Elmira Stove Works Blog

Give Thanks for Cooking With Pleasure

In Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving the second Monday of October, a tradition that began in 1957. For those of you living in the United States, Thanksgiving is still to come. And, what better way to enjoy Turkey Day than to bake your bird in one of our Antique Cook’s Delight ranges.

Loaded with state-of-the-art features to make your culinary experience more enjoyable, the Antique range includes a full-size, self-cleaning oven and a choice of cooktops. 45” models also come with a “stay hot” food warmer, to keep your side dishes hot while you’re finishing off the rest of your meal.

Preparing a turkey for the first time can be a daunting task. You definitely don’t want your turkey to take on an unwelcoming “blackened” taste. To make the job easier, cook your turkey to perfection with the Cook’s Delight range’s “Feather Touch” electric control panel. Conveniently located at eye-level in the upper cabinet, the touch screen allows temperatures to be easily controlled. The indicator lights on the panel and cooking surface let you know which function is being used. The cooktop lights and exhaust fan are also controlled from this location.

Unless you are an expert chef like Rachel Ray, stick to the basics when it comes to cooking your turkey. The cook time depends on the how big your bird is. The rule of thumb for poultry is 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees, plus an addition 10-20 minutes of roasting time. Be sure to let your turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, this will help keep the meat moist, and scrumptious. It’s also suggested to stuff your turkey with stuffing prior to baking for extra flavor.

When it comes to your side dishes, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner typically includes green bean casserole accented with crispy onions; sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows; mashed potatoes and gravy; and fresh cranberry sauce. With this many dishes, you will need to plan accordingly.

Luckily, Elmira Stove Works’ Antique ranges come with a 30-inch or 45-inch cooktop. The 30-inch cooktop comprises four burners; the 45-inch cooktop houses six burners. This gives you plenty of room to prepare your side dishes all at the same time. Sealed gas burners, “Ultra Temp” cast elements or smooth-top electric burners, and even combinations are available, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Our Antique ranges are accessible in a multitude of colors to complement your kitchen’s design scheme: Black, White, Bisque, Cayenne Pepper Red, Liberty Blue, Jewel Green, Black / White combination, or Black / Bisque combination. Additionally, other decorative metal trim accents are available; including a Victorian trivet, decorative shelf, door frames, leg and front skirt trim – all in Nickel, Antique Copper or Antique Brass.

With all the available options offered with our Antique ranges, preparing your Thanksgiving meal won’t cause stress or headaches; instead it has the potential to renew your passion for cooking.

“Talking Turkey: Non-Traditional Ideas for Your Traditional Range”

Rather than go with the traditional cooking directions for turkey, consider these ideas from a post on amazingribs.com:

DON’T set your bird down inside the roasting pan, which results in the top of the bird being overcooked by the time the bottom is cooked. Instead, set a rack across the top of the pan and set the bird on the rack. This will create even degree heat all around the bird. Put a cup of water into the bottom of the pan to keep the bird even moister.
DON’T cook your bird to 180 degrees. Instead, remove the bird at 160 degrees – it will rise to 165 degrees while you’re carving it. (The USDA changed their guidelines for turkey from 180 degrees to 165 degrees back in 2006. Most recipes are out of date.) At 165 degrees, you’ll have a safe bird that is much moister.
DON’T stuff the turkey. By the time the stuffing is safely heated to 165 degrees, the white meat will be overcooked. Instead, leave the cavity empty, allowing the bird to roast evenly from the inside and out. Bake your stuffing in muffin pans for a tasty, crispy treat. Rub the cavity with the same seasoning you’re using on the outside, and place a cheesecloth packet loaded with aromatics (parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme – sing along if you wish!) in the cavity.
DON’T set the oven at 350 degrees. Instead, go with 325 degrees. This will allow for much more even heating and, with the cavity empty, your bird will cook quite quickly, so you’ll actually be reducing your overall cooking time.
DON’T rely on the clock. Instead, rely on a good thermometer. Yes, we know you want to know roughly how long it will take – for an unstuffed bird, allow about 2 to 2-1/2 hours for a 12-14 pound bird. Add a half hour for every additional four pounds.
DON’T tent your turkey with foil or let it stand. Doing so allows the skin to soften and lose that wonderful crispness you worked so hard to get. Instead, carve the bird as soon as you take it out of the oven.
DON’T carve the breasts while they’re on the bird. Instead, use your knife to scoop the breasts off of the bird. Then carve them across the grain so that everyone gets a piece of breast meat with a nice crispy bit of skin attached to it.

