for cooking; 

2. Separate: keep raw meat, poultry items, eggs and seafood separated from the other groceries;

3. Cook: make sure foods are cooked through and reach a safe temperature to avoid illness; and

4. Chill: refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within two hours. 

Preparing a Meal

Most people have been eating the vast majority of their meals at home. While people are likely cooking more meals at home right now, it’s imperative that you’re keeping your kitchen safe during COVID-19. According to Don Schaffner, a professor of food microbiology at Rutgers University,  proper cooking procedures and safe handling of foods like raw meat is even more important during a pandemic. As long as we take proper sanitizing and food handling steps, the threat of transmitting the virus from food is unlikely.

Cleaning Common Surfaces 

Kitchens and bathrooms are two rooms in the home that harbor the most germs. According to this article published by Healthline, COVID-19 can live on some surfaces, such as cardboard for 24 hours and plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days. While this information sounds alarming, when we take proper steps for cleaning and sanitation, we can kill a variety of germs on surfaces. 

According to Becky Rapinchuk, who started the blog Clean Mama and product line by the same name, the safest way to keep the virus from spreading in your home is to disinfect the areas that get touched the most. In the kitchen, this includes drawer and cupboard knobs and pulls and as well as all handles on appliances such as the refrigerator, dishwasher and oven.

Cleaning Products 

The CDC provides guidance on Cleaning and Disinfection for Households to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most EPA-certified cleaning products sold on the market are efficient and effective at cleaning everyday surfaces. By using the products listed on the EPA’s website, you will be keeping your kitchen safe from COVID-19.

Many people believe that bleach is the strongest and most powerful cleaning solution. However, one must use proper handling and precautions when using bleach due to its strength and toxicity to humans and pets. 

How to Clean and Disinfect Hard Surfaces

The CDC recommends the following when cleaning solid, non-porous surfaces:

• Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning.
• If using reusable gloves, they should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes.
• Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used.
• Wash hands immediately after removing gloves.
• If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• For disinfection, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

In addition, the CDC states that before using any diluted household bleach solutions, you must first ensure it is used on the correct surface. Bleach is a very strong, toxic substance that can potentially be harmful. Therefore, you’ll want to follow directions closely and use proper ventilation in your home. 

How to Clean and Disinfect Soft Surfaces

According to the CDC, we should clean soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes as follows:

• Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.
• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR

• Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant.
• Vacuum as usual.

Conclusion

In the age of a global pandemic, it is important to routinely clean frequently touched surfaces to prevent the spread of the disease. High touch surfaces include areas such as: tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

In conclusion, we know that keeping your family safe during COVID-19 is of utmost importance. Frequent hand washing and social distancing are the most important precautions one can take to protect against COVID-19 and other viruses. Since we are eating at home and frequently gathering in the kitchen, we want to ensure that our kitchens are as clean as possible. At this time of anxiety and uncertainty about the pandemic, it is empowering to know that taking a few simple steps can help protect your family from disease.

The post Keeping Your Kitchen Safe During COVID-19 appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

Below you’ll find the five delicious recipes each of the influencers shared with us to try. We were busy in the kitchen for a few days! Each influencer did a fabulous job making our recipes and also sharing a recipe with Midwest Kitchens. Special thanks to Natalie Fieleke, Anna Huff, Lacey Spallitta, Kallie Flexman and Molly Kuplen for participating! We can’t wait to do another recipe exchange.

No Bake Powerball Cookies by Natalie Fieleke

1 c. all natural peanut butter or almond butter
3/4 c. honey
3 c. old fashioned oats
1/2 c. ground flax seed
1 c. dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)
1 c. any combination of these add-ins:
-chopped pecans or almonds
-unsweetened shredded coconut
-chia seeds
-soft dried fruits (raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried apricots, etc.)

Directions:
-In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter and honey until smooth. (Tip: you may want to warm them in the microwave first for easy mixing.)
-Stir in oats & flax seeds; mix in dried fruits.
-Using wet hands or a wet cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approx. 30 balls. Use a heaping tablespoon of mixture per cookie. Enjoy!

