Valentine's Day Dessert Recipe - White Chocolate Creme Brulee

White Chocolate Creme Brulee Recipe:

Looking for a tasty, romantic treat this Valentine's Day? The perfect dessert for that special someone. This is a fabulous recipe for two, or even for the family.

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 50 Min. + chilling    Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 3 eggs yolks
• 6 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 ounces white baking chocolate, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and 2 tablespoons sugar; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the cream, chocolate and 2 tablespoons sugar. Heat over medium-low heat until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly.
• Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla. Stir in small amount of hot filling into egg yolk mixture; return all to the pan, stirring constantly.
• Pour into two 10-oz. ramekins. Place in a baking pan. Add 1 in. of boiling water to pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 50-55 minutes or until center is set. Remove from water bath. Cool for 10 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
• If using a creme brulee torch, spinkle with remaining sugar. Heat sugar with the torch until carmelized. Serve immediately.
• If broiling the custards, place ramekins on a baking sheet; let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Broil 8 in. from the heat for 4-7 minutes or until sugar is carmelized. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until firm.

Enjoy this decadent dessert with your loved ones!

What is the Difference Between Framed and Frameless Cabinets?

Not too many people are aware of the difference, but there is a noticeable difference between how cabinets can be built. The more popular way is framed. The European way is frameless. 

Framed cabinetry refers to cabinets built with a face frame. Horizontal rails and vertical stiles frame the front of the cabinet box providing rigidity and stabilizing the box construction. The unfortunate character of framed cabinets is the limited amount of cabinet space that is taken up by the face frame. Sometimes if there is a vertical stile down the center of a wide cabinet, it limits the opening to allow for large dishes to fit. Also, if boxes are weak, say from being built of particleboard or unsturdy material, having a face frame is important and necessary to hold them together for stability.

Frameless cabinetry, also known as European cabinetry, differs from framed in the fact that there is no face frame. Thicker side panels keep the cabinet rigid and stable without the use of a face frame. Frameless cabinets are ideal for many reasons. Since there are no horizontal rails and vertical stiles obstructing the fronts of the cabinets, there is a larger opening when placing dishes and such inside. Drawers are also wider which is usually very advantageous to customers.

We, at New Life Bath & Kitchen, have primarily used framed cabinets over the years, but recent introductions to frameless cabinets have given us an open mind as both seem to be great products. As long as the boxes are built strong and durable, framed and frameless are fairly compatiable. Framed are typically less expensive than frameless, so depending on the customers' expectations, we can make anything work within a budget.

What Are Some Characteristics of a Quality Paint?

Great tips from our New Life Painting manager, Noah Winkles:

"Hey everyone, I have a lot customers here on the Central Coast that ask me about what makes good paint, good paint. As a painting contractor here on the central coast, I make sure that all of the material that we do use is quality. Take a look at these characteristics and you'll see, if one of those start to show, the customer will be unhappy. 

Right product + Right Knowledge + Right tools + Right Conditions + Right People = Total Quality package

1.) Quality Paints – Exterior

Mildew resistance

Fade resistance

Chalk resistance

Hides Well

Good Adhesion

Greater dry film thickness

2.) Quality Paints – Interior

Spatter resistance

Holding

Touch up ability

Resistance to blocking

Resistance to burnishing

Flow and Leveling

Murphy Beds by Showplace Wood Products

Although Murphy beds might not be the first item you think of when furnishing a room, it's a great option for those in the market for one. Maybe it's the empty nesters wanting to get double duty out of a grown child's room. Or perhaps a home office or workout room that can also accommodate guests. Whatever the need, Murphy Wall-Beds from Showplace can be a great fit for many. Offered in many sizes and configurations, these versatile workhorses can be completely tailored to your tastes, needs and decor. You even have the ability to customize the face of the unit with doors and headers. You can add display or storage spaces, and dress it up as much or as little as you please. Showplace's Wall-Bed cabinetry has top-quality all-wood construction backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Unlike sofa beds and futons, Murphy beds don't use a folding mattress so there are no bars or lumps to sleep on. Use any mattress up to 11" thick for a comfortable night's sleep. No box spring is needed. Velcro straps are provided to hold bedding in place when closed. The folding support leg is angled to prevent stubbed toes, and the powder-coated aluminum mechanism is lightweight, rated to support up to 200 pounds.

Showplace is your best source for Murphy beds because it is a unique creation with almost unlimited creative options. Every Showplace bed is designed by a professional, and carefully installed for you by someone who knows what they're doing - someone you can count on to do a big, important job right the first time.

Murphy Wall-Beds are great for:

  -Making the most of precious space
  -Vacation or second homes
  -Dual-purpose or reclaimed rooms
  -Home exercise rooms
  -Home offices

Murphy Wall-Beds are also great for, Boutique hotels and inns, Maternity rooms and sleep clinics, Children's hospitals and assisted living, College dorms, and Fire halls.

Call New Life Bath & Kitchen in Santa Maria at (805) 937-9836. We are your local Showplace dealer.

Seal Out Drafts to Save Money on Heating

One of the most frustrating aspects of winter is the heating bill. Save money on heating this winter by finding and sealing the places where your heat leaks out. One way to find the source of drafts is to hold a lighted candle around the edges of windows and doors, and watch for flickering.
 

Windows: Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal any joints where cold air comes in. Also, if your windows are not well-insulated, consider installing a temporary layer of clear plastic. It is surprisingly effective! Also, keeping drapes or blinds closed, especially at night, can preserve heat in the home.
 
Doors: If your door is not properly aligned in its frame, the door is not likely to seal and you will get cold drafts. Use properly sized weather-stripping to close the gap. If cold air comes in under your doors, you can install a draft guard.
 

If you need help insulating your home against the winter, New Life would be happy to serve you. We can improve the seal on your windows and doors, upgrade your windows to a more energy-efficient model, and inspect the insulation in your attic or crawlspace.