Paramount Granite Blog http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:11:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 en hourly 1 Recipe: Mom’s Best Rhubarb Crunch http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/12/recipe-moms-best-rhubarb-crunch/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/12/recipe-moms-best-rhubarb-crunch/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:56:22 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2608 This recipe goes out to my friend Martha. I often made this to share when I visited her cabin on Lake Irene, near Miltona, MN,  growing up. The rhubarb was always fresh from my mothers garden.

Mom’s Best Rhubarb Crunch

2 cups flour
1-1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup melted butter
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 cups sugar
4 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. vanilla
8 cups rhubarb, diced

Mix the first 4 ingredients until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a greased 13 x 9″ pan. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cornstarch. Pour the mixure over the crust. Cover with the remaining crust topping. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Serve with whipped topping, or ice cream.

Enjoy!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/12/recipe-moms-best-rhubarb-crunch/feed/ 0 Granite Countertops And More… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/10/granite-countertops-and-more%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/10/granite-countertops-and-more%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:34:33 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2596 Today during one of our weekly sales meetings, one of our Sales Rep’s mentioned that one of our long standing repeat customers didn’t realize that we also sold quartz countertops, and thus went elsewhere for that. While this took me off guard, I have to admit that I wasn’t that surprised. While we initially started our business selling only granite countertops and continued that route for many years, we found that we had to adapt to the market and provide a variety of products  to better serve our customers.

With that said, over the last several years, we’ve added a variety of quartz products including:

We also provide a recycled glass surface if you are Thinking Green:

So whether you are looking for the natural beauty of granite, or the consistency of quartz, or recycled glass, we are happy to assist you with any of your countertop needs. Please stop by our showroom and check out our slabs and samples.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

 

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/10/granite-countertops-and-more%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Spring Clean And Be Green… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/09/spring-clean-and-be-green%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/09/spring-clean-and-be-green%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:09:09 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2575 Spring is a great time to clean and unclutter your life. I don’t know about you, but I have a few closets that could use a little spring cleaning. In fact, the other week I came across an ad in a local paper that caught my eye. The ad was for a consignment store that was accepting prom dresses. I thought, “What a great idea!” I have practically a whole closet full of them from “my now college kids” that I would love to get rid of.  Not only will I unclutter my closet, but will also help some high school girl save a few bucks.

While not everyone has prom dresses to get rid of, I also came across a list to get rid of other stuff . Maybe you can use it for your spring cleaning.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/09/spring-clean-and-be-green%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 2010 Home and Garden Show A Success! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/01/2010-home-and-garden-show-a-success/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/01/2010-home-and-garden-show-a-success/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:00:38 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2565 This years Home and Garden show proved to be a success. Consumers were eager to get out and take a look the latest products, and trends for 2010. With the economy starting to pick up, people seemed more optimistic, and many are ready to get going on some remodeling projects, including granite countertops. Traffic at this year’s show also seemed higher and steadier than last year.

The Minneapolis Home and Garden show was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center and ran February 24th through February 28th.

Following are a few photos I wanted to share from the show:

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Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/03/01/2010-home-and-garden-show-a-success/feed/ 0 Recipe: Baked Spaghetti Squash http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/26/recipe-baked-spaghetti-squash/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/26/recipe-baked-spaghetti-squash/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:00:10 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2539 Here’s another recipe compliments of Troy, our lead installer. He brought the dish to our cabin last weekend to share. I served it along with some Lemon Caper chicken, seasoned rice, and some Chardonnay. It turned out to be a wonderful combination.

Baked Spaghetti Squash

2 Spaghetti Squash (halved)
2 cloves fresh garlic
Taragon to taste
Basil to taste
4 pats of butter (approximately 1/4 cup)
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Cut squash in half length wise. Place the squash in a baking dish filled with a 1/4″ water placing the cut side down. Bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove the pan from the oven and let the squash cool a bit.  Take the squash out of the rind with a fork and place in a bowl. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with Pam cooking spray. Spread the squash in the pan. Mix in the garlic, taragon, and basil. Season with garlic salt and pepper to taste. Place 4 pats of butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 20  minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/26/recipe-baked-spaghetti-squash/feed/ 0 Think Spring, Think Remodeling… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/24/think-spring-think-remodeling%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/24/think-spring-think-remodeling%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:29:07 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2551 Many people this time of year, have spring fever! Not only are they waiting for warmer weather, but some people are also looking forward to doing remodeling projects. Remodeling a kitchen involves many choices for the consumer including cabinets, paint, appliances, and of course…countertops.

