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.
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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
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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.