This month we celebrate our 3rd birthday, and it only feels suiting to introduce you to our founder/owner, Katryna, who will tell you how Heart of the Home started, share insights about what it's like being an entrepreneur and dive into some of her favourite kitchen tools and must-haves!

Q: When and why did you decide you wanted to open Heart of the Home?
A: It all started when I was a university student and working at Call The Kettle Black, a kitchenware store here in Edmonton's High Street. In early 2015, Gord, part owner of CTKB, had let me know that they were planning on closing the store that had been open for two-decades, and put the bug in my ear that I could potentially take over the business.
I immediately set out and began to do my research and put together a business plan, but Darcy Kaser, the other owner, later decided that he wanted to close and retire the Call The Kettle Black name and story. Given that I had always dreamed of owning my own business, being my own boss and creating a connection with people, it only seemed right to take my research and open my own store. That dream became a reality in July of 2016, less than a year after CTKB closed their doors. 
Q: Why did you choose to open a kitchenware store? 
A: I had loved every single second of of working Call the Kettle Black. From the relationships that I built with the customers, the products we carried, the staff, and owners. It was such an amazing experience and learning opportunity. Once CTKB closed, I knew that High Street and the 124 street community needed a new kitchen store, plus I just love cooking and wanted to share my passion with others!

Q: What did you do prior to becoming an entrepreneur?
A: I was in university studying for my BA - Psychology Major and Education Minor, and I was also a manger at CTKB while in school  

​Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I spend most of my free time with my two Great Danes – Duchess (4yo) and Luna (1.5yo) who is my newest addition to my family. We love going to the dog park and enjoy walking in the river valley. They are super cuddle bugs and the lights of my life!
I also love cooking for friends and family. I enjoy a good wine and cheese night or a summer BBQ. My house is always open for friends and family! They are the lucky ones that get to be the guinea pigs for any new recipes I cook up!
I also play Slo-pitch in the summer.
 
Q: What is your favourite thing to cook?
A: Now that is a very hard question! I have to break it down haha!

• Breakfast:
  Toss-up between Pancakes, Cream Cheese Stuff French Toast and the Amish Breakfast Casserole. 
• Appetizers:
  Charcuterie Boards
• Dinner:
  Lasagna Soup – my go to for cold winter days
  Mac & Cheese Casserole – Comfort food
  Chicken lettuce wraps – Healthy eats but super filling!
• Dessert:
  Flapper Pie!! SOOO good! Prairie Classic and my dad’s favourite pie!

 
Q: What is the most underrated kitchen tool?
A: I couldn't pick just one!

1. A knife that is super sharp and great quality. Makes chopping ingredients fast and easy, plus you have less chance of cutting your fingers.
2. Food Processor – I don’t have one -YET- but it's the one product that I wish I had every time I cook. It has so many functions and can be used to make so many different things! It’s is next on my list.

 
Q: What is your favourite food?
A:

1. Greek/Mediterranean – Fresh and full of flavour
2. Pasta
3. Pizza

Q: What is your go to cookware?
A:

1. Staub - Heritage Braiser
2. 8qt All Clad Stock Pot
3. Ballarini Fry pan

Q: What us your family heritage?
A:

• German
• English
• Greek

Amazing food heritage – lots of great family recipes

Going green in your kitchen doesn't have to be a difficult task. Here are 6 products that will help you reduce, reuse and recycle. BONUS, you can get them all right now at Heart of the Home. 

1. Cover Blubber - $30
2. Full Circle Walnut Shell Scouring Pad - $7
3. Reusable Straws, Sillicon and Stainless Steel - $10-$22
4. Joseph Joseph Go Eat Cutlery Set - $25.50
5. Swedish Dish Cloths - $7
6. Stasher Bags - $13-$30

For more eco-friendly kitchen tips read about the 5 ways you can green-ify your kitchen. 

Help dad get creative in the kitchen with the ultimate essential kit for homemade pizza! There seriously is no better way to spend a weekend than with the family customizing your pizza's and seeing whose tasted the best - presentation points are a bonus!

I don't think I know of a dad who isn't thrilled when it comes to grilling. Gift him with these cheeky grilling items that even mom will approve of.

Still not sure what to get for dad? There's so much more in store! Pop by Heart of the Home in Edmonton's High Street, just one block east of 124 street (the popular shopping destination) and a block north of Jasper avenue, and our wonderful staff will be more than happy to help you find the perfect gift. 

See you soon! 

We LOVE charcuterie boards. They are a crowd pleaser and SO easy to make! Pick your favourite meats, any cheeses of your choice, toss on some olives, pickles, crackers, apples, grapes and anything else your heart desires. And as an added touch, make little signs to mark what each item is. 

We'll say it, drinking plain water is boring. Amp it up with a bit of infusion fun! Much like the charcuterie board you can add what ever you'd like to your water. Below are a few of our favourite mixtures:

• Strawberries, lemon, and basil
• Cucumber and Mint 
• Pineapple and Coconut

Just because you are having an outdoor party doesn't mean you have to go out and purchase 100 red solo cups. But you also don't need reach for your expensive glass wares. Pick acrylic or plastic in a fun colour and style to amp up your table scape, and keep your expensive glass ware from getting broken. 

