Winter
Did You Know?
	Who Invented the Refrigerator Let’s begin during the year 1000 BC. While they didn’t have stainless steel refrigerators.  Back then, the Chinese began to cut and store ice for refrigeration purposes. In 500 BC, the Egyptians and Indians created ice by placing large pots of water outside during cold months. Things weren’t so simple in England during 1700, since wealthy families often sent servants out into the cold in order to create ice for them…many of these servants often died from the cold, snow, and wind. Thankfully, around 1720, a man by the name of Dr. William Cullen began to play around with the idea of a refrigerated machine. In many ways, the refrigerator was a group effort. Cullen began the idea; Michael Faraday began to liquefy ammonia to cool things; Jacob Perkins created an ether vapor compression cycle; and James Harrison invented the compressed machine. All of these things happened in different countries during different years, but each thing led to the invention of the refrigerator as we know it. All of a sudden, things began to change once a refrigerated unit was invented. By the year 1956, 80% of U.S homes had a refrigerator…though only 8% of British homes had one. Though those older models may be great to look at, an older fridge will use twice as much electricity than a newer model. These refrigerator facts are fascinating aren’t they? Well, this is due to the fact that prior to the invention of the fridge people relied upon the elements in order to cool their food. If you speak to a member of the elderly population, they may be able to tell you stories about icehouses and large blocks of cooling ice. Today’s refrigerators just keep on getting more complex, but hundreds of years ago all people really cared about was a way to keep food fresh.
Going Green
	Green Answers With the high cost of electricity and the ever increasing cost of consumer products, finding new ways to leave a little change in your pocket is becoming a new fad. Going green by purchasing Energy Star® rated appliances is one way. These appliances are specifically designed to save energy and resources. What are the Costs and Savings? The average home in America today uses $1,300 - $1,900 in energy costs a year. By simply switching to Energy Star® rated appliances, you’ll save on average 30% and put $400 - $600 back into your wallet. Energy Star® appliances use 10 – 50% less water and energy than standard models. In fact, for every federal dollar spent on the Energy Star® program, a $60 savings in energy goes to the homeowner. Although the Energy star® models are a little more expensive initially, the savings of water, sewer and utility bills will more than make up the difference over a period of time. Which Type of Appliances Qualify? The appliances that have earned the Energy Star® rating include: dishwashers, refrigerators, window air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and washers. These appliances are marked with an Energy Star® tag.
Cleaning Tip
	Cleaning Stainless Steel Despite the "stainless" name, stainless steel can actually be stained. It is easy for your stainless steel appliances to gather spots from fingerprints, water stains, baked-on food, or grease. Fortunately, most of these stains can be removed quickly. The most important thing to remember while cleaning your stainless steel is to follow manufacturer's directions. Some steels have lacquer finishes that need to be cleaned in a particular manner to avoid being damaged. Keeping that in mind, here are some basics on how to clean your stainless steel appliances. Begin with a general cleaning. Get a cloth wet with warm water and a small amount of soap, and use the cloth to gently clean the appliance. To get the appliance even more clean, repeat the same process but with vinegar or rubbing alcohol instead of the soap and water. There are many commercial stainless steel cleaners that you can purchase and use. Make sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner in order to avoid damaging your appliances. When you are rubbing the cleaner onto the appliance, make sure to rub in the direction of the grain of the finish.
Featured Product
	JA's new 32" glass perimetric hood This new hood has a sleek, sophisticated design with flat stainless steel surfaces and clean angles. The hood has a 3 speed fan, a 600 CFM performance blower, and a recirculating installation option is available.
Recipe of the Season
	Chicken & Ham Potpie Ingredients Serves 8 2 tablespoons butter 1 carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 medium onion, chopped 1 fennel bulb, cored and chopped 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface 1 cup whole milk 1 can (14.5 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 rotisserie chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds), skin and bones removed, meat shredded (about 4 cups) 1 ham steak (8 ounces), cubed 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Coarse salt and ground pepper 9-inch-round store-bought pie dough (from a 15-ounce package)     Directions: Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in the middle. In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium. Add carrot, onion, fennel, and fennel seed. Cook until carrot is crisp-tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, stirring until smooth. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in chicken, ham, and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Divide filling among eight 8-ounce ramekins or ovenproof bowls; set aside. On a floured surface, roll out dough to a 15-inch round. With a 3 1/2-inch floured biscuit cutter, cut out eight rounds; place one on each ramekin. Transfer ramekins to a rimmed baking sheet; bake until filling is bubbling and crusts are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving. To store: Prepare through step 3; let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil; store in freezer, up to 3 months. To reheat: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Uncover ramekins; bake on a rimmed baking sheet until bubbling and golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.