Monster Cookies by Anna Huff

1 1/2 c. creamy or chunky peanut butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. granulated white sugar
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
4 1/2 c. rolled oats
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. M&M’s (plain)

Directions:
-Pre-heat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
-In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter with the sugars and butter. Use an electric mixer to mix until well combined.
-Add eggs & vanilla; mix in oats & baking soda.
-Stir in chocolate chips & M&M’s.
-Drop the cookies by heaping spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
-If you’d like your cookies to look pretty like the photos, dot a few extra M&M’s on each mound of dough before baking.
-Bake 10-12 minutes, less for convection ovens. Do not overbake. Cool on a wire rack & enjoy!

Protein Pancakes by Kallie Flexman

1 c. raw oats
1 c. cottage cheese
1 c. egg whites (can use carton egg whites)
cinnamon to taste

Directions:
Blend ingredients together in a blender. Use a non-stick pan & coat with EVOO. Pour batter in pan, cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side. Serve with peanut butter, maple syrup fruit, or the topping of your choice!

Hamburger Vegetable Soup by Molly Kuplen

2 lb lean hamburger
1 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 stick butter
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cans of water
1 large potato, diced
1 small bag frozen peas
1 small bag frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Brown hamburger meat in large pot. Do not drain. Place onion & garlic & a separate pan & saute until onions are translucent. Add salt & pepper. Combine with hamburger meat and add remaining ingredients except vegetables. Bring to low boil & simmer until potatoes are soft. Then add frozen or fresh vegetables. Simmer until vegetables are cooked.

Lemony Chicken Patties by Lacey Spallitta

1 lb. ground chicken breast
1-2 Tbsp. non-dairy milk
1 tsp. freshly chopped rosemary
1 tsp. chopped thyme
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. finely minced garlic
zest of 1 medium lemon
2 Tbsp. chopped chives or green onion
2-3 Tbsp. avocado oil

Directions:
Gently combine all ingredients in a bowl and gently mix until everything is combined. (Do not overwork or your patties will have a rubbery texture.) Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and divide the chicken mixture into four segments. Flatten to form patties and sear for 5-8 min on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 160F. You can serve the patties with roasted broccoli. For a more filliing option, serve with mashed root vegetables or cauliflower.

The post Quarantine Recipe Exchange, Part II: Influencer Recipes appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

The first part of the exchange involved us sharing a recipe with each of the five influencers to try out. To see each of those recipes, check out our blog post here. After that, each of the influencers shared a special recipe with us to try. We kept very busy in the kitchen!

We were fortunate enough that In Kansas City Magazine caught wind of our exchange and featured one of the influencers and the recipe she shared with us. Check out the wonderful write up they did featuring Lacey Spallitta and her delicious Lemony Chicken Patties recipe.

Recipe Feature:

Right now more than ever, a lot of us are feeling pressure. Pressure to be a great teacher, parent, activity coordinator, chef and employee. While the extra time with family is nice, it’s also exhausting. It’s no wonder parents are feeling burnt out, guilty and like there’s no end in sight. Midwest Kitchens in InKansasCity Magazine recipe feature can hopefully provide a little escape to test out a new dish.

Like many tough phases in life, remember that this too shall pass. This is a unique time and no one is expecting you to juggle everything and juggle it well. Take time for yourself when you can and just do your best.

This article from The Every Mom touches on the importance of seeking alone time and little, clever ways to achieve it. We’ve found that spending more time in the kitchen, both involving the kids and not, provides a great escape from the stress and pressure during this time.

Just like on an airplane when putting on an oxygen mask, you have to take care of yourself first before assisting others. We hope you’re finding time to do things just for yourself and that it continues on well after this pandemic passes! Midwest Kitchens in InKansasCity Magazine provides a great recipe if you’re needing a break from the monotony.

The post Midwest Kitchens in InKansasCity Magazine appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

In an effort to provide some guidance in this process of choosing the right options for your kitchen remodel, we’ve included the steps below to make the kitchen design process easier and create the kitchen of your dreams. 

1. Cabinetry. Quality is so important in selecting cabinetry. When you select quality construction, you will enjoy the benefits of lasting durability and ease of use every single day! Cabinetry should be made from solid hardwoods. Other quality features include dovetailed drawer boxes, concealed hinges, and soft-close glides on drawers & doors. An oven-cured factory finish is critical to the longevity of your kitchen cabinets.  When getting started, select the color first. Then follow with the style of cabinets.The color is more important as it will set the tone for other decisions to follow. Generally, kitchen cabinetry accounts for 50% of your kitchen remodeling budget.
   
