Paramount Granite Blog http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:43:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Recipe: Mexican Quiche http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/03/recipe-mexican-quiche/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/03/recipe-mexican-quiche/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:17:14 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5842 Here’s a favorite recipe of mine that I wanted to share. It is easy to make and is a good dish to share with a group of people, or for a brunch.

Mexican Quiche

1 Pillsbury roll out pie crust
4 eggs
1 cup light cream
1 small package shredded cheddar cheese
3 chopped jalapeño peppers
1 tsp. chilli powder
1 small onion chopped
1 pound Jimmy Dean Sausage

Unroll the pie crust in a glass pie plate and set aside. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cream and cheese, until well blended and set aside. In frying pan, brown the Jimmy Dean Sausage, jalapeño peppers, chilli powder and onion. Pour the crumbled mixture into the prepared pie shell. Pour the egg mixture over the top. Bake in oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/03/recipe-mexican-quiche/feed/ 0 Learning Links—2012 Hot Kitchen Trends http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/02/learning-links%e2%80%942012-hot-kitchen-trends/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/02/learning-links%e2%80%942012-hot-kitchen-trends/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:35:39 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5832 In our showroom, we often get asked the question, “What are the hot new colors for granite countertops?” We also get asked, from time to time, “What are the latest kitchen trends?” Well—When is comes to color selections, we usually offer what colors seem to be selling well for us. While there are colors that are consistently popular, others seem to sell in streaks and are popular for a certain period of time. (Funny how that works.) As far as kitchen trends, we often share what seems to be popular with sinks, and faucets, as well as mixing and matching materials, etc. In this blog however, I  thought it would be interesting to share some information from others on the topic. Let’s take a look …

2012 Hot Kitchen Trends

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/02/learning-links%e2%80%942012-hot-kitchen-trends/feed/ 0 Marble Countertops—Wonderful White http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/01/marble-countertops%e2%80%94wonderful-white/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/01/marble-countertops%e2%80%94wonderful-white/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:43:54 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5818 The color white has always been a popular choice for kitchens. That’s because the color, white, projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality—something that some homeowners truly embrace.  White is also popular for decorating because it provides a look of sophistication. Many consumers are attracted to white marble for countertops because they add that touch of elegance and class.

Let’s take a look at a white kitchen we recently fabricated and installed:

Statuario Extra White Marble

Many white marbles have a gentle veining pattern that move throughout the stone, expressing a  look of continuity.

Statuario Extra White Marble

Notice how the veining flows freely from the countertops up through the full height backsplash.

Statuario Extra White Marble

Notice how full height backsplash piece over the stove contains a large amount of veining and accents the cooking area. Pretty cool!

If you are attracted to the color white and will be adding some countertops to your remodeling project, you might want to check out the color, Statuario Extra White Marble. Stop by our showroom to look this, or others.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/02/01/marble-countertops%e2%80%94wonderful-white/feed/ 0 Add Some Sparkle To Your Bathroom With Blue Galaxy Granite… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/31/add-some-sparkle-to-your-bathroom-with-blue-galaxy-granite%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/31/add-some-sparkle-to-your-bathroom-with-blue-galaxy-granite%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:49:24 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5808 Here’s a vanity top that we recently fabricated and installed that caught my eye.

Blue Galaxy  Granite Vanity

Blue Galaxy is a beautiful color with vibrant shades of green, brown, gold, cream, blue and sometimes burgundy and looks a lot like the color, Cosmos.  Blue Galaxy is one of those stones that often contains large areas of mica, that give the stone reflective qualities. The color, Blue Galaxy, will brighten any room and when used in a bathroom, will definitely make it sparkle and stand out.

If you are doing some remodeling, and like a variety of tones, you might want to check out the color, Blue Galaxy. It is a beautiful choice. Stop by our showroom to look at this color and many others.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/31/add-some-sparkle-to-your-bathroom-with-blue-galaxy-granite%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Granite Countertops—Spotlight On Black Storm http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/27/granite-countertops%e2%80%94spotlight-on-black-storm/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/27/granite-countertops%e2%80%94spotlight-on-black-storm/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:13:32 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5800 In this blog, I wanted to focus on the color, black storm, which is quarried in Brazil.

Black Storm Granite

Black Storm is a beautiful color with shades of black, gray, cream, and gold. Black Storm tends to have a gentle flowing pattern that moves from one side of the stone to the other. Like most black granites, Black Storm, captures an elegant look that is appealing to many consumers. Its rich, black tones with warm accent colors would work well in a variety of rooms including a kitchen, bar room, or bathroom. Black Storm would also make a great fireplace surround.

If you are doing some remodeling and are attracted to the color black, you might want to take a look at the Black Storm.

Here’s a photo of some of our current stock:

Black Storm Granite

Make sure you stop by our showroom to check it out.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/27/granite-countertops%e2%80%94spotlight-on-black-storm/feed/ 0 Maintain Your Granite Countertops With Ease… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/25/maintain-your-granite-countertops-with-ease%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/25/maintain-your-granite-countertops-with-ease%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:04:17 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5781 Caring for your granite countertops is a relatively simple process. We do however, get a lot of questions about maintenance. While cleaning with hot soapy water is your best bet for everyday maintenance, there are a number of other products on the market for both cleaning and sealing.

