Kitchen Remodeling

Warming Up to the Idea of a New Kitchen?

Kitchens are the number one place a home buyer will spend thousands of dollars on if it’s renovated. In fact, many buyers fall in love with a home solely on the fact that they loved the kitchen. So, if you’re thinking of selling your home, placing a little extra care into the kitchen could net you a higher purchase price on your home.

We’re not going to mislead you- kitchen renovations cost a pretty penny.  Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2013 says the cost to renovate a 200-square-foot kitchen with wood cabinets, an island, laminate countertops and a standard sink and faucet is about $54,000. That price also includes new appliances, lighting and flooring. Just imagine what it would cost for a truly gourmet kitchen! As Alaskans we also have to take into account costs of materials and labor is more expensive than it is in the Lower 48 states.

But what if you could find some low cost alternatives to a full on kitchen renovation? Would you consider upgrading your kitchen? Consider the following options:

1.      For a fresh look, paint or refinish your current cabinets. A little elbow grease and you’ll have a big impact.

2.      Install a new modern backsplash. Tile can be pricey, but will make a big impact in this space. This is also a job you could chose to do yourself, saving on the labor expense.

3.      If your appliances are still functional, consider adding a stainless steel cover or even painting them.

4.      If you’re on a budget and can’t afford to splurge on the floor, try a vinyl floor that mimics tile or wood.

As Alaskans we are heading into the long winter months, so you may ask why we are discussing the benefits of a kitchen upgrade. Well, what better time to curl up with a cup of coffee and a kitchen remodeling magazine planning your summer project. Whether or not you plan on selling your home this year, upgrading your kitchen is a great way to attract future buyers to your home- and you may even get to enjoy the benefits of an upgraded kitchen yourself!

If you have questions about selling your home in Anchorage, contact me today for a free no obligation consultation or visit my website!

Rolling Into Fall with 2 Great Recipes

Now that the days are getting shorter and the nights cooler, we're thinking it's about time to dust off those fall recipes. We've hit our books and found two great starters to ease us into the season. These are perfect for sitting by a warm fire with those you love most. Feel free to post your success stories in the comments. We hope you enjoy!

 

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apples & Bacon

Ingredients:

3 lbs. butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cubed

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Salt & ground black pepper to taste

8 strips bacon, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

6 stalks celery, chopped

6 carrots, chopped

1 bay leaf

2 Tsp. curry powder

1 Tsp. dried thyme

1 Granny Smith apple - peeled, cored, and cubed

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup apple cider

1 1/2 Q chicken stock

1/2 Tsp. ground nutmeg

1 1/2 C sour cream

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place squash in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil; mix to coat; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread squash into a single layer on a baking pan. Roast the squash in the preheated oven, turning once, until fork-tender and caramelized; 30-40 minutes.

2.      Place the bacon in Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon slices to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the drippings in the pan.

3.      Place the onion, celery, carrot, bay leaf, curry powder, thyme, and salt and pepper in the Dutch over; cook in reserved bacon drippings until the carrots and celery are soft. Mix in the apples and cooked squash and cook another 5 minutes. Stir the garlic into the mixture and cook another 1 minute. Pour the apple cider over the mixture; reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a simmer; allow to reduce about half its original volume. Stir in the chicken stock; simmer over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes.

4.      Puree the soup in small batches in a blender, or use an immersion blender. Stir the nutmeg into the soup. Garnish each bowl with 1 Tbsp. of sour cream and some of the bacon pieces to serve.

*Makes about 12 cups

 

Pumpkin Roll

Ingredients:

3 eggs, beaten

1 C white sugar

2/3 C pumpkin puree

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

2/3 C self-rising flour

2 Tsp. ground cinnamon

1 Tsp. ground nutmeg

1 Tsp. ground ginger

1 C confectioners’ sugar

¼ C butter, softened

8 ounce package cream cheese

1 Tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1.       Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter or grease one 10x15 inch jelly roll pan.

2.      In a mixing bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, pumpkin, and lemon juice.

3.      Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Add to wet ingredients and mix well. Spread into pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle.

4.      Remove cake from pan and place on tea towel (cotton, not terry cloth). Roll up the cake by rolling a towel inside cake and place seam side down to cool.

5.      Prepare the frosting by blending together the sugar, butter, cream cheese and vanilla.

6.      Before completely cool, unroll cake and spread with cream cheese filling and roll up again without towel. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and slice into 8 to 10 servings.

Announcing New Lots for Sale in Anchorage

Several lots have been released for sale in Anchorage out near Resolution Pointe. Several are bluff lots with beautiful inlet views. This is an exciting time for Anchorage and the perfect chance to build your dream home right here in Anchorage. Contact me today for more information!

Summer in Anchorage

Bass Pro Shop is Coming to Anchorage

Christina Gamez Announces the New Walmart Super Center in East Anchorage

Christina Gamez Announces the New Sam's Club Opening in East Anchorage