   
2. Countertops, sinks & faucets. Countertops can make a statement in your kitchen. They can be dramatic or subtle, depending on the look you are seeking. The countertop color and material should accent your new cabinetry. Whether you’re searching for quartz or granite, choose a color you love knowing it will occupy a large portion of visual space. There are many options for sinks and faucets. Single-bowl sinks, like the farmhouse style, are extremely popular right now.
   
   
3. Appliances. Stainless steel is still the most popular choice for appliances. It’s classic and looks great with any kitchen style. At Midwest Kitchens, we’re also able to work with our friends at Showplace Cabinetry to create custom refrigerator and dishwasher panels that match the cabinetry for a warm, cohesive look.
   
   
4. Backsplash.  Backsplashes provide a wonderful kitchen design opportunity to make a personal statement. It’s another way to introduce color, texture, and pattern to achieve your desired style. You can go with a neutral or dramatic look, depending on the countertop selected. For example, if the countertop is dramatic, you may want a more subtle backsplash.
   
   
5. Kitchen hardware. Cabinet hardware is another design element that helps you earn style points. Homeowners often spend a significant amount of time selecting drawer handles and pulls, as they can be prominent features in a kitchen.
   
    
6. Lighting. Lighting is both practical and decorative. Many kitchens do not have enough lighting. You will want to have ample light to show off your new cabinetry and other kitchen features. Options for lighting include fixtures, canned lighting and pendants. Over-cabinet and under-cabinet LED lighting provide additional illumination.
   
   
7. Flooring. If you’re planning to install new flooring in the kitchen, be sure it complements the cabinetry, countertop and appliances. There are many kitchen flooring options from which to choose.
   

At Midwest Kitchens, we pride ourselves in helping walk our customers through the process of selecting each and every detail to complete their dream kitchen. We understand that these can be tough decisions and not ones you make every day. A kitchen remodel is also a significant financial investment. Therefore, it’s important to us that you love what you pick out and enjoy it for years to come!

The post Choosing the Right Kitchen Design for Your Home appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

Luckily, there are advantages to running a small business! We retain small crews and are able to navigate these changes. As construction is an essential service, we are continuing to operate throughout the tri-county stay-at-home order. From our family to yours, staying safe is as important to us as it is to you!

We want to assure you that we practice frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers at all times. We are also doing virtual consultations, which can work just as effectively as in-person. All we need are photos from the client.

This too shall pass! Until then, we choose to focus on all the positives. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining through your kitchen windows and nicer weather is here. Most of us are also given a greater opportunity to spend time with family.

Now more than ever, we are spending more time at home and in our kitchens! Spring is a great time for home projects — whether you start gardening, tackle some organization projects or test out some new recipes.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and especially during this time of quarantine, quality kitchens matter during COVID-19. If you’re not feeling comfortable or particularly happy with your current kitchen, reach out to us. We can do virtual appointments, provide bids and schedule out your job for when the pandemic is over.

Just read one of our recent Google Reviews from a satisfied customer! We love hearing feedback from clients who are loving their new kitchens and had a positive experience with Midwest Kitchens.

Client Testimonial

I used Midwest Kitchen for a full kitchen remodel and could not be happier. Everything went smoothly from the planning to the actual work. David was great to work with – he was responsive to my calls and questions and was extremely organized in making sure everything went as planned. I liked their setup of being able to go out to the place of my choosing and pick out certain items such as the back splash, sink, and faucet. Mike and Gene did the installation – they were friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. Their work was meticulous with a lot of attention to detail. It’s obvious they have been doing this a long time. I am so impressed with the end results – my kitchen looks stunning! If you are looking to have any work done on your kitchen, I would highly recommend this company!

Trish V.

The post Quality Kitchens Matter During Covid-19 appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

Our gingersnap cookie recipe for fall and holiday entertaining will fill your kitchen with the scent of molasses, cinnamon and other spices. And of course, who can pass up a seasonal cocktail every now and then? Cheers!