Let’s take a look at our stone care products:

SCI Stone Care Kit

At PGC, we offer a stone care kit for purchase, from SCI, that includes both a cleaner and sealer. The cleaner comes in a spray bottle with a pump and is ready to use. You just spray it on and wipe dry with a clean towel, or paper towels. The sealer also comes is a spray bottle with a pump. The directions for use are straight forward and are printed on the back of the bottle. Please keep in mind, that re-sealing your countertops should only be done if you notice that your granite is taking on water. ( e.g. A water glass leaves a ring, or water no longer beads up with spills, or when cleaning.)

Countertop Wipes

We also sell Countertop wipes from SCI. The wipes offer a quick method for wiping down your kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity, etc. They work great for wiping up dust, especially on black granites.

1 Year Extended Care & Maintenance Package

We also off a  1 Year Extended Care & Maintenance Package. The package offers a worry free option for the consumer, by letting us take care of any maintenance needs. The package includes:

  •  Sanitizing and resealing all countertops
  •  Faucet deck touch up (Removing all normal hard water build up, etc.)
  • Seam maintenance (e.g. Various circumstances may cause houses to move and/or shift, which in turn may cause some seams to shift.) Affected seams would be re-shimmed and leveled.
  • Up to 3 chips repaired. While chips are rare, they can happen. (e.g. Banging pots & pans at sink area, etc.)

If you are interested in any of these stone care options for your countertops, please give us a call, or stop by our showroom.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/25/maintain-your-granite-countertops-with-ease%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 In Living Color… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/24/in-living-color%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/24/in-living-color%e2%80%a6/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:51:26 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5764 If you are doing some remodeling that includes countertops and are one of those people that love color, you might want to check out the Life Series collection of color by Silestone. The Life Series offers an array of bright, and bold colors that are definitely high energy that will add a statement to any room in your home. Whether you want to add a punch of color to a kitchen, a  bathroom, or laundry room, choosing a Life Series color, will do just that. From orange, to red, blue, or green, or more, you’ll be sure to express your personality, or mood.

Let’s take a look at the collection…

Silestone Life! Series

Orange Cool Silestone

Yellow Dream Silestone

Blue Enjoy

Green Fun

Majenta Energy

Red Vital

If you want to start living in color, make sure you check out the Life Series. Stop by our showroom to view these samples and more.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/24/in-living-color%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/20/recipe-raspberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/20/recipe-raspberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:02:44 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5758 If you are one of those people that like raspberries and chocolate, you will love this recipe. It is easy to make and these muffins are delicious!

Raspberry Chocolate Chip Muffins

1-1/2 cups flour
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tps. vanilla
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 pkg. 10 oz. frozen raspberries (thaw a bit before using) Fresh raspberries can also be used.
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1 – 12 oz. pkg. Nestles Chocolate Chips

Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. butter

In a mixing bowl, add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil. Add the flour and baking soda. Mix in the raspberries,nuts, and chocolate chips. Fill muffin tins with the dough. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter for the topping. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the muffins. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes. Serve warm, or cool and serve cold. Either way, they are good. Makes 18 muffins.

Substitution: You can use substitute white chocolate chips for the dark chocolate, if desired. I prefer the dark chocolate myself.

Enjoy!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/20/recipe-raspberry-chocolate-chip-muffins/feed/ 0 Bar, Bath, And Beyond… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/19/bar-bath-and-beyond%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/19/bar-bath-and-beyond%e2%80%a6/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:52:19 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5735 When it comes to natural countertops for your home, there are numerous possibilities. While many people naturally think of natural stone countertops for their kitchen, they can also be installed for a bar room, bathroom, a dining room, and more. Let’s take a look at a few possibilities:

Bar Area

Crema Bordeaux Granite Bar Top

Cielo De Ouro Granite Bar Top

Bath

White Carrera Marble Vanity Top

Sedna Granite Vanity Top

Dining Room

Louisa Blue Granite Buffet Top

Sedna Granite Buffet Top

Whether you are looking for a natural stone countertop for your kithen, bar, bathroom, or some other room in your home, make sure you swing by for a visit. We’d love to help you with your color selections, as well as any sink and faucet needs.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

]]> http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/19/bar-bath-and-beyond%e2%80%a6/feed/ 0 Top 10 Color Choices For 2011… http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/18/top-10-color-choices-for-2011%e2%80%a6/ http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/2012/01/18/top-10-color-choices-for-2011%e2%80%a6/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:23:27 +0000 Barb http://www.paramountgranite.com/blog/?p=5719 It is always interesting to look back and find out what the best sellers were for the year, so I took some time and did just that. While there are colors on the list that have been popular over the years, for their consistency and classic look, such as St. Cecilia, Opalescence, Tropic Brown, Labrador Green, etc., this list includes a variety of colors that contain flow, movement and some pizzazz—and I am not surprised. Today’s consumers are not afraid to express their tastes in their homes.  If you are looking for elegance and charm, or energy with an attractive style, by choosing natural stone for countertops, you can’t go wrong, and the color selections are plentiful. 

If you are interested in these colors, or others for you project, make sure you stop by our showroom.

 Top 10 Best Selling Colors at PGC for 2011

  1. St. Cecilia Classic
  2. Opalescence
  3. Tropic Brown
  4. Labrador Green
  5. Verde Butterfly
  6. Sedna
  7. White Carrera Marble
  8. Cielo De Ouro
  9. Golden Crystal
  10. Absolute Black

Thanks for reading!

Barb

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