Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

How to Improve Poor Results with Your Oven. Part 2

Incorrect Rack Position in Oven

For single rack baking, centre the rack so the food is in the middle of the oven. For multiple rack baking, check the User's Guide for recommendations.

If food is placed on a rack toward the top of the oven, top browning may be too dark. If food is placed on a rack located near the bottom of the oven, the food may be too dark on the bottom.

Incorrect Pan Placement on the Rack

Allow 1-2 inches of space around each pan and between pans and the oven walls. Placement of the pans should not interfere with airflow.

If baking on more than one rack, place the pans so that one is not directly over another except when baking cookies using convection bake.

Other Tips 

• Preheating is necessary for baked goods such as breads, cookies and cakes. It is not necessary for casseroles, meat, etc. To preheat, set the oven to the recommended baking temperature, not higher. For ovens without an indicator light or signal allow 10-15 minutes for preheating. 

• Most recipes provide minimum and maximum baking times such as "bake 35 to 45 minutes." Do not open the oven door to check until the minimum time has elapsed. Oven "peeking" drops the temperature approximately 25-30° F. each time. This wastes energy and can increase baking times. If you need to check on foods in the oven, look through the window (if equipped) in the oven door rather than opening the door. 

• Aluminum foil should NOT be placed on the bottom of the oven or completely cover an oven rack. It will block the air flow and transfer of heat. If foil is used to catch spillovers from pies and casseroles, place a piece that is slightly larger than the cooking utensil on the rack directly below the rack with the food. 

• Use tested recipes from dependable cookbooks. Be sure to use fresh ingredients, measure accurately, mix as instructed and use the recommended pan size.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

Green laundry habits.

• Wash one full load instead of two small ones. If you don't have a full load, wait until you do.

• If you must run a small load, set your water level accordingly.

• Don't overload your washer. Clothes must be able to move freely in the washer in order to get clean.

• When you can, choose a cold-water rinse for your clothes, even if you washed them in warm or hot water. Cold water rinses out the soap just as well as warm or hot water.

• Never keep your dryer in a cold place, like a garage or damp basement. It will work much less efficiently if it has to work in the cold.

• Check your dryer exhaust vent periodically to make sure it closes tightly. If it's letting in outside air, the dryer is being forced to work too hard. Plus, you might be allowing your household heat to escape.

• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after every load of laundry for maximum air circulation and efficiency.

• Try to do several loads of laundry at once. When you pop a pile of wet clothes in the dryer right after you've finished a previous load, it takes advantage of the leftover heat.

Sleep Tips

If you have a sleeping partner, ask them if they notice any snoring, leg movements and/or pauses in breathing . You may have a sleep disorder or you may just need to increase your awareness about your own sleep need. If you have any concerns see your doctor.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from all of us at McLellan's Countrywide. We thank you for your patronage over the past year and look forward to serving your needs in coming year.

Inside McLellans this week.

Last minute Christmas shopping?
Come in and let us help you. Bedroom sets, Living Room Sets, Glider Rockers, Fridge, Stove, Dishwasher, Wall Art and more. We can help you finish shopping so you can relax and spend time with your family.
Citi financing for 3 months, 6 months, OR 12 months!

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

 How to Improve Poor Results with Your Oven. Part 1

Several factors can affect bake times and browning. As cooking appliances get older, it is not uncommon for the oven temperature to shift. As a result, it is natural to gradually adapt cooking times, temperatures and habits to that change. Then, when baking in a new oven with proper temperature calibration, results may not be as expected.

An easy way to check if the range or wall oven is operating properly is to bake a standard box white cake mix. Following the package directions and baking times should provide a cake that is done and evenly browned.

Pan Selection and Placement.
Dark pans absorb heat that results in a browner, crispier crust. These types of pans are commonly used for pies and breads. It may be necessary to reduce the oven temperature 25° F. for good results if baking cakes, cookies, etc.

Shiny pans reflect heat which results in lighter, more delicate browning. Cakes and cookies require this type of pan.

