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.