Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Recipe: Pumpkin & Wild Rice Soup
2 cups cooked wild rice
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (16-ounces) pumpkin
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup heavy cream
Chives or parsley for garnish
Cook wild rice according to package directions. Melt butter in large
saucepan. Add onion and cook until light brown. Stir in broth and pumpkin.
Cook 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add wild rice and pepper; cook
10 minutes longer. Stir in cream; heat to boiling. Serve garnished with
chives or parsley.
Thanks! Readers, we'd love to hear your recipes. Send them to us here.
Family Fun: Leaf Cards
You'll need:
some fallen autumn leaves
white or colored paper
an old newspaper
poster paint and brushes
pencils, crayons or pens
Cover a workspace on counter or tabletop with the newspaper. Now take a piece of paper and fold it in half to make a card shape.
Take one of the leaves and put it on the newspaper, vein side up. Paint the leaf with poser pait.You can use one color for the entire leaf, or make different areas different colors.
Place the leaf vein side down on the paper and rub gently. You can repeat with other leaves if there is room on the paper. Let the paint dry.
Now write a happy message on the front of the card and inside, and voila! You and your kids have leaf cards to send to friends or family.
Feel free to share your family fun ideas here.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Recipe: Potato Soup
4 cups of potatoes cut into small chunks (about 4 large potatoes)
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup diced onion
I diced carrot
4 slices of bacon, diced
smoked sausage cut in pieces (either kielbasa or bratwurst)
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
minced parsley
Add vegetables to large pot. Add water to cover. Cook until tender, and mash.
Fry bacon. Add bacon and grease to pot. Add milk and stir until creamy consistency is reached. Add salt and spices and sausage. Cook slowly for another half-hour.
Nelda adds that the flavor improves if the soup is made earlier in the day and left to sit in the refrigerator before being reheated.
Readers, Kitchen Magic would love to share your recipes with the world. Send them to us here.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Kitchen Magic at Princeton MarketFair
Here's genial sales rep Rob LePone at the KitchenMagic booth at this Saturday's Art Festival in the Princeton (NJ) MarketFair Mall.
Come visit us at one of our convenient locations, or at one of the many events we attend. You'll be glad you did!
This blog hosted/created by Kitchen Magic. We specialize in kitchen remodeling, including custom cabinetry, cabinet refacing, and luxury countertops in Corian, Zodiaq, Granite and Silestone.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wescue: Phinneas
Phinneas (seen above in the pet carrier) is a cute little boy Westie from Lebanon Township, NJ, who is four years old. His owners had to give him up because they have teenagers and two other dogs, and Phinneas needs more attention to be happy. They want Phinneas to have a better life with people that have more time for him.
Kitchen Magic's pet rescue charity, Wescue, is taking him to his new owners, a retired nurse and her elderly mother. They are very eager to get him and can hardly wait! They will be living in two homes, one in Massachusetts and a summer home in Maine.
Phinneas is seen above with Shannon and Molly, the mother and daughter pair who are now in their new home.
Please support your local animal shelter. You can make a world of difference for a deserving cat or dog.
Come Visit Kitchen Magic This Weekend!
If you're going to Dogfest in Boxford, MA this Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., you'll find Kitchen Magic on hand. We'll also be at "Meet Me Downtown" in Lynn, MA on Saturday from noon until 5 p.m.
You'll find Kitchen Magic in Buzzard Bay too, at the Bourne Scallop Festival, today and Saturday 10 a.m.to 9 p.m. and /sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We'll also be at the Spirit of Shrewsbury fall festival in shrewsbury, MA on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and at the Raynham Flea Market in Raynham, MA, Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.
In New Hampshire, Kitchen Magic will be in Manchester at the Manchester Home and Energy Show Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the Nutmeg State, Connecticut, Kitchen Magic will be at the Connecticut Better Living & Home Show in Bridgeport, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll also find us at The Great Taste in Hartford, part of the Greater Hartford's Wine, Food, Travel and Lifestyle festival. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. And if flea markets are more tour taste, you'll find us at the New Hartford Flea Market in Connecticut on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
North Brunswick, NJ is holding its Heritage Day on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and Kitchen Magic will be on hand. You'll also find us at the Bloomsbury Arts Festival in Bloomsbury, NJ, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and we'll be in Lambertville at the Golden Nugget Market from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Stewartsville, NJ, will have a parade, entertainment and a circus for its Community Day on Saturday from noon until 8 p.m. Stop and say hello to Kitchen Magic there.
We'll be at two home shows in New York. You'll find us at the Orange County Home Show in Middletown today until 9 p.m., tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You'll also find us at the Long Island Fall Home Show in Brentwood today until 10 p.m., tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Great Neck, NY, you'll find us at the Street Fair on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Greater Philadelphia Fall Home Show is coming to King of Prussia, PA, and Kitchen Magic wouldn't miss it. Visit us today until 10 p.m., tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We'll also be at the Springfield Township Community Day in Springtown, PA, along with balloon artists, magicians, comedians and a chili tasting, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And we'll be at Jakes Flea Market in Barto, PA, Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Rice's Market in New Hope, PA, Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Every year, Kitchen Magic goes to more than 400 events. Find one in your area here. Or visit us at one of our convenient locations. You'll be glad you did!