Glass pans absorb heat slowly but hold it well. When glass pans are used for baking, lower the recommended temperature by 25° F. However, this is not required for pies and casseroles.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

Save Your Dyed Whites.
Everyone does it and still can't believe it happened to them! You've managed to mix some colored clothes in with a load of whites, don't fret you may not have done permanent damage.
Before putting anything in the dryer, soak the damp clothes in a solution of baking soda and warm water with 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup detergent added to it. Grab your favorite detergent and wash as usual. If all goes according to plan, your whites will be white again when the buzzer signals the end of the cycle.

Sleep Tips

Keep your bedroom at comfortable temperature. 
Not too warm and not too cold. Cooler is better than warmer.

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 448 
Open late Thursday and Friday night for your convenience.

Inside McLellans this week.

Looking to fit one more person on your house over the holidays? A Click Clack Futon is just the thing to add one more sleep space. It's a great price at 379.00

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

If you have leftovers this Christmas season, here are some tips for freezing them.

• When freezing foods, use a freezer wrap that is air-, moisture-, and vapour-proof, such as freezer bags, aluminum foil or select air-tight containers. Force as much air out of packages or containers as possible and be sure they are tightly sealed. Trapped air can cause the food to dry out, change colour and develop an off-flavour (freezer burn).
• Fresh meats and poultry can be left in the original store wrapping when freezing for less than two weeks. For longer freezer storage, overwrap with a suitable freezer wrap.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

Travel Saver.
Whenever you travel carry along a stain pretreatment stick. Taking the time to use it on stains before they set ensures that they will wash out when you get home.

Sleep Tips

 • Bedtime routines are helpful for good sleep.

Keep routines on your normal schedule. A cup of herbal tea an hour before bed can begin a routine.

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 706 
Delivery and instillation available at reasonable rates.

Inside McLellans this week.

Check out the new 950 Bravos from Maytag.

5.3 cu. ft. in the washer and 7.3 cu. ft. in the dryer.

With the steam cycle in the dryer, your iron will get lonely. Need to get an odor out, or a musty smell from storage? Use the auto refresh steam cycle, it will change the way you do laundry.

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Are you serving a large crowd this Christmas?  Here is some table setting information to help you out:


Table Settings Part 2

• Coffee Cup and Saucer — These go to the right of the spoon (or the outermost piece of flatware at the right).

3. Bring out the silverware. • Silverware should be laid out according to the order it will be used, with the first utensils set furthest away from the plate.

• Knives and spoons go to the right of the plate and forks to the left.

EXCEPTIONS:

– When there is no knife, place the fork on the right.

– An oyster fork is either placed on the right or on the plate under the oyster.

• All pieces face up (the tines of forks and the bowls of spoons turn up).

• Cutting edges of knives are turned toward the plate. Spoons go to the right of the knives.

• Dessert forks and spoons can be on the table, placed above the plate with the fork handle pointing to the left and the spoon handle to the right (with the spoon above the fork). Or, these utensils can be brought in upon the dessert plate.

• The teaspoon for coffee or tea is placed on the saucer. 4. Now for napkins. • Place napkin at the left of the forks, or in the centre of the service plate when you use one. (It can also go on the plate at lunch or breakfast.)

• When the napkin is folded in a rectangle, it should be placed with the crease toward the plate (and the open edges at the lower left).

• You can also fold the napkin into a triangle or pentagon for lunch settings.

• Try a fancy fold (fans, birds, little space shuttles … you name it) and place in the empty water glass or on the plate.

5. Set out glasses and enjoy! • Water/Milk Glasses — These go to the upper right edge of the dinner plate, at the tip of the knife.

• Wine Glasses — If you’re serving wine, put the wineglass to the right and slightly lower than the water glass.

– If you’ll be serving two wines, set the three glasses (two wineglasses and one water glass) in a triangle, with the white wine closest.

– If three or more wines will be served, no one will care where the glasses go — and you’d probably better follow up with black coffee!

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Are you serving a large crowd this Christmas?  Here is some table setting information to help you out:

Table Settings Part 1:

The rules for the table are bendable these days. You know the basics: Elbows off the table, work in from the outside. That’s about it. But some of us want to learn more because it’s a pleasant custom. It creates a certain formal elegance and conveys good manners. Not to mention telling people that a meal is to be lingered over and enjoyed.