To learn more about Elmira Stove Works’ collection of Antique ranges, visit our website at www.elmirastoveworks.com.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s…

… really yummy smoked food, coming out of an Elmira Fireview wood-burning cookstove! Who’d have ever thought you could lightly smoke meats, fish, vegetables and desserts indoors in a wood-burning cooker??? Well you can indeed, and you won’t even smoke up the kitchen while doing so.

The same technology that creates air circulation and even temperatures in the Fireview’s oven also draws the smoke out of the stove and up the chimney. A gap in the gasket on the oven door allows room air to be drawn into the oven, creating air flow and mild turbulence that helps eliminate hot and cool spots. That air is then drawn out of the oven and up the flue through three small holes in the back of the oven.

“Smoking and southern barbecue have become extremely popular over the past few years,” says Brian Hendrick, Elmira Stove Works’ Vice-President of Marketing. “For those who are interested in cooking on a woodburning cookstove, or supplementing their traditional range with a wood cooker, this is a real bonus.”

The smoking process in the Fireview is fairly simple. Elmira will soon provide a smoker kit with each Fireview cookstove it sells. The kit contains a broiling pan, cover, roasting rack, tongs, thermometer, smoke puck or “bisquette” samples, a puck pan and instructions. Once the oven is at the desired temperature, you simply set the food to be smoked on the rack in the pan, fully ignite a smoke bisquette in the stove’s firebox, blow it out, set it in the puck pan, and close the oven door. The oven will fill with smoke, and the smoke flavour will slowly permeate the food.

Each bisquette lasts about ten to fifteen minutes. For a hint of smoke, you’ll want to use four or five bisquettes. For a heavier smoke, double up on the bisquettes in the pan, smoke for longer, use a heavier wood smoke such as hickory or mesquite, close off one or two holes in the back of the oven to hold in more smoke, or a combination of these techniques: the more smoke, the more flavor. With practice and experimentation, you can get some great results.

“You might not get a really heavy smoke flavor,” says Hendrick. “If you want heavy smoke through an eight-pound pork butt, you’ll probably need to go back to your outdoor smoker, but the Fireview can definitely achieve a nice light smoky ‘bark’ on smaller cuts of meat.”

So not only will the Fireview heat your home or cabin, cook your food, provide a pleasant fire to watch, and provide hot water for your home; it will also let you enjoy the tasty pleasures of smoking meats and other foods… indoors!

Some suggested recipes* to search online and try in your Fireview: smoked chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork, mahi-mahi, or beef brisket; smoked corn on the cob, smoke-roasted asparagus, baked beans, smoked apple pie, apple-smoked peaches with ice cream. Hungry yet?

* recipes may require adaptation for use in your cookstove – experiment and have fun!

Antique vs. Northstar

If you’re looking to take your kitchen to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. You know you want something that will make your vintage kitchen pop even more. Lucky for you, Elmira has everything you need to put together your dream kitchen. The question then becomes Antique or Northstar?

Both lines have wonderful features and unique looks that you can’t find anywhere else, so how do you decide? Well, we’re here to help. We can’t choose for you – we have trouble picking just one too – but we can give you a comparison to make your decision-making process a little bit easier.