Where Were You in 1979?
Since 1979, Kitchen Magic has provided quality kitchen refacing and remodeling to our customers at an affordable price. You've helped us become the largest kitchen refacer in the U.S. We will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November of this year, and to celebrate, we'll look back at some of what made 1979 special.
Earlier we looked back and reminisced about the top music hits for 1979.
What were the top box office films for that year? Here's hit movies #6 through #10. How many of these have you seen? How many did you see that year?
6) Apocalypse Now
7) 10
8) The Amityville Horror
9) Moonraker
10) The Muppet Movie
For top films #11 through #15 of 1979, click here.
For top films #16 through #20 of 1979, click here.
Can you guess the number one movie of 1979? Send your guesses to me here.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Organize Your Closet!
If you've got a cluttered closet, here are some tips for bringing order out of the chaos and making life easier.
Hold a fashion show. Empty your closet, then try on each garment in front of a mirror. Does it fit? What will you wear it with? When will you wear it?
Separate the clothes into piles: those that need mending; those that can and will be worn now; those that can and will be worn in other seasons; those that you don't want anymore but that can be donated; and those that need to be thrown away. Follow the same steps with your shoes.
Toss the hangers that don't match and the wire hangers, which damage clothes. Now put those shoes and clothes that will be worn now back in the closet. Put the ones for other seasons elsewhere. Put garments that go together in the closet together, so outfits can be assembled quickly.
Kitchen Magic can help you make the most of your storage space. Based on your preferences, we'll show you how to utilize all of your vertical closet space including those formerly 'dead' corners. You'll be amazed at the storage you never knew you had!
Kitchen Magic closet systems, like the one seen here, are custom-manufactured using only the finest materials and comes in many stunning colors. Give us a call today at 1-800-237-0799 for a free in-home closet consultation and estimate. You'll be glad you did.
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 19: Arrrgh, 'Tis International Talk Like a Pirate Day, Mateys!
Tomorrow is a great day to make your friends and family think you've lost your mind.
By the way, what do you call a tongue-tied pirate? In arrrr ticulate.
How much did the pirate pay for his earring? A buck an ear.
What do pirates say at Xmas? Ho, ho, ho and a bottle of rum...
Wescue: Shannon and Molly
They were discovered abandoned in some bushes in Edgewater, NJ. They have been under the Westie Rescue care for a couple of weeks now. They are called two “cup-cakes" (since they are as sweet as can be). They have been have been spayed and micro-chipped by the Westie Rescue folks. Wescue, the Kitchen Magic animal rescue charity, is taking them to live with a retired couple in Massachusetts today.
You can provide deserving pets like Shannon and Molly a happy home. Or you can make a pet's temporary home a little brighter. Please support your local animal shelter today.
Come visit Kitchen Magic This Weekend!
Where Were You in 1979?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Recipe: Panzanella Salad
5 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced scallions
1/2 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh sweet basil
1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 small French bread, cut into 3/4" cubes
In a large glass bowl, combine tomatoes, scallions, bell pepper, parsley, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, tossing to blend.
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. Add dressing to salad, tossing to coat. Cover and chill 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange bread cubes on a large baking sheet. Bake until toasted and dry, about 12 minutes. Cool slightly. Add bread to salad, tossing to combine.
Thanks! We'd love to print your recipes. Send them to us here.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Recipe: Crispy Onion Patties
2 1/2 cups onions, finely chopped
3/4 cup flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup milk
Mix dry ingredients, then add milk (batter should be fairly thick). Add chopped onions and mix thoroughly. Drop by spoonsful into hot oil. Flatten slightly when you turn them.
Thanks, Dick. Readers, we'd love to share your recipes. Send them to us here.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Laminate: The High Performance Countertop Choice
Look no further than decorative laminate. Kitchen Magic can create a laminate countertop for you with the look of stone at a fraction of the price of real granite, and without the messy resealing that real granite regularly requires. And unlike real granite, laminate is not porous, so liquids can't seep in and cause mold to grow on the underside.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Come Visit Kitchen Magic This Weekend!
If you love cutting edge music, then the Union County Music Fest at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, NJ is the place to be. And Kitchen Magic will be there too. Acts scheduled include Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Uncle Kracker, and Third Eye Blind on Saturday, and Gin Blossoms, Pete Yorn and They Might Be Giants (above) on Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there will be fireworks on Saturday night. Stop by and say hello!
You'll also find us this weekend at the New Providence Street Fair in NJ, Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be great local entertainment, kiddie rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, great food and more.