So, what goes on the table? It depends on the courses and the foods you’re serving. Each piece should have a definite function for the meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Plan your places.

First, make sure everything is clean and pressed, spotless and shining. When possible, place settings should be 12 inches apart, directly across from one another for easy conversation.

2. Start with the plates.

• Service Plates — For a very formal dinner, you’ll want to use a large service plate at each setting (upon which the appetizer or soup will be placed). For less formal meals, you can set the appetizer/soup on the dinner plate or serve them on other smaller service plates/saucers. (Sounds like a lot of dishwashing after the party, but hey, this isn’t about efficiency.)

*Tip: The main dinner/service plates and flatware go about one inch from the edge of the table (that makes it harder for clumsy people to knock things off).

• Bread Plates — Set at the upper left edge of the plate. Butter spreaders are placed on the bread plate, parallel to the table edge, with the handle to the right. (A bread plate is not required if you find you’ve already got so many dishes on the table, you can’t see the tablecloth — and your dinner plates are big enough for guests to put bread at the side of the plate with the meal.)

• Salad Plates — If salad will be served at the same time as the main course, place the plate to the upper left of the dinner plate — or to the left and slightly below the bread plate if there is one.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

Travel Saver
Whenever you travel carry along a stain pretreatment stick. Taking the time to use it on stains before they set ensures that they will wash out when you get home.

Sleep Tips

 Stay away from stimulants like caffeine.

This will help you get deep sleep which is most refreshing. If you take any caffeine, take it in the morning. Avoid all stimulants in the evening, including chocolate, caffeinated sodas, and caffeinated teas. They will delay sleep and increase arousals during the night.

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 271 
We match competitors documented price on identical product offered.

Inside McLellans this week.

Buy More Save More!

  






Whirlpool and Maytag Appliances

Buy 2 Appliances: Save $75
Buy 3 Appliances: Save $150
Buy 4 or More Appliances: Save $250
Until December 10
( Front load Pedestals, and Range Hoods do not apply)

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Talking Turkey - How to Thaw that Bird the Right Way

You’ve invited the family and decorated the house. You’ve planned the meal and you’ve just finished setting the table with holiday decorations  when suddenly, you realize with horror: YOU FORGOT TO THAW THE TURKEY! But don’t panic. Even though that bird is about as hard as a Rock, you haven’t failed as a holiday host just yet. In fact, whether you have 4 days or 12 hours, it’s still possible to safely thaw your frozen turkey without risking bacterial growth. The important thing is to do it right — so the only bellyaches you’ll be hearing about are the ones that come from overeating.

The wrong way
First of all, do not even THINK about thawing your bird on the countertop to save time. Because room temperatures fall within the danger zone of 60ºF to 125ºF, thawing on the countertop promotes active growth of bacteria. Do it the wrong way, and your frozen turkey will thaw from the outside in and the surface bacteria could multiply to dangerous levels. You can’t rely on cooking to destroy all bacteria, as some food poisoning organisms produce toxins that withstand heat.

The right way
Thawing your turkey in the refrigerator is the preferred method for safety reasons, but you can also thaw it in cold water or in a microwave (if it’s large enough). The key is to keep the turkey cold while thawing — to prevent excessive bacterial growth.

And no matter which method you select, cook the turkey promptly after thawing.

Thawing In The Refrigerator
Place the turkey in its original wrap on a tray or in a pan to catch any moisture that accumulates as it thaws. One rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of defrosting time for every 5 pounds of turkey.


Thawing In Cold Water
First, check the wrapping to make sure there are no tears. Then simply place the bird in its unopened bag in the sink or in a large container and cover it with cold water (do not use warm or hot water). If the wrapping is torn, put the turkey in another plastic bag, close it securely, and then place it in water. Be sure to change the water frequently to assure safe but effective thawing. The National Turkey Federation recommends changing water every 30 minutes.

Allow about 30 minutes per pound to defrost a turkey in cold water.