The Northstar line is made up of appliances that combine the retro look of the 1950s with the convenience and performance of modern appliances. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

The line includes everything from ranges to refrigerators, microwaves to hoods and splashbacks, and even keg fridges to dishwasher panels. The Northstar line also gives you the flexibility to make sure that your appliances meet your needs, such as choosing between sealed-gas burners and high-speed radiant electric elements for your range. Refrigerators come in seven different models with customizable options, so you get everything you want. Northstar even takes it up a notch with keg fridges to make sure you never go thirsty. With a microwave that only looks like it’s from 1953, you have 1200 watts of power and all the features you could possibly want, such as a genius sensor cook and a child safety lock, in a state-of-the-art microwave.

With outside-vent or recirculating hoods and splashbacks, your entire kitchen can look uniquely retro. In addition, Northstar has panels for fully integrated panel-ready dishwashers.

The Northstar line has everything to meet your retro appliance needs. After customizing everything to your liking, the only question remaining is what color best suits your retro kitchen? The Northstar line is available in nine different eye-catching colors, and is even available in custom colors of your request.

The Antique line has a unique look that reflects a classic 1800’s era. It gives you a classic look while maintaining the luxury and technology of modern appliances. You never have to sacrifice.

The Antique line allows you to fully customize almost everything to your unique preferences. The range has a “stay hot” food warmer, “feather touch” and electronic control panel located at eye level. Choose from a total of 13 models featuring 10 different cooktops, sealed gas burners, cast electric elements or radiant high-speed smoothtops — all-electric, all-gas (natural gas or liquid propane) or dual fuel. In addition, you have a choice of electric, electric convection or gas oven – all self-cleaning, of course. Then there are the colors and trim options: eight colors, three metal trims (Nickel, Brass or Copper), trims for legs, door frames, trivets, skirts and shelves. And that’s just the ranges!

Sound mind-boggling? The “Create Your Dream Kitchen” tools on our website walk you through it and make it simple and easy. You can make your Antique range uniquely your own.

Four different refrigerator models mean you can find one that has everything you’re looking for. All four models can be customized as you want.

Microwaves may not have been around in 1895, but our Model 1895 Microwave is designed to not only give you 1100 watts of power but also fit in perfectly with your antique kitchen.

The Antique line also offers a 5.0 cubic foot convection wall oven, perfect for those who need extra capacity. Also available from the Antique collection are panels for fully integrated panel-ready models.

There are a lot of things to consider and both lines have a lot to offer. The more we compare the two, the more we wish we had two kitchens – one for each line!

Modern Appetite? Retro Recipe!

Sometimes you just need a yummy, homemade meal cooked in your retro kitchen so why not cook something that’s stood the test of time and is still delicious today? With this in mind, we’ve gathered the top 3 retro recipes from around the web so all you have to do is decide which yummy dish you want to make first!

When you’re talking about the best retro recipes, you cannot leave out Fried Green Tomatoes. This classic dish also gives you a little taste of good ole’ fashion southern cuisine.

We also found a delicious Chicken Pot Pie that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Of course we wouldn’t forget to add something sweet to the list! These Chocolate Toffee Crescent Bars are so yummy and easy to make! Definitely a must try for the days you need a sweet treat.

Did you know that we have our own #RetroRecipe collection? Check out the tab on our Facebook for more information! Here is our latest summer baked zucchini recipe!

Elmira has a Fridge for Every Room

There are few things better than an ice-cold drink on a hot summer day. There are few things worse than having to walk to the other side of the house to enjoy

that ice-cold drink. Lucky for all of us, Elmira has the perfect fridge for every room in the house. With three coordinated fridge models to choose from, finding the perfect fit for every room will easier than picking one of our many retro colors.

The beautiful model 1952 has the classic retro look perfect for any retro kitchen. With 13.2 cu. ft. of refrigerator space and 5.0 cu. ft of freezer space with a total of 18.2 cu. ft. total capacity, this model allows you to have space without sacrificing the eye catching, retro look of your kitchen. An optional left hand hinge, ice marker and draft beer system means that you can personalize this fridge to your needs. Deciding on this fridge is easy; deciding on one of the nine colors or a custom one? Not so much.

