The Elite Corner

$23 million dollar Texas appliance rebate program full in 6 hours

2010-04-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

Just 6 hours after the program went live the Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program officially exhausted at about 2 p.m. today. About $4 million went out in the first 2 hours and at 10 am the Texas Comptroller's office closed online rebate submission and started taking "waiting list" reservations. Those who were able to get through and get on the waiting list can return the filled out application for a spot in line for unclaimed rebates. Texans are limited to two appliance rebates per household. Purchases must be made between April 16-25 in Texas stores. Participants can also receive $75 to recycle the old appliance.

For more info visit Texas Trade Up Appliance Rebate Program

Texans get cash for kitchen clunkers

2010-03-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

In this economy, everyone is looking to save money. The State of Texas has announced an Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program funded by $23 million in federal stimulus funds in order to help Texans save money and conserve energy. Through this program, Texas residents can receive rebates on energy efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters and other appliances purchased between April 16 and April 25. Additional rebates are available to residents who recycle their old appliances.

Refrigerators receive up to $315, Freezers $255, Washers $120, Dishwashers up to $215

Program participants must be Texas residents, purchase an appliance in-store at a Texas retailer and replace an old appliance with a new, energy-efficient model to receive a mail-in rebate. Each household is eligible for two appliance and two recycling rebates. Residents can reserve their appliance rebate by phone or online beginning April 5, 2010. After the reserved rebates are distributed, any remaining rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive updates via email, get answers to frequently asked questions and view a list of eligible appliances and rebate amounts, visit the Comptroller’s State Energy Conservation Web site.

The country way to an Old-Fashioned Roast Turkey

2009-11-30T07:59:00.000-08:00

The holidays are always a great chance to spend with family and friends. At our house the turkey is usually the main topic of conversation. Here is a recipe for a very juicy and flavorful turkey. I was a big hit in our household and I hope it is in yours also.

This recipe calls for the turkey to be open roasted so you will not need a lid for your roasting pan. The idea is to protect certain parts of the turkey so the entire turkey cooks at the same rate preventing some parts being over done and others under. This is accomplished by using the sliced pork to protect the breast and thighs and also flavor and moisten the turkey at the same time.

Ingredients
1 package cheesecloth (2 yards)
1 package heavy-duty aluminum foil
2 cups cold water

2 cups broth
1 turkey , 12 to 14-pounds
1 pound salt pork , cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices or thick cut bacon

Adjust the oven rack the to lowest position and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove cheesecloth from package and fold into an 18-inch square. Place the cheesecloth in large bowl and cover with 2 cups water 2 cups broth and let soak. Tuck wings behind back and arrange turkey, breast-up, on V-rack set inside the roasting pan. Now prick the skin of breast and legs of turkey all over with fork. This allows the rendered salt pork to enter the turkey and flavor and moisten the meat. You can also add your injected seasoning and flavors at this time if you wish.

Now cover the breast and legs of turkey with salt pork sliced 1/4 inch thick. (Thick cut bacon can also be used, but it will need to be blanched first to remove the smokey bacon flavor. You will need to add your seasoning to the turkey before placing the blanched bacon.) Now cover the top of the turkey with the soaked cheesecloth and pouring any remaining water/broth into roasting pan. (If using a self-basting turkey you may want to use all water and no broth) Cover cheesecloth completely with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent the cheesecloth from burning and drying out. Make sure you leave the back of the turkey uncovered so heat can enter the cavity in the back of the turkey.

Place the turkey in the oven and roast until the breast meat registers 140 degrees, 2½ to 3 hours. Now, remove foil, cheesecloth, and salt pork and discard. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees. Continue to roast until breast meat registers 165 degrees and thigh meat registers 175 degrees, 40 to 60 minutes longer. This will also give the top of the turkey time to brown. When the turkey is done, transfer the turkey to a carving board and let rest 30 minutes.

Now all thats left to do is carve and serve.

Tax Breaks and Rebates for homeowners to "Go Green"

2009-11-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

Homeowners installing ENERGY STAR rated products can enjoy up to $1,500 in tax credits for purchases in 2009 and 2010.

ENERGY STAR partners occasionally sponsor special offers, such as sales tax exemptions or credits, or rebates on qualified products.

Fox orders new 'Masterchef' competition starring Gordon Ramsay

2009-11-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Fox is working on a new reality TV show staring Gordon Ramsay and people to whom cooking is more of a hobby but want to turn professional. The show Masterchef which is based on a long-running U.K. series -- will follow the contestants as they compete head-to-head with each other in an attempt to create delicious dishes that will ultimately be judged by world-renowned chefs.

Viking Designer Series in Elle Decor

2009-11-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

ElleDécor’s November issue touts the new Viking Designer Series as “a fresh contemporary look at new competitive prices.” Click here to see excerpt.

New Food Network Show featuring Viking Cooking Products - "Alex's Day Off"

2009-11-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

Viking provided a 36”W. Professional Series cooktop, 30”W. built-in double ovens, 36”W. freestanding French door bottom-mount refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, and culinary products for the set of the show.

"Alex's Day Off"

How to care for your Stainless Steel appliance.

2009-11-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

For everyday use, start with hot, soapy water and a soft cloth. Wipe dry. Finish with a damp micro-fiber cloth. Make sure to rub in the direction of the grain/brushed finish. If anything acidic lands on it (lemon, tomato sauce, etc.), clean up immediately because it will stain.

For optimum appearance, use a stainless steel cleaner to remove smudges and fingerprints and follow up with a stainless steel polish to make unit shine. Cleaner and polish should not be used daily. Once every couple of weeks should be adequate.