Thawing In A Microwave Oven
You can also thaw your turkey in a microwave. Since microwave oven sizes vary, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the size turkey that will fit in your oven, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use for thawing. Caution: Microwave defrosting is irregular, creating hot spots that may encourage bacterial growth. Cook the turkey immediately after defrosting. Do not store in the refrigerator for cooking later.

One more thing
Your turkey may be properly thawed, but you’re not quite finished preparing it for cooking. You need to remove the neck and giblets from the neck and/or body cavities and then thoroughly wash the inside and outside of the turkey and the giblets. Use cold water and drain the bird well. To prevent the spread of bacteria, wash your hands, utensils and sink after they have come in contact with the raw turkey.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

 Linen Closet
In the linen closet place cotton balls that have been sprayed with your favourite scent. Once they are dry place them in the corners and on the shelves.

Sleep Tips

Block out noise. 
White noise is restful, and even more importantly, it means that I won’t be woken up with every little thump that the house makes. A fan is ideal because it does double duty of providing consistent soft background noise as well as keeping the room cool. Sound machines are also available.


Natura Sound Machine

Rain Forest
Ocean
Heartbeat
Summer Night
Rain
Waterfall

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 246 

We are part of the Mega Brand Source family with thousands of stores across North America. This means you get the best value everyday.

Inside McLellans this week.

Dash for Deals is here!http://www.dashfordeals.com/html/default.html

From 6am till 10pm today only!







BOSCH
Wall oven & Induction Cook-top 20% off
Full size front load Washer & Dryer 800.00 Off
20% Off Dishwashers (Excluding Ascenta Series)

Dash for Deals

DOOR CRASHERS!! November 25th 6am till 10pm

Springwall 720 Continuous Coil, Foam Encased Mattress.
$349.00 
THAT'S 50% OFF
November 25th 6am till 10pm
http://www.dashfordeals.com/html/default.html

Dash for Deals

DOOR CRASHERS!!

Monarch Microfiber Recliner
$149.00 
THAT'S 50% OFF!!
November 25th 6am till 10pm
http://www.dashfordeals.com/html/default.html

Dash for Deals

Enter to win an 18 cubic foot fridge with 250.00 worth of groceries!

November 25th 6am till 10pm

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 21
Dash For Deals!

Inside McLellans this week.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS!!!
We will be open till 12:00 AM today...or is that 12:00 AM Tomorrow?
OPEN ALL NIGHT! Ya, that works.

50% OFF ACCESSORIES!
DRAWS THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT!
PLENTY OF IN STORE DEALS!
YEAR END CLEARANCE ITEMS!
CHECK IT OUT TODAY!

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Improving Your Dishwasher's Cleaning Results.

For best results, review the following information:

Temperature
For good cleaning and drying results, hot water is necessary. The incoming water temperature should be between 120-140 ° F. to properly activate the detergent, melt greasy food soils and warm the interior for good drying results.

If for any reason the water temperature is 120 ° F. or below, select a water heating option on your dishwasher that thermostatically heats the water to the proper temperature.

To check the incoming hot water temperature, place a thermometer in a glass and set it in the sink below the faucet. Allow the water to run into the glass until the temperature stabilizes and take a reading.

To ensure the dishwasher is filling with the hottest water possible, do the following:

- Let the faucet at the kitchen sink run until the water is hot before starting the dishwasher. This is important if the dishwasher is a long distance from the water heater.
- Avoid running the dishwasher while hot water is being used for activities like showers or laundry.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

How delicate is the delicate cycle?
The systems used for delicate cycles vary widely. Units with at least a two-speed motor — one-speed for regular and another for delicate — are usually more gentle than units with only one speed.

Sleep Tips

 • Avoid looking at the clock 

if you wake up in the middle of the night. 

It can cause anxiety. This is very difficult for most of us, so turn the clock away from your eyes so you would have to turn it to see the time. You may decide not to make the effort and go right back to sleep.

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 99 
We provide you access to the best brands in the country.
Buy with confidence.

Inside McLellans this week.

Please take a moment 

to remember the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers.