​We like to mix up our seating options for two reasons: The first is to create different spaces for your guests to mix and mingle. The second is because it's more comfortable and looks so much nicer than spreading out a bunch of lawn chairs on the grass.

• Create a cozy spot with blankets, cushions and outdoor pillows
• Decorate a picnic table with fun tapestries and a centre piece 
• Create a living room type feel with your rattan wicker sofa set

New in at Heart of the Home - we have an amazing assortment of Turkish styled rugs!

Spice up the space with colurful tables cloths, napkins, pillows and blankets. Don't worry about following a specific colour scheme just have fun with it! This will create a more home-y, comfortable feeling. 

We love to set up a little "help yourself" kind of bar situation. Include cups, straws, ice, punch and alcoholic and non alcoholic options. It's always nice to provide coffee and tea to help warm up and wake up your guests during the later hours.

Be sure to stop by the store and ask us about Seedlip Drinks - The world's first distilled alcoholic spirit!

End off the alfresco evening perfectly with smores around the fire while you stargaze! Bonus - if you want to provide your guests with a little takeaway, take 1 giant graham cracker, 1 large marshmallow and a few peices of chocolate, wrap them in cellophane and tie it in a bow. Add a a little tag that says "S'more for Later" and hand them out as your guests depart!
 
Head over to Heart of the Home for all of your outdoor entertaining needs! 
Come over! We're Open: 
Monday - Saturday: 10am-5:30pm
Sunday: 12pm-4pm
​

Don't panic because Mother's Day is only a week away! If you’re hard-pressed to come up with unique, these smaller items will fit together to create a gift basket made just for mom!  
Wrendale Designs now has these adorable and handy notepads, and note taking sets that will ensure mom says organized. Our newest product to come in store are Mixture's home products; From the laundry room to the living room, no place should be without your favourite scent. Pastel coloured measuring cups and dishes are always a nice touch of colour to add to any kitchen, and Sugar Sin's gummies are our favourite treats of the moment. It's no secret around the store that we devour an entire bag in minutes! Fancy That's ice tray and straws give your pool and patio drinks extra zest with Citrus Sippers - ice cube straws that chill your beverage in style. The tray is made with durable BPA-free silicone and comes with two pink glitter straws. The Say Cheese, set of three cheese knives with gold polka dots are cutely themed knives that would compliment any table. Blade is suitable for wide variety of cheeses. A travel mug means no prob-llama for mom! When she had one in hand it means no spills, leaks or messes! Finally, don't forget a card! We have a large variety of cards in store to help you tell mom you love her. 

For the mom who loves her furry friends, pick up an adorable piece or two from Wrendale Designs. Add a splash of the British countryside to your mom's kitchen with the charming hand-painted fine bone china tableware, cutlery and giftware. The perfect addition to every animal lovers home!

For the Mom who seems to have it all, we bet she's still missing a few key pieces in her kitchen! Does she have a microplane classic series zester/grater? Does she chop her garlic rather than use an Epicurean garlic press? Read our 10 Must Have Kitchen Tools blog and make sure your Mom has everything on the list! 

April is always a tricky time of year because we are left wondering if we’ll have a beautiful spring day, or if we’re going to have a snow storm. Either way, you can ensure that spring fills your home through florals and bright colours. Jillian Harris says to layer everything when it comes to setting your table. “From plates, to bowls, to napkins, to cutlery, candles, flowers...layer, layer, layer!” ​

Chef's Knife 
A chef's knife is your most important kitchen tool. They are a multi-purpose knife designed to perform well at many differing kitchen tasks. They can be used for mincing, slicing, and chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and disjointing large cuts. To learn more about chef's knives, read our Chef's Knife FAQ blog. Pick one up now while they're $69.99, regularly $215.00

Microwave Pasta Cooker 
At work or for on the go, cook hassle-free pasta in the microwave with this clever microwave pasta cooker, it allows you to drain and serve all in one and is perfect for use at home or taking to the office for a pasta lunch. Simply add pasta to the cooker and cover with water. Microwave for the specified time and then drain quickly and easily using the integrated colander. The design features a handy portion guide for spaghetti, a water-level indicator for efficient cooking and easy-carry edges.

​This blog has been republished with permission by ​www.reviews.com/chef-knife/ * some edits have been made.
​Should I get a knife set?
Many experts feel as though knife sets are a waste of money. Buy knives one at a time. Why? Because each chef will have their own mixture; a set is too constricted and too prescriptive.

How many other kitchen knives do I need?
After you’ve invested in a quality chef knife, you may want to expand your collection with any of the following:

• A serrated bread knife for cutting loaves of bread.
• A paring knife — which has a very short blade — for tasks like paring apples or potatoes.
• A boning knife or filleting knife may be useful depending on the cuts of meat and fish you typically cook.

As a general rule, if the purpose of the knife is in its name (bread knife, filleting knife, even steak knife or grapefruit knife) it marks a task that will be difficult to accomplish with an all-purpose chef knife.

