 Hit it out of the park this father's day with a gift that is absolutely perfect your dad! Every year, we find that shopping for Father's Day is either extremely easy or ridiculously difficult. Dad will never tell you what he actually wants so it becomes a giant guessing game. This year, we've made Father's Day gift shopping easy by providing with a gift guide of things every dad will love.
Has your dad been watching a ton of the Food Network lately? Maybe, you've noticed that he's pulling out some new fancy moves - a la Chef Gordon Ramsay? Why not get him putting those new skills to work by giving him a gift that keeps on giving? The Epicurean hexagon cutting board and board butter, and Zwilling 8" professional chef's knife are perfect for any inexperienced and veteran chefs alike. If your dad's favourite thing to cook is a classic grilled cheese sandwich, help him up his game with the "Grilled Cheese and Beer" cook book which is fill with simple, delicious, hoppy recipes. Happy hour just got a lot more tasty!
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! 
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 Ahhh, yes, the sweet, sweet sound of summer: Steaks sizzling on the BBQ, glasses clinking, the fire pit crackling, and a hum of laughter. One of the best ways to soak up the summer time fun is by giving your living room a break and taking the party outdoors! Having the perfect evening under the stars isn't as hard as it seems, just follow our tips!  Go Wild With a Charcuterie Board 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. Infuse Your H20 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:
Choose Acrylic or Plastic Wares 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.  Mix Up Your Seating Options 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.
New in at Heart of the Home - we have an amazing assortment of Turkish styled rugs! Have Fun with Colours 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.  Create a Drink Station 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 the Night Perfectly 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  Cooking and non cooking gifts that will light a fire in every Mom's heart This mother’s day, take the opportunity to show your mom how special she is by thinking outside the box with your gift giving. Don’t reach for the flower bouquet and back away from the spa package. Get her something for the heart of her home - the place where her loved ones come together to indulge in good food, good laughs and share great memories. Whether your mom is a green thumb, one with a refined taste or she’s the on-the-go type, we’ll help you pick out the perfect gift with this gift guide for Moms of all kinds!
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.
 image: https://www.facebook.com/wrendaledesigns 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! Want to earn yourself ‘favourite child’ status? Make sure there’s at least one Le Creuset item coming Mom’s way this Mother’s Day. Add joy to Mum’s kitchen with colourful Cast Iron cookware. Versatile enough for use in the oven, on the stove or at the table, Le Creuset Cast Iron is beloved for both its colourful enamel exterior and superior heat retention that locks in flavour.  image: https://www.facebook.com/Microplane/ 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!
 Easter is one of our favourite times of the year (besides Christmas of course!) because of the traditions that we have made with our family in the heart of our home. To us, Easter means being thankful for all that we have, enjoying the company of our friends and family, and of course delighting in the food and colours that fill our table. It can feel overwhelming to host Easter dinner because there is so much that needs to be done! From cooking the food, cleaning the house and decorating the table, it can be difficult to figure out how to mix in both the traditional and modern when it comes to all things Easter. Should I only cook my family’s tried and true traditional recipes, or can I introduce something new? Before you begin stressing out, here are a few things that you can do to ensure your Easter dinner is perfect. Let Your Guests Get Hands Onimages c/o: ashadeofteal.com, simplyfutbol.com, thehomeicreate.com It’s hard to manage cooking the food, serving drinks and entertaining guests so help yourself out by setting up a drink station. Include your single serve coffee machine, pods, cream and sugar, tea, pop, water, wine, punch and don’t forget glasses and mugs! Bring Spring In, with a beautiful table settingimages c/o: Wrendale and Le Creuset, we carry all products in store at Heart of the Home, in Edmonton 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!” Put a Twist on Your Favourite RecipesWe usually eat the same recipes every single Easter, and while we love them, we’re ready to put a spin on the traditional and try something new and fresh! For example, this year we are going for a fresh take on an old favourite: Devilled Eggs! We’re giving these fancy devilled eggs filled with smoked fish and beetroot aioli a try! Plus they’ll look gorgeous on our colourful table!