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Is there a right way or wrong way to load the freezer? 
Actually, yes! You should avoid adding too much warm food to the freezer at one time. This slows the rate of freezing and can raise the temperature of already frozen foods. The result is lower food quality. As a general rule, no more than three pounds of food per cubic foot of freezer space should be added in a 24-hour period. Put packages in the coldest part of the freezer first (against the walls or bottom of the compartment). Leave space between packages so cold air can circulate.

Also, avoid storing hard-to-freeze items such as ice cream and orange juice on the freezer door shelves. These foods are best stored in the freezer interior where the temperature varies less with door openings.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

 Laundry Basket Freshener
Place a fabric softener sheet in the bottom of your laundry basket (remember to change it weekly).

You can also simply sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your basket and that will help absorb the odors as well.

Our Maytag Maxima Steam Dryer is now hooked up and ready to demo. We can take odors out of clothing, or wrinkles. Come in and see it in action today.

Maytag Maxima Washer and Dryer.

Sleep Tips

• Be smart about napping.
While taking a nap can be a great way to recharge, especially for older adults, it can make insomnia worse. If insomnia is a problem for you, consider eliminating napping. If you must nap, do it in the early afternoon, and limit it to thirty minutes.

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 521 We deliver and  fully install what we sell. *fees applicable

Inside McLellans this week.

Crate Designs

"We guarantee that our furniture will be rough and rustic, will have gaps and cracks, but will not fall apart for as long as you own it!"

Crate Designs has several bedroom products to chose from. Bunkbeds, Mission Day Beds, Captain’s Beds, Trundle Beds and all the furniture to match.

Come in and see the quality of Crate Designs today.

For a limited time receive a free RC Car or Truck with any purchase of 499.00 or more!

Maytag Kitchen tip of the week.

Proper Techniques for Successful Broiling.


Broiling is a method of cooking by direct heat. The food is placed directly under the top element in an electric oven.

For best results when broiling, use a pan designed for broiling. It drains excess liquid and fat away from the cooking surface to decrease spatters, smoke and flare-ups. Most marinated meat and tender cuts of meat such as chops, hamburgers, chicken, fish, ham and steaks work best for broiling. The degree of doneness is determined by the distance between the meat and the heat source, as well as the length of broiling time. To make clean-up easier, line the broiler pan (bottom piece) with aluminum foil. However, do not cover the broiler pan insert with aluminum foil as this prevents fat from draining into the pan below.

The distance from the heat source depends on the thickness of the meat. Thin cuts (3/4 to 1 inch) should be placed 2-3 inches from the heat; thicker cuts should be placed 3-6 inches from the heat.

The flavour of broiled meat comes from the smoke given off from the fat dripping down. Therefore, there needs to be some smoking. There will also be flare-ups, which is normal. If there is an excessive amount of flaring, the meat should be moved further from the heat source.

Maytag laundry tip of the week.

How can I keep my whites white and the bright colors bright?



There are several reasons why clothes loose their brightness.

Common reasons include the use of too much/too little detergent, use of too large of washer loads, inadequate rinsing, and using the wrong water temperature. Read the detergent package for the correct amount of detergent for your type of washer.

If the washer is too full, there's more rubbing/abrasion on the clothes, which dulls the fabric/colors. So, don't overload, and use the right amount of water for the load. Regarding the temperature, follow the care instructions on the garment label.

Many clothes have optical brighteners or fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) applied, which help brighten colors. Unfortunately, if the FWA are damaged by sunlight, bleach, or simply age, there is nothing you can do.

Sleep Tips

Get out in the sunlight soon after waking up in the morning.




When you wake up, don’t lounge around in bed. Don’t even stay inside. If possible, get out in the morning sun soon after getting up. The bright sunlight (or any bright light) tells your body’s natural biological clock that its time to wake up, and that same clock will then be set to tell your body its time to go to sleep about 14 to 16 hours hours later.

http://www.spine-health.com

1001 Reasons to buy from McLellan's Countrywide.

Reason # 199 
Customize your style. We offer a wide range of products available in custom order fabrics and finishes to suit your style.

Customer appreciation.

Customer appreciation continues!

Don't forget to bring your special invitation letter so you can scratch and save, and enter our draw for some fabulous prizes.

Prizes may not be exactly as shown*