After a perfect kitchen, a perfect basement is pretty essential. Whether you’re building the perfect man cave or a late-night hideaway for mom, basements are the perfect little getaway in your own house. Such a unique place needs the perfect fridge. After all, you don’t want to miss out on your favorite TV show or interrupt a great card game by having to run upstairs to grab drinks and snacks!

Have no fear; we have the perfect fridge for that too!

The model 1949 is ideal for basements! The slick, retro fridge adds a fun splash of color to your basement. The adjustable glass shelving and tall bottle storage makes it easy to ensure you have plenty of room. Not only is this fridge Energy Star compliant but there’s also an optional beer draft system to take your party to the next level. If you feel like something’s missing from your basement getaway, this is it.

If space is limited, or you simply want something a little smaller without sacrificing any of the beauty, then the model 1945 is exactly what you need. With 3.3 cubic foot capacity or 120-can storage, this model is proof that good things do come in small packages. This model is perfect for rooms like dorm rooms or small outdoor spaces. Always have a drink or a snack within reach without having to give up a lot of space. You really can have it all.

With so many great fridge options, why should your dream kitchen be the only one to enjoy the convenience and unique retro look of our fridges? Elmira has the perfect fridge for every room and enough color options to make you want one of each.

Elmira Stove Works Teams up with Nadia G. on Sick Kitchens!

Hopefully you’ve heard about the show Sick Kitchens with Nadia G. on Ulive by now! If you’ve seen an episode or two – and we certainly hope you have because it’s hilariously entertaining – you might have noticed something familiar in the background. That’s right! It’s an Elmira kitchen!

In fact, Elmira has teamed up with Ulive and the Cooking Channel to give you a chance to win some amazing Elmira kitchen appliances of your own. We’ll be giving away a Northstar fridge and range in the color of your choice! The prize package retails at almost $8,000 – talk about a sick kitchen!

You’ll have to act fast though, your last chance to enter is June 16^th. So take a quick break from watching Nadia G. on Sick Kitchens and enter now!

If you haven’t already checked out the show you’re missing out. Nadia G. takes the fun of homemaker over shows and blends it with her own sick style and kitchen expertise. Her out-of-the-box approach incorporates her unique style, biting humor and a whole lot of fun, resulting in some amazing, one-of-a-kind kitchens.

Catch up on all the episodes and enter the Sick Kitchens giveaway here!

Top 3 Reasons You Don’t Want to be a Top 10 This Mother’s Day

From the moment we are born, we are the center of our mother’s universe. And often times as we grow older, she becomes the center of ours. Whether it’s your mother, your grandmother or the mother of your children – this is your shining chance to let her know how special she is to you.

So, have you thought about what you’ll be getting the mom in your life for Mother’s Day this year? Here’s a list of the 10 Most Popular Mother’s Day Gifts:

10.          Flowers
9.            Candles
8.            Gift Card
7.            Gift Basket
6.            Home Spa Treatment
5.            Home Décor
4.            Sweet Treats
3.            Greenery
2.            Perfume
1.            Massage and Spa Treatment

It’s safe to say most of these gifts are pretty standard fare. And is that really the way you want to Mother’s Day? Now check out the Top 3 Reasons Why You Don’t Want to be a Top 10:

3.            Being that the gifts in the above list are the “10 Most Popular” they could certainly be perceived as impersonal, no matter how well-intentioned.
2.            The majority of the gifts listed above are transitory, so once it’s gone, that’s it! Flowers die, candles burn out, candy gets eaten and there’s nothing left to remember the gift by.
1.            Like many holidays, Mother’s Day and the gifts associated with it have become increasingly commercialized. Gifts become assumed and often don’t reflect the individuality of every mom.