Midwest Kitchens Recipes for Fall and Holiday Entertaining:

Gingersnap Cookies

Batter:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup vegetable shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup molasses

Sugar & Spice Topping:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets. (We use parchment paper instead.)
Combine the flour, spices & salt.
In a large bowl, cream the shortening & brown sugar. Beat in the egg. Beat in the Molasses. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
Pinch off walnut-sized pieces of dough and roll into balls. Roll in granulated sugar & spice mixture & place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for approx. 10 min, until lightly colored. (For a chewy cookie, don’t over-bake.) Transfer to wire racks to cool.

Apple Cider Mojitos

Ice
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup gold rum
Apple Cider
Garnish: Mint, Apple Slices & cinnamon sticks

Directions:

Fill 2 glasses with ice. Add the juice of half a lemon to each glass. Divide the rum between the two glasses, then fill ¾ of the way full with Apple Cider. Top each with a splash of Seltzer water, if desired. Add garnish

For a winter holiday version, use warm apple cider & skip the ice.

The post Recipes for Fall and Holiday Entertaining appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

The Kitchen Dilemma…

The classic look of the 1970s and 80s has become a relic in most kitchens nowadays. You know the look – Golden Oak or dark walnut veneer kitchen cabinets – that create an outdated stain on your interior home design. What is the the best long term solution to the 1970s problem?

Why Cabinet Refacing is an Excellent Choice

Homeowners want to know what to do with outdated kitchen cabinet colors, or cabinetry that has seen better days. Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to improve the appearance and functionality of a kitchen without gutting it entirely.  Cabinet refacing allows flexibility for updating the color, style and functionality of your kitchen, at a fraction of the cost of brand new kitchen cabinets. 

Therefore, if the existing kitchen cabinet boxes are in good shape, but the cabinet doors are showing wear, Cabinet refacing is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if the homeowner is simply unhappy with the color or style of the doors, Midwest Kitchens recommends cabinet refacing as well.

In this blog post, we will explain the difference between cabinet refacing and cabinet refinishing. This will help homeowners understand why Midwest Kitchens recommends cabinet refacing instead of painting or refinishing kitchen cabinets. We will also describe how cabinet refacing will improve the overall appearance of your kitchen.

What does the Cabinet Refacing Process Entail?

Cabinet refacing is a process that retains the existing “cabinet box,” but removes all of the exterior materials. In other words, we remove the kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and moldings, while retaining the structure of the interior cabinet box.  Next, we prepare and cover the surfaces of the cabinet box (sides, bottom and face-frame) with real hardwoods. The wood covering will match brand new kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts, drawer boxes and moldings.

Finally, we install brand new kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts, custom-made to fit the existing cabinet openings. We also install brand-new hardware, hidden hinges and moldings. The homeowner selects the style and color of the cabinetry from a wide variety of the latest kitchen styles.

What are the Advantages of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing?

Cabinet refacing is like getting a brand new kitchen, at a fraction of the cost. Whereas refinishing or painting basically freshens up your kitchen cabinets, cabinet refacing gives you completely new components. For example, Midwest Kitchens replaces cabinet doors and door fronts. This gives the homeowner the ability to choose any variety, design, finish, and color they want. The choices even include distressed styles or glazing.

Further, most older kitchens have cheaply made drawer boxes with worn-out glides. Midwest Kitchens can improve the functionality of your kitchen by installing new hidden hinges. In addition, we can add soft-close cabinet doors, new solid wood drawer boxes with smooth glides, and new hardware. 

How to Improve Kitchen Functionality with Cabinet Refacing

Unfortunately, many kitchens were not originally designed to function in the most optimal way. Midwest Kitchens can improve functionality and work-flow bottlenecks with cabinet refacing and cabinet modifications.

Midwest Kitchens can correct existing issues with your kitchen cabinets, such as misaligned doors, poor drawer boxes or faulty hardware. This process, in particular, solves a rather common issue with cabinets: shrinking doors. The doors of your cabinet will “naturally” shrink in time as a result of moisture and changes in temperature.

In addition, many homeowners choose to add functional accessories such as pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans at the same time. We often raise the over-the-stove microwave oven higher from the cooking surface or replace an unused desk with new custom cabinetry. By making these modifications, we maximize your working area, creating a more efficient use of kitchen space.