At PGC, we are here to make your countertop selections go as smooth as possible. Whether you are looking for a natural stone such as granite, or marble, an engineered stone, or one of our other product offerings, we’ll help with your color choice and edge profile. We have many samples, slabs, and remnants at our showroom to choose from.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/24/think-spring-think-remodeling%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Get Out And Walk! http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/23/get-out-and-walk/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/23/get-out-and-walk/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:21:08 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2526 I don’t know about you, but I am an avid walker. It is something that I really enjoy, and it always seems to help clear my head, especially after a busy day at work. While everyone knows that they should get some form of exercise everyday, not everyone has a membership at a gym, or club. Walking is something that doesn’t require any equipment, or membership fees, and can be done just about anywhere. Walking not only is good for the body, but helps ease the mind.

I recently read, “Walking Techniques For Your Mind And Body,” an article found on the Better Homes and Gardens website that stated that, “Confucius advised people to go for long walks without time, destination, or expectations in mind,” according to Tom Brown Jr., founder of Tracker School. By doing so, it allows you to discover surprises along the way.

Walking is also a great way help get your daily dose of vitamin D. Go ahead, enjoy a little sunshine on your face, or skin, but make sure to remember your sunscreen.

If you need a little boost to get you started walking, you might be interested starting out with friend, setting up some sort of a routine, or joining a walking program.

Thanks for reading and happy walking!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/23/get-out-and-walk/feed/ 0 Recipe: Blueberry Crunch http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/19/recipe-blueberry-crunch/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/19/recipe-blueberry-crunch/#comments Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:00:22 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2515 Here’s a simple recipe to try that is delicious. I made it the other day to share at a company meeting and it definitely was a hit!

Blueberry Crunch

2 cans blueberry pie filling
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup butter (melted)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Spray the bottom of a 13 x 9″ cake pan with Pam cooking spray. Pour both cans of blueberry pie filling in the pan. Sprinkle the lemon juice over the top. In a separate mixing bowl, mix the cake mix with melted butter. Add the pecans and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the blueberries. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Serve warm, or cold. Top with Reddi Wip topping.

Enjoy!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/19/recipe-blueberry-crunch/feed/ 0 Count Down To the Show… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/17/count-down-to-the-show%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/17/count-down-to-the-show%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:47:19 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2508 Only 1 week left until the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show! Don’t miss out on the latest color trends, and products offerings.

0781_mpls_paramount

Come see what this year’s show has to offer including, granite countertops.

Please make sure you visit us at:

Booth 3054

For more information and discount tickets, visit www.homeandgardenshow.com

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/17/count-down-to-the-show%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Granite Countertops Still Remain The Countertop Of Choice… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/16/granite-countertops-still-remain-the-countertop-of-choice%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2010/02/16/granite-countertops-still-remain-the-countertop-of-choice%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:42:38 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=2497 Today, as I was looking at my February 2010 issue of The Cutting Edge newsletter,  produced by the MIA, I came across, the article, “The NKBA Unveils Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2010,” that caught my eye.  According to the article, the latest survey information from designers revealed that granite remains at the top of the list when it comes to countertop options. Although I’m not surprised, that’s good news for the natural stone industry. Granite is not only durable, and easy to maintain, but is also beautiful and is available in literally hundreds of different color options.

The survey also revealed that, “Last year saw an increased interest in a neutral color palette (perhaps because of the challenging economy), and the same should also hold true for 2010,” when it comes to kitchens in general. At PGC, neutral colored granites have always been popular, although we sell a variety of colors, and patterns. When it comes to color, it seems to be a personal preference.

Whether you are looking for a neutral tone, or something more dramatic, we are here to help. Please make sure to stop by our showroom. We are happy to help you with your selections.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

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