Wouldn’t it be special this year if you got her a gift that reflects her personal style, that she’ll use every day and that she will enjoy for many years to come? This year, why not get her one of our beautiful and unique Northstar appliances? Our full range of Northstar appliances comes in a variety of vintage colors, and there’s even the option to select a custom color. Meaning this gift will be as meaningful and original as she is.

Don’t do another “Top 10” this year – give her something she’ll love a lifetime.

To see our full range of Northstar appliances and standard colors, visit our website.

Pastels…for Easter Eggs and the Fridge You Keep Them In! DIY Pastel Eggs

With Spring in full bloom, pastels are everywhere you look! From Easter eggs to fresh-budding flora, we’re reminded that the cold and dreary winter is past. There’s nothing like a little color to brighten your mood, and your home! Bring a little of that Spring cheer into the kitchen with one of our vintage-inspired pastel Northstar appliances-in pastel colors. Check out our fun DIY for pastel egg coloring, and tasty deviled eggs!

Here’s a fun DIY project that will get you in the mood for spring; Pastel Eggs. First, you can get creative and dye eggs in some fun colors, then turn them into edible snacks for your family and friends. Use the traditional method of dying eggs, but save your colors, because not only can you dye the shell of the eggs, you can dye the hardboiled egg whites, whip up the yolks with some mayo, and you’ve got fun colored deviled eggs!

Here’s how:

Hard boil eggs for 10 minutes using your Elmira stove!
Use mugs, small bowls or cups as the “dye bath” for the eggs
Add a few drops of food coloring to water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar in each dye bath
Using a spoon, gently dunk the eggs into the dye baths, mixing colors as you wish
Let the dyed eggs dry and store in your Elmira refrigerator

Follow the directions on our April Retro Recipe to make delicious pastel deviled eggs by re-using the dye bath from your colored eggs!

You can find this Retro Recipe and others on our Facebook and more DIY tips posted daily on our Twitter !

To purchase our fun and hip pastel Northstar line of appliances, check out our website !

Celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day with Elmira and…Lucky Charms!

As always, Chicago will be going all out for St. Patrick’s Day this month. The river will once again be dyed green, the three-hour parade will prance through Grant Park, there will be bagpipes and river dancers – it promises to be a feast for the Irish, and the Irish at heart.

This year holds a little something extra, however. This year spectators and guests will also enjoy celebrating the 50^th birthday of family-favorite brand Lucky Charms! Lucky Charms was first introduced into stores in 1964, making it a true vintage delight.

You know what else is a true vintage delight? Elmira, of course! And we’d like to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with one of our green Northstar appliances. We offer our traditional Mint Green color, but don’t forget – we also create custom colors.

So this St. Patrick’s Day, fill your kitchen with green Northstar appliances and pour a bowl of Lucky Charms. You’ll feel about as festive and vintage as a mid-century Leprechaun!

Check out our full line of Northstar appliances (in all colors) here.

Luck o’ the Irish to you, from Elmira!

Elmira’s Northstar Beer Fridge. Made for Canadians, by Canadians.

There’s been a lot of talk about patriotic red fridges and Canadian beer lately. And you know what? We’re totally on board. In fact, that’s exactly why we created our Candy Red Northstar Keg Fridge so many years ago. It comes with a factory-installed 1951-BREW BrewMaster system to optimize your beer-drinking experience.

We believe you should be able to have the retro Elmira Northstar fridge look you love with the added convenience of a keg tap dispenser right on the front.

It’s perfect for hockey game days, boys’ night, or even just a post-work pint to finish off a long day.

And with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics right around the corner, this fridge is the perfect way to bring a little Team Canada spirit into your home.

That’s the best part about this fridge – it’s 100% Canadian. In fact, Elmira has been designing and manufacturing appliances in Elmira, Ontario since 1975. Talk about true Canadian craftsmanship!

So while you’re cheering on Team Canada in Sochi, make sure your fridge is full, your keg is cold, and your tap is ready. Remember, true Canadian beer belongs in a Canadian Elmira Northstar Keg Fridge.