Introduce a New Tradition https://www.marthastewart.com/1513129/how-swiss-dot-easter-egg-designs Again, I love traditions and I love the ones that I have with my family, but this year it feels like the perfect time to introduce a few new ones! While dinner is being cooked, do a fun DIY project like dying and decorating eggs. Because eggs represent rebirth and life, many people like to give them away as gifts during the spring since the season is associated with growth! Encourage your family members to exchange their finished projects with one another. Have an egg hunt. This may seem like something only the kids will enjoy but you can definitely put an adult spin on the classic holiday game. Fill the plastic eggs with mini bottles of alcohol, money, lip balm or any other small item you can find! Host an Easter Potluck. There is nothing wrong with asking for a little or even a lot of help when it comes to hosting a holiday dinner. In the weeks prior to the big day, set up a spreadsheet and ask your guests to fill it out with the item that they are choosing to bring. This will make your life a heck of a lot easier! Give a GiftAs a token of appreciation for those who attended your dinner, it’s always nice to send your guests home with a small gift! It can be a small Easter basket full of chocolate, a cute mug with all of the necessary mug cake ingredients, a candle or anything else you can think of!   Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be the most frustrating thing! You don't want to get them something that they already have, and you certainly want to give them something that will actually use. To point you in the right direction, here are a few of our top picks for every food lover, or at home chef!  Folding Chopping Board Chop your fruit, veg, meat or herbs on a Chop2Pot chopping board then simply squeeze the handle to create a chute and add your food directly to your pan or pot!  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  Reusable Storage Bags It's time to kick the ziplock habit and rethink plastic when it comes to food storage. These air-tight, non-plastic are funky, functional and eco-friendly. A healthy alternative to plastic that can be used in your lunch or even as purse or office storage!  Caserole Dish Prepare your favourite meals with the Le Creuset stoneware dish set. These casserole dishes offer superior highly functional performance both in the oven and at the table. Resistant to odours chipping cracking and staining the Le Creuset square dishes are both functional and versatile.  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.
French Press and Double-Walled Glasses The French Press system has always been the simplest and ultimate way of brewing an excellent cup of coffee. Using fresh coarse-ground beans with water between 92 and 96 degrees celsius brings out the very best in all types of coffee. Perfect for café au lait, black coffee, tea and more, these glasses are a stylish and functional addition to any glassware collection. Mouth-blown by skilled glassblowers, each double-walled glass insulates its contents-so cold drinks stay cold and hot drinks stay hot longer. Heart of the Home is a kitchenware store specializing in beautiful collections of both everyday and special occasion cookware, bakeware, kitchen tools, and unique accessories for passionate home cooks and cooking-inspired gift givers. Located just off of 124th street, in Edmonton's High Street shopping area, Heart of the Home is your source for many sought after brands such as Emile Henry, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Staub, Le Creuset and more.
 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:
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. 
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.