Why is a Factory-Painted or Stained Finish so Important?

With cabinet refacing, the cabinet finishes are factory-applied. This process dramatically reduces installation time and eliminates the need to deal with harmful paint fumes. What a huge benefit for environmentally conscious consumers! And homeowners desiring painted doors will choose brand new paint-grade cabinet doors that were intended to be painted.

In addition, with existing oak cabinetry, which was commonly used in Kansas City homes, the grain will likely show through, even with several coats of paint.

Moreover, with cabinet refacing, all of the hardwoods are stained, sealed, varnished and oven-cured in a controlled manufacturing setting at the Showplace Cabinetry factory in South Dakota. They use the latest technology and environmental controls. Midwest Kitchens is a proud dealer for Showplace Cabinetry.

For painted finishes, Showplace Cabinetry applies an additional top-coat, varnish, and oven-curing process for a long-lasting finish. This detailed process results in a durable, even and smooth finish on the cabinet doors that simply can’t be replicated by a local painting or refinishing company.

Conclusion

Kitchen cabinet refacing and refinishing are NOT the same process. We described the cabinet refacing process and when it is indicated in a kitchen remodel.

Midwest Kitchens is been based in Lenexa, Kansas and has been offering cabinet refacing and kitchen remodeling for 25 years. In addition, we offer kitchen and lifestyle inspiration on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

The post Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Refinishing appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

For example, did you know that local blogger Sarah Scoop featured Midwest Kitchens in her story 10 Ways to Revamp Your Kitchen? Sarah provided excellent ideas for remodeling your kitchen and improving functionality. You don’t have to expand your kitchen size to see an incredible transformation! Add some life back to your kitchen with these inspiring and practical ideas to spruce up your kitchen.

The newsletter also covers topics such as colorful kitchen cabinets and clever kitchen storage ideas. For example, did you know that 2019 is the year of clean lines and functional space?

Future Newsletter Topics

In future editions of the newsletter, we will discuss in depth why cabinet refacing is a far superior option than cabinet refinishing. Did you know that cabinet refinishing does not wear well over time? In addition, most older kitchens have cheaply made drawer boxes with worn-out glides. When you choose kitchen cabinet refacing, we replace old drawer boxes with brand new solid wood boxes with dove-tailed joints and soft close full-extension glides. These updates drastically improve enjoyment and utility of your kitchen.

We plan to publish the newsletter several times a year. If you would like to join our mailing list, please click HERE to send us your name & e-mail address.

We Welcome Your Questions

If you have any questions about the cabinet refacing process, or new kitchen cabinets, please ask us. We understand that a kitchen remodel is a substantial investment, and you want to get it right the first time. Your submitted question may be featured in the next edition of the newsletter!

The post Kitchen Remodeling Newsletter appeared first on Midwest Kitchens.

Why are Kitchen Cabinet Hinges Important?

One of the most important items in your new kitchen is actually hidden from view — your kitchen cabinet hinges! The hinges will determine how smoothly your kitchen cabinet doors will open and close. We use only the Blum brand of concealed, soft-close hinges because they simply are the gold standard in the industry. They are also the most durable and flexible in their application and use.

Blum offers several types of hinges. Our favorite is the “Compact BLUMOTION” concealed, soft-close hinges. With these hinges, slamming doors are a thing of the past. Kitchen cabinet doors close smoothly and silently because the BLUMOTION soft-close feature is built into the hinge cup. Your kitchen cabinet doors will close smoothly and silently every single time.

Why Do We Like Compact BLUMOTION Hinges?

We like Compact BLUMOTION hinges because they are smaller in size than the other Blum styles, and therefore are less conspicuous on your kitchen cabinet doors. Soft-close BLUMOTION hinges adapt to the dynamics of each kitchen cabinet door, so all doors have a smooth closing action regardless of size, weight, or the force used when closing them. So even if you (or your kids) slam a kitchen cabinet door, you won’t damage it. The door will still close smoothly and softly – for the life of the Blum hinge.

When you choose Midwest Kitchens for your kitchen remodel, we assure you that we use only the highest quality products available. When it comes to kitchen cabinet hinges, we’re sold on Blum.

Kitchen Remodeling Kansas City

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