Outdoor Kitchens
With Spring fast approaching, (wishful thinking), it might be time to think about a new concept that is emerging. I recently ran across an article in the January 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine discussing the increased populartiy of outdoor kitchens.
Granite countertops were mentioned as a very durable, practical surface to use, as it is more resistant to the outdoor elements. Since granite is a natural product, you do not need to be concerned with the possibility of surface fading in the sun, which is a concern with engineered quartz products.
Granite also comes in a wide variety of color options, and the ease of clean-up and maintenance make it a perfect choice for any outdoor surface. With so many of us deciding to entertain at home with close family and friends, the outdoor kitchen is a very appealing addition to any home.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Cooking in your kitchen on January 30th, 2008 by Angie | | 6 Comments
PGC Rolls In The New Year!
An evening of fun was had by all at PGC’s annual Winter Party. This years event was held Saturday, January 26th at the Superbowl in Ramsey, MN. PGC team members, spouses, and significant others gathered together to enjoy some bowling, food, and camaraderie. Teams were formed based on bowling averages, which allowed for some good old competition.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some photos from the event:
Posted in Company on January 28th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Spinach Casserole
Here’s a good recipe for all of the spinach lovers out there. It is easy to prepare, is good for you, and tastes great.
Spinach Casserole
1 -10 oz. package frozen spinach
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove of garlic
1 cup herb flavored stuffing
1/4 cup butter, melted
Cook spinach, drain and squeeze out the excess water. Add soup, cheese, onion, and garlic. Put mixture in a glass baking dish.
Mix the melted butter and herb stuffing together in a separate bowl. Sprinkle over the top of the spinach mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Let cool a bit and serve.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on January 25th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Know Your Facts!
I was browsing the internet and came across an article on About.com, that stated that “granite is both durable and beautiful, but requires regular maintenance and comes in a limited number of colors.” WHAT?! Sometimes I get really upset when I come across mis-information such as this.
First of all, any type of countertop out there requires regular everyday maintenance. It is common sense, at least to me, that any spills should be wiped up immediately and any food prep areas should be cleaned with hot soapy water. Maintenance other than that is minimal. Any reputable fabricator will seal their granite countertops before installation. Other than that, most granite countertops do not need to be sealed for years, if ever again, according to the MIA’s position on sealing granite countertops.
As for a limited amount of colors—well over 400 colors is way more than a limited amount. In fact, many consumers are overwhelmed with all of colors that are available to them.
As I’ve said before, please verify the information that you are reading and make sure it is coming from a reputable source.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on January 24th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Say “Hello” To Granite!
Not too long ago, granite countertops were mainly found in homes of the rich and wealthy. The average consumer was stuck with then, more affordable formica countertops and linoleum floors. Those days, however, are thankfully gone! “Today, exquisite stones such as marble and granite are increasingly within the price range of a vast majority of homeowners at very affordable prices,” according to “Say ‘Goodbye’ To The Old Formica And Linoleum-Coverd House…And ‘Hello’ To The Natural Stone-Enhanced Home,” an article found in the Winter/Spring 2008 issue of Stone Dimensions. 
Over the years, pricing for granite countertops has come down drastically making them more affordable for the average consumer. New equipment technology has also contibuted to their affordability. Consumers today, have more choices than ever before when it comes to countertops and flooring. Hundreds of color options are available, as well limitless kitchen and bathroom designs.
If you’re looking at doing some kitchen, or bathroom, etc. remodeling this year, why not not enhance your home with the natural beauty of granite? We’d be happy to help you with your granite counter top selections, as well as tile for your any of your flooring needs.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on January 22nd, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Super Chili
Here’s a recipe I found in the Chili Lovers’ Cook Book that should help you warm up from all this cold Minnesota weather that we’ve been having. It is hearty and easy to make.