Also in the Garden state, we'll be at the Fine Arts and Crafts Fair at Anderson Park in Upper Montclair, NJ, where you'll find nearly 200 exhibitors on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You'll find us at the Towaco Jazz and Art Festival at the Towaco train station Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and at the Garden State Fall Home Show in Somerset, NJ, Friday Sept 11 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday Sept 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday Sept 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. . And Kitchen Magic will be at the Ridgewood Fall Arts and Crafts Show on Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Nyack, NY will be holding a Septemberfest, and Kitchen Magic will be there, as the village celebrates the 400th anniversary of the Hudson River's discovery. Be there Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also in the Empire state, you'll find us at the Long Island Pet Fair at the Suffolk Community College Expo Center in Brentwood, NY, Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We'll be at the Syosset Chamber Fall Festival in Syosset, NY, along with vendors, artists, crafts, antiques and collectibles, on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In New Hyde Park, NY, Kitchen Magic will be part of the outdoor street fair, slated for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We'll also be part of the street fair in Haverstraw, NY, where there will be live world music and dance, and a variety of ethnic foods on sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. And we'll be at the Yorktown Grange Fair, the Westchester county fair, today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In Connecticut, see Kitchen Magic at the Norwalk Seaport Oyster Festival, where there will be music, international cuisine, arts and crafts, children's activities and rides, and oysters, of course. Hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today, 11 a.m.to 11 p.m. tomorrow, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
We'll also be at the Women's Expo at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; at the Bethlehem Fair in Bethlehem, CT, Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and at the North Haven Fair, in North Haven, CT, Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Longfellow's Autumn Arts and Crafts festival will be held in Sudbury, MA, Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Kitchen Magic will be there, along with live music, vendors, arts and crafts and more. We'll be at the Tewksbury Common Autumn Craft Blowout in Tewksbury, MA, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,; at the New England Culture Fest, featuring ethical fashion, global cuisine, world music, film, dance, interactive art and more, in Lowell, MA, Saturday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and at the Raynham Flea Market in Raynham, MA, Sunday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Every year, Kitchen Magic goes to more than 400 events. Find one in your area here. Or visit us at one of our convenient locations. You'll be glad you did!
Where Were You in 1979?
This blog hosted/created by kitchenmagic.com.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Kitchen Magic at Montgomery Mall
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Kitchen Magic at Freedom Fest!

Here's genial sales rep Rob Lepone in our trailer at the recent Freedom Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure in Ocean County, NJ.
Kitchen Magic can be found at more than 400 events in the Northeast. Check where we'll be here and stop by and say hello! You'll be glad you did!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Come See Us This Weekend!

The weather promises to be gorgeous in the Northeast this great Labor Day, and while you’re out and about, stop by one of these great events and say hello to the Kitchen Magic crew.
In Pennsylvania, we’ll be at the Upper Black Eddy Firemen’s Carnival from 6 to midnight. Saturday will feature fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
We’ll also be at the Great Allentown Fair, along with swimming pigs, performing elephants (above), an old-fashioned midway, and live entertainment from noon to 10 p.m.
And you’ll find us at Rice’s Market in New Hope on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jake’s Flea Market in Barto from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
In New York, the Empire State, we’ll be at The Nassau County Craft Show in East Meadow on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the Stormville Airport Antiques Show & Flea Market in Ronkonkoma, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m..
In the Garden State, New Jersey, Pompton Lake Day will have duck raffles, karaoke contests, a home run derby, pie throwing, entertainment, and Kitchen Magic. Come Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m.
We’ll also be at Great Adventure Amusement Park and Safari on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.; at the Nutley Street Fair on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; at the 15th annual Tewksbury Flea Market on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; at the Golden Nugget Market in Lambertville, Sunday 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.; and at the Riverdale Street Festival on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
You’ll find us in Connecticut this weekend at the Haddam Neck Fair on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Monday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. You’ll also find rides, concessions, a petting zoo, food, exhibits, displays, a circus and more.
We’ll also be at the Redwood Flea Market in Wallingford, CT on Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and at the Trumbull Farmer’s Market on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Don’t get lost in the Corn Maze!
If you love the blues and you’re near Middleboro, MA, you’ll find us at the Red, White and Blues Festival from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. And on Sunday we’ll be at the Raynam Flea Market again.
Kitchen Magic goes to over 400 events every year. You'll find the schedule here. Come out and see us--you'll be glad you did!
Where Were You in 1979?

This year, Kitchen Magic celebrates its 30th anniversary of providing homeowners with attractive affordable kitchens, baths and other storage. That same year, an obscure cable network in Bristol, CT, started the first of its live sports broadcasts in its "sports center." And although its first on-air interview with University of Colorado football coach Chuck Fairbanks had no sound, the show persevered and is now "SportsCenter," the centerpiece of the ESPN empire.
Kitchen Magic has grown from its first few jobs to being the nation's leader in kitchen and bath remodeling and refacing. Qualified Remodeler lists us as among the 20 largest remodeling companies of any type in the U.S.
When you want scores and highlights, you turn to Sports Center. When you want the kitchen, bath or closet of your dreams, turn to us. Give us a call today at 1-800-237-0799, or visit us at one of our convenient locations near you.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Kitchen Magic Opens Bergen Mall Location!

Kitchen Magic sales rep Phylis Taylor poses as the Kitchen Magic gnome to delight children at our new Bergen Mall location in Paramus, NJ. Stop by and visit with Phylis or Doris Vonk, and find out how you can save money and have the kitchen of your dreams. Or see us at one of our other locations.