What’s the best type of steel for a chef knife?
The best steel for chef knives typically lands between 55-60 on the Rockwell hardness scale — that’s hard enough to retain a sharp edge, but soft enough to avoid being overly brittle. (You want your knife to be able to take a beating without fracturing.) The harder a steel, the longer it will stay sharp but the more difficult it will be to re-sharpen on your own, often requiring professional service to get it back its factory condition. 

What’s the best way to hold my knife?
You should hold your kitchen knife in a pinch grip: grip toward the front of the handle, with your thumb and your curled index finger pinching the base of the blade.

What’s the difference between a chef knife and a Santoku knife?
At a glance, Santoku knives and chef knives look nearly identical. But each caters to a different cooking style. Santoku knives are shorter, lighter and thinner, with a rounded tip and a flat edge. This means that cutting requires an up-and-down slicing motion. A chef knife’s blade is curved and allows you to cut by rocking the knife against the cutting board.
A Santoku excels at tasks that require agility like mincing delicate herbs or making precise cuts. The tradeoff is that it’s not as versatile as a chef knife and is likely to struggle against larger tasks, like cutting up a chicken or slicing through butternut squash.

​This blog has been republished with permission by ​www.reviews.com/chef-knife/ * some edits have been made.

This blog has been republished with permission by ​www.reviews.com/chef-knife/ * some edits have been made.
​Know which parts of your knife are which:
No single feature makes a knife objectively better. Rather, they’re indicators of how the knife is designed to perform. But it’s good to know the names of each feature to understand your personal preferences.

• Butt: The back end of your handle.
• Heel: The back end of the blade, closest to your fingers.
• Tip: The front half of the blade. Not to be confused with the point.
• Point: The literal pointy bit at the end of the knife.
• Edge: The sharp side of the blade. Be careful.
• Spine: The top of the blade. Some people place their index fingers along the length of the spine as they chop, but this is considered bad technique.
• Tang: The steel that extends past your knife blade and into the handle. When a knife has a full tang, it means the steel goes all the way to the butt.
• Bolster: The thick band of steel between the knife handle and the knife heel. A full bolster extends all the way into the heel; a half bolster stops before the heel. Some knives have no bolster at all.
• Granton Edge: The dimples on the blade. Not all knives have them. In theory, these stop food from sticking as you chop.

Keep your chef knife properly sharpened:
As Rachel Muse, private chef and founder of Talk Eat Laugh, puts it: “If you buy a professional knife, you need to keep an edge on it, otherwise it’s like owning a car and not putting fuel in it.” Stayed tuned to Heart of the Home's social channels to see when our next FREE knife sharpening is, so you can outsource the task of sharpening your knives to a professional. If you can't wait for the next in-store knife sharpening you can certainly learn to sharpen your knife yourself.

Hone your knife:
A knife honing rod, or honing steel, is designed to keep your knife functioning well between sharpenings. Honing straightens the edge of a knife, while sharpening literally grinds away part of the steel to produce a sharper edge.

It's recommended that you hone your knife each time you pick it up (the whole process should only take 10-20 seconds) or, if prepping a lot, whenever it starts to feel dull. 

• Hold the steel upright and move the blade swiftly across and down the steel at a 25-degree angle, as if you were cutting slices of cheese.
• After you hone, check your knife’s sharpness by gently sliding it across a soft tomato. The knife should bite into the fruit right away without pressure.

Be aware that not all experts recommend honing.  If you don't hone correctly it's not worth your while. 

Learn the right way to chop:
If you’re looking to improve your chopping game, we offer these tips:

• Imagine your cutting board is a clock. Most people point their knife toward noon, placing the food horizontally across the cutting board. But if you angle your knife so that it points toward 10 o’clock (and adjust your food to stay parallel), the knife becomes an extension of your forearm and is easier to handle.
• Keep your knife in contact with your cutting board or work surface. There’s no need to lift it off the cutting board for each cut.

Only use your knife on food:
A chef's knife is your most important kitchen tool. Don't use it to complete tasks around your house such as opening boxes: buy a pair of kitchen shears for boxes and bags!

Avoid the dishwasher:
Regardless of manufacturer instructions, never put your chef knife in the dishwasher. And while you’re at it, never toss it into the sink. Every time the knife blade bangs against something — like the plastic spines of your dishwasher or the metal sides of your sink — it has the potential to dull, and you want to keep the blade as sharp as possible for as long as possible.

Instead, wash your knife by hand with standard dish soap, then use a clean dish towel or paper towel to rub it completely dry. (If you let it air-dry, it can develop water stains or rust spots.)


This blog has been republished with permission by ​www.reviews.com/chef-knife/ * some edits have been made.

When the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve, many of us find ourselves setting new goals and hoping to uphold them for longer than a few days. 
The "New Year, New You" mantra, no matter how over played it seems, will always ring true for many of us, and therefore we want to make sure that it lasts longer than a few days or even weeks. 

For us here at Heart of the Home, we find that many of our staff have made it our mission to not only spend more time in our kitchens, but to explore new recipes and try to introduce healthier habits into our daily cooking. 

We have gathered a few recipes that not only make our bellies and minds feel better, but also taste absolutely delicious.