Super Chili
2 cups Pinto beans
2 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion (diced)
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup chile powder
2 quarts water
1/2 tbsp. salt
1/2 Tbsp. pepper
3/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. whole cumin
1/4 tsp. cumin (ground)
4 dashes Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
2 cans El Paso tomatoes & green chile
Fresh or canned green chile to taste
Begin with uncooked beans. Cook beans by favorite method and salt.
In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion. Spoon off all of the grease, except 1/2 cup. Add flour and chile powder. Cook for 1 minute. Add 2 quarts water and cook to boiling point.
Add the remaining ingredients and cooked beans (undrained). Cover, and simmer for 1 hour. (Makes 4-1/2 quarts)
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on January 18th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Learning Links 01/16/08
The Green Building movement has become a popular topic of interest over the last couple years, as people are becoming more aware of the need to help sustain the environment. Many builders, remodelers, and subcontractors are educating themselves and taking steps to offer green building practices for their businesses. The natural stone industry has jumped on this new movement and is working to help educate the public. Granite, afterall, is a product of nature, and it makes sense to establish granite countertops as environmentally friendly for building officially.
Following are some links for more information on granite and green building:
- http://www.marble-institute.com/membership/newsletters/march2007electronicnews.htm#303286
- http://www.marble-institute.com/education/stonexpo2006_education.cfm#040405_session1
- http://stone-network.com/pressrelease/2006/nsc0601/index.html
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Business, Learning Links on January 16th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Communicating in a Fast-Paced World
I was thinking the other day, how could it be possible to be unable to get into contact with someone in this day and age? I mean think about it, we have land phone lines, fax machines, computers for emailing, instant messaging, cell phones, text messaging, and pagers.
At PGC, we depend on communication with our customers in order to get the job done properly and beautifully each and every time. With so many forms of communication available, we find that some customers prefer one form, and others prefer another form. I recently came across an article online, “Email Preferred Commincation Method for Execs“. In the article, the author discusses emailing as a form of communication. While it provides both negative and positive aspects, it has continued to rise in popularity over the past decade. The most overwhelming benefit for emailing here at PGC, is the immediacy and historical content that it provides.
Whether emailing, or text messaging is your communication preference, the key is to make sure to review your correspondence and follow-up if necessary. We should not become a society that cannot communicate the old fashioned way…face-to-face, or verbally!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Company, Business on January 15th, 2008 by Angie | | 6 Comments
Blueberries ‘n Cream Cheese Cake
Well, once a year, at PGC, it is my turn to bring the “birthday treat” for a co-worker. This year, I decided to try a new recipe. I went online and did a little research, and following is what I found. Turns out, it is quite similar to a coffee cake, and we all agreed you could substitute just about any type of fruit that you would prefer.
Ingredients
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2-1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup milk
2 cups blueberries
1/4 cup water
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, cubed
Topping
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream sugar and butter until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix well. Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, salt. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk and water. Toss blueberries in remaining 1/4 cup flour and fold into batter with cream cheese. Pour into greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
For topping: Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in margarine until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.
Feel free to share and ENJOY!
Angie
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on January 11th, 2008 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Get A Rythym When You Get The Blues
“The Blues” …everyone gets them now and then. As peoples lives have become more fast paced and stressful, the blues have become more common place. While it may be normal for some people to feel down from time to time, it is important to find ways to boost your mood quickly, so you feel more like yourself fast.
I recently came across, “Sonic Health Boost,” an article in the January 2008 issue of Prevention magazine that mentioned that new research shows that music is a powerful way to boost your mood, ease pain, and helps you feel energized. “Good melody makes good medicine—dulling pain, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, boosting mood and curing insomnia.” “Listening to music can ease depression symptoms by up to 25%, according to Cleveland Clinic senior nurse researcher Sandra Siedlecki, PHD,” as mentioned in the article. Music also seems to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
It appears that singer, song writer Johnny Cash, had it right when he sang, “Get a rythym when you get the blues.” So the next time you are feeling a little down in the dumps, don’t be afraid to crank up some of your favorite songs and…
“Get a rythym!”
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on January 10th, 2008 by Barb | | 10 Comments