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:
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.  10 MINUTE HEALTHY PITA PIZZA | via: https://the-fit-foodie.com/recipes/10-minute-healthy-pitta-pizza/ INGREDIENTS:
 MINESTRONE SOUP | via: http://bitchinhousewife.com/blog/myminestronesouprecipe INGREDIENTS:
 BLUBERRY ALMOND YOGURT PARFAIT |
INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
 What's the only thing better than spreading cheer by giving gifts to the ones you love? Buying all those gifts and staying on budget. From stocking stuffers to one-of-a-kind items we’ve curated a small collection of items all under $45.00 that will please everyone from the novice baker, to the life-long chef. Be sure to stop by the store where we have helped make holiday shopping easy for you, by organizing some of our favourite gifts into themed shelves perfect for all price-points and budgets! These are only the highlights: Chirpy Top Wine Pourer These bird shaped wine pourers will "chirp" as you pour from your bottle of wine. As the liquid passes through the whistle inside the bird, a delightful chirping sound is produced. They're a must have at any party, or make great gifts! Paddywax White Flowers three wick candle The Paddywax signature soy wax candles are hand poured into a 13-ounce gilded glass. Each candle can be upcycled into a luxe flower vase when the soy wax runs out! Christmas Time Home Fragrance Diffuser Change the ambiance of a room in an instant with the lusciously fragrant Christmas Time Home Fragrance Diffuser; Comes with eight reeds and an elegant glass decanter Gurglepot (Assorted colours) These whimsical 42 oz gurgling pots are a unique gift for hostesses, weddings or teachers! When you tip their stoneware bodies, they make a glugging sound just like a gurgling fish. They are the inspired creation of Matt Ellison, who during a wedding celebration in a small village in Southern France found these fish-shaped water pitchers to be his saving grace. Speaking no French, he ended up drinking more water than wine so that he could fill the silent room with "gurgling" and unite the table with smiles. Mudpie Lime & Salt Rimmer Platter This party-perfect Lime & Salt Rimmer Set includes a specially designed ceramic plate with a “Hit me with your best salt” well for salt rimming, and a wide rim stamped with “Squeeze me baby one more lime” to showcase your freshly cut citrus. Also included is one vintage-styled fork stamped with “Give me a wedgie”. The pair come beautifully tied with rustic twine Slate Tray The Slate Platter with Handles is perfect for serving your favourite antipasti, appetizers, cookies or desserts. Use chalk to write the various food types. Le Cresuet Candy & Nut Bowls These limited edition Candy and Nut Bowls are great for entertaining and are ready to gift in festive packaging. A great stocking stuffer or host gift for the Holiday season, these small bowls are a colourful addition to any gathering!   If only gift giving could be as simple as picking something from the "under $30" section of Heart of the Home. Oh, wait. It can! We’ve curated a small collection of items all under $30.00 that will please everyone from the novice baker, to the life-long chef. Be sure to stop by the store where we have helped make holiday shopping easy for you, by organizing some of our favourite gifts into themed shelves perfect for all price-points and budgets! These are only the highlights: Moscow Mule Mugs The Moscow Mule cocktail is traditionally served in a copper mug. The nickel and copper plated body helps to keep your drinks colder for longer, while the handle makes the mug easy to hold. Although the mug was originally dubbed for the Moscow Mule drink, it is suitable for any icy drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic, anything will do. Paddywax Prism Candles This holiday spin on Paddywax's Prism collection has all the fun of glitter without any of the mess! Keep the party going all night long with mercury glass vessels filled with wintry fragrances. Each candle is topped with a cork lid and festive hang tag. You'll want to give these playful candles to everyone you know, whether they've been naughty or nice! Fred and Friends Bottled Up Decanter - Booze Lift your spirits with a distinctly different decanter. Each 1000 ml / 34 oz BOTTLED UP decanter is made of hand-blown laboratory glass with mirror-finish gold lettering. Four handsome styles to choose from. Wine Glass Writers A modern alternative to the wine glass charm, this 3-pack of Wine Glass Writer Markers will help you keep track of wine glasses at your next dinner party. The non-toxic ink dries in 1-3 minutes, and it washes off with soapy water after the party's over Measuring Wine Glasses Fred enthusiastically endorses that famous comment often attributed to Julia Child: "I enjoy cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food." So he's designed a new kitchen tool no cook should be without - crystal stemware that measures in both cups and sips. It matters not whether the wine is destined for the chef or for the pan, you'll be prepared! Sauced is a 12-ounce lead-free-crystal all-purpose wine glass, accurately marked in 1/4 cups and 2-ounce sips. Car and Camper salt and pepper shakers Make a wonderful addition to your table, especially during the holiday season. Moscow Mule Tea Towel The perfect addition to every bar! Follow the Moscow Mule recipe right there on the tea towel! Adventure Flask A flask that is ready to accompany you on all of your adventures! Kikkerland Flexible Tablet Holder This flexible gooseneck holder clips on to your desk with a super strong clamp and holds your tablet device for easy, hands-free viewing. Great for viewing photos/videos; video chat; cooking; travel and GPS; watching movies and TV; and more. Fits tablets 5.1" to 8" wide (not included). Minimal assembly required; instructions included.   |
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