Recipe: Best Black Bean Salad
Here’s a good recipe to try for your next gathering, or when you are craving some good Mexican food.
Best Black Bean Salad
1 can 15 oz. black beans drained
1 can 16 oz. corn, drained
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. lime juice
Freshly gound pepper
Salt
Tortilla chips
Seed and dice bell peppers. In salad bowl combine bell peppers, onion, corn kernels, garlic, and cilantro. Toss to mix. Add black beans, olive oil, vinegar and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss again. Serve with tortilla chips.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on November 16th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Get Stone Information Via Video
Consumers are often confused because there is so much information available in regards to granite countertops, some of it true and some…unfortunately false. Consumers don’t always know where to turn for accurate information. The MIA, Marble of Institute of America, provides a source for consumers to turn to when it comes to stone related questions. They even provide streamed video on their website, via The Stone News Channel, for consumers to watch and gather information.
The Stone News Channel provides various episodes for viewing, testimonials, and contains information regarding:
- The latest technology
- Trends in the industry
- Industry leaders sharing their insights
- False statements of granite countertops and radon
- Stone showrooms of the future
- MIA Pinnacle Awards
- Etc.
I hope you have the opportunity to check out the site.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Company, Granite, Industry News on November 15th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Natural Countertop Choices
While granite is the best option for countertops because of it’s hardness and durability, there are other natural choices for countertops, bar tops, fireplaces, and tub surrounds. Some of the choices include marble, limestone, slate, soapstone and onyx. Many consumers however, are confused when it comes to natural stone, so I thought I’d pass along some helpful information.
Granite—Granite is by far the best choice for countertops and the most popular. It is the hardest and most durable material available. It is quarried all over the world and there are numerous color choices, (well over 400). Since granite is an extremely hard material, it is, for the most part, very stain resistant. At PGC, we seal every countertop before it leaves our facility. Granite is also easy to clean and maintain and is beautifully stunning.
Marble—Marble is also a very popular stone. It has a beauty all of its own and is a great choice for fireplace surrounds, or a bathroom vanity. Marble is relatively hard, but not as hard as granite, so there is a chance for staining depending on the level of use. Some consumers choose to use marble in their kitchens for countertops, but do so knowing that spills should be wiped up quicker and any cutting should be done with a cutting board. Marble also comes a a wide variety of color options and with a little extra care, marble is relatively easy to maintain.
Limestone—Limestone offers a unique look and generally has a softer tone. It is the softest natural material available and therefore is not typically a good choice for kitchen countertops. Limestone however, works well for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. It is also appealing for floor tiles.
Slate—Slate offers a unique earthy look. It is a great material to use for flooring and comes in a variety of multi-colored choices. It comes in both a honed and cleft finish and often has a rugged, or weathered look. It is a softer material and thus not the best choice for kitchen countertops, but works well for fireplace surrounds.
Soapstone—Soapstone also offers a weathered look and is quite popular to some consumers. Scratching is considered normal for this stone and is part of its characteristic. Soapstone countertops require periodic sealing with mineral oil, which brings out the richness of the stone. Abrasive cleaners such as Ajax are recommended for cleaning as well as a bristle brush. Soapstone typically comes in two varieties, original and iceflower, both of which offer a unique look.
Onyx—Onyx is often considered a gemstone. It can be extremely fragile to work with, but has a stunning beauty all its own often with verigated formations. Onyx is not typically recommended for kitchen countertops, although we have fabricated some. It can be used for bar tops, fireplace surrounds and makes a unique furniture top.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on November 13th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
What’s the Difference?
Would you buy a Rolex watch from a street vendor? While reading an article from Stone 
Business Magazine, “Psst…Wanna Buy a Watch?”, it hit me, of course everyone is looking for a “deal”, but if you really want a quality product would you consider buying it from someone who has no stability? The main concept of the article was that if you do not know the difference between your company and the competitor then you do not have a valid reason for charging more for your quality and expertise.
Paramount Granite Company began its 11th year of business last month and has demonstrated over the years its reliability, stability, and credibility. The difference between PGC and its competitors include:
- PGC is an active member in organizations such as NARI, BATC, BBB, local Chamber of Commerce, etc. These organizations encourage accountability and ethical business practices.
- PGC is in its 11th year of business and has thousands of satisfied customers. Does the competitor have that same track record?
- The quality of our work is evident, check out our feature gallery.
- Consistent and quick customer service response to questions, concerns and issues.
- Experienced installers with over 10 years of experience.
- State of the art equipment.
- PGC is dedicated to keeping up-to-date on all of the new technology and techniques used to fabricate natural stone products through various trade shows, etc.
So the next time you are looking for a Rolex watch, new car, granite fabricator, etc., make sure you do your research. You may want the peace of mind you can get from a stable business, rather than the uncertainty from a street vendor, or business that is not well established?
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Business, Company, Granite on November 12th, 2007 by Angie | | 1 Comments
Recipe: Turtle Pumpkin Pie
Here’s a good Kraft recipe if you want to serve something a little different for dessert this Thanksgiving Day, and it requires no baking.
Turtle Pumpkin Pie
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel topping
1 graham cracker crust
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pecans, divided
1 cup milk
2 pkg. Jello vanilla instant pudding (4 serving size)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tub Cool Whip (thawed)
Pour 1/4 cup caramel into crust. Sprinkle with half of the pecans. Beat milk, pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups whipped cream. Spread into the crust.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel and pecans just before serving.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on November 9th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
