old kitchen

How can design old kitchen

Old kitchen restoration is a great way not only to restore old furniture, but also to make the interior of the kitchen more stylish and modern. This task can be managed without the help of outsiders. All you need for this – a good imagination, improvised means and a little free time.

Pros and cons

Self-restoration of kitchen furniture has both pros and cons. It is worth starting with the positives.

  1. Affordability. Repairing old furniture is significantly cheaper than replacing it with new furniture. Therefore, if the family budget is not very large, it is possible to pay attention to inexpensive ways to improve the appearance of your kitchen set.
  2. Practicality. Giving a new life to the old furniture, a person loses the need to think where to put the old kitchen set.
  3. Uniqueness. Deciding to refresh the interior of the kitchen with their own hands, you can make it really unique and not like the others. In such a kitchen it will be pleasant to spend time as family members and guests.

Methods of restoration

There are several basic ways to restore an old kitchen set.

Finishing with self-adhesive film

Quality vinyl film is inexpensive. It can be found in many stores. On sale there are materials with imitations of natural wood, stone or brickwork. Lovers of more original designs should pay attention to the film with beautiful patterns or embossed surface.

The process of gluing the film does not take much time. It consists of the following steps.

  • First it is necessary to make all the necessary measurements.
  • From a large piece of film it is necessary to cut off parts of a suitable size.
  • Then it is necessary to remove the door handles that interfere with the work.
  • Next, the strips of film are carefully removed from the base.
  • Then these parts are carefully glued to the desired surface.
  • After that, the film is straightened. A plastic scraper can be used for this. If air bubbles remain on the surface, they can be carefully pierced with a needle. After that, the selected area is smoothed again with a scraper.
  • Then holes are made on the surface for the fittings. Handles can be attached in place immediately.
  • Cabinets wrapped in vinyl film are not afraid of exposure to moisture and temperature fluctuations. It is very easy to take care of such a surface.

Treatment with chalk paint

This method allows you to change the kitchen almost beyond recognition. Chalk paint is used to paint furniture because of its thick consistency. The paint adheres perfectly to almost any surface.

The process of painting furniture consists of several basic steps.

  • Preparation. The first step is to remove all fittings from the kitchen furniture. The floor, walls, countertop and apron should be covered with film. Parts that will be painted, cleaned of grease and dirt. For your convenience, facades can be removed in advance and placed on the floor. This way it will be more convenient to work with them.
  • Priming and sanding. It is not necessary to clean the surface from the old coating. But if the kitchen garnish looks sloppy, it is worth cleaning it from the paint. After that, it is recommended to apply two layers of primer to the surface. When it dries, it should be treated with a sandpaper. This way the paint will adhere to the base better.
  • Painting. Having finished with the preparation, you can proceed to the main work. The paint is usually applied in 2-3 layers. Thanks to this, the color turns out more saturated. If you want to paint a dark coating with a light material, you must apply it in 5-6 layers.
  • Lacquer treatment. After painting, cabinets can be additionally varnished. It should be applied with a new synthetic brush. The layer of varnish should dry for at least 24 hours.

Decoupage

Another good way to change the appearance of an old headset is to decoupage the surfaces. For the work, you can use both special blanks and ordinary three-layer napkins with a favorite pattern. The process of interior renovation looks quite simple.

  • First of all, it is necessary to treat the surfaces to be decorated with degreaser or alcohol.
  • Next, it is necessary to separate the layer with the pattern from the cloth and cut out a piece of suitable size.
  • The back side of the pattern should be smeared with a layer of PVA glue. Immediately after that, the detail is fixed on the facade in the right place. It is carefully smoothed with a brush. Move from the center to the edges. Surplus adhesive is gently removed with a soft sponge or an unwanted cloth in the process.
  • Do the same with the rest of the details. Arrange them on the facades at your discretion.
  • When the glue dries, the surface should be coated with acrylic varnish. Apply it in 2-3 layers. This makes the decor more stable. Each layer of varnish should dry for 24 hours.

Restoration of wooden furniture

Furniture made of natural wood is liked by many people. It is durable and looks good for many years. But even the highest quality furniture over time loses its attractiveness and is covered with small cracks and scratches. Restoration of kitchen furniture made of natural wood can be done without the help of specialists.

In some cases, the furniture may require more serious restoration. This procedure consists of the following steps.

  • The facades must be carefully dismantled and freed from the old fittings.
  • The surface must be treated with fine sandpaper. Particularly careful should act in the case if the facades are embossed drawings.
  • Then the surface is wiped with a damp cloth or sponge.
  • Then two layers of primer must be applied. Each of them must dry well.
  • After that, the surface needs to be varnished. In a ventilated room coating layer dries for 24 hours. It is necessary to apply the coating in 2-3 layers. Each of them should be thinner than the previous one.

Original decor ideas

Separately, it is worth talking about how to decorate your kitchen set.

Moldings

Quickly change the appearance of a minimalist kitchen will help simple moldings. They can be found in many specialized stores. It is most convenient to glue them to the surface with liquid nails.

Replacing fittings

This is another quick way to update the appearance of cabinets. Small parts are easy to find on sale and replace yourself.

To make the room look more unusual, designers most often use originally shaped handles. On sale you can find vintage products in the form of massive rings or spoons. Such stylish details are liked by many people.

Vinyl stickers

Stylish stickers are now often used to decorate not only laptops and phones. They are also used when decorating rooms.

Small stickers help hide minor chips and scratches. In addition, they add bright colors to the interior. Most often, stickers related to food and cooking are used to decorate the kitchen room.

Textiles

Decorating the kitchen in the rustic style, you can remove broken or unkempt looking furniture doors and replace them with colored curtains. This will look quite nice.

Painting

If a person is fond of painting, then his creative skills can be applied and in the process of updating the appearance of the kitchen set. For painting facades, it is best to use acrylic paints. They adhere well to the surface and do not fade over time. You can depict on the fronts as full paintings, as well as some small things.

Useful tips

Simple tips from more experienced people can help in the restoration of kitchen furniture.

  • When planning to paint the surface, it is better to check the quality of the material on a small piece of furniture. This will help to make sure that the result of the restoration will look beautiful.
  • If the cabinets have glass fronts, during the “upgrade” of the kitchen they can be replaced. You can use both clear glass and colored glass. A more budget-friendly way is to use self-adhesive film. Transparent material with patterns or imitations of stained glass is usually used for glass decoration.
  • When choosing the basic materials and small parts that will be used in the work, you should make sure that they match each other well. Before you buy all the necessary products, it is best to think in advance about the future interior to the smallest detail and make an appropriate list.
  • Changing the appearance of the kitchen set, it is necessary to deal with the improvement of other furniture. It is not necessary to invest a lot of money. You can just buy new home textiles, glue the shelves and work surfaces vinyl film or cover them with a thin layer of varnish.
Shrimp with sofrito

Shrimp with sofrito

When it comes to making a delicious and easy to make shrimp dish, look no further than shrimp with sofrito. This flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or want to impress your guests at your next dinner party.

What is sofrito?

Sofrito is a sauce or relish made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and green peppers that is popular in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. It’s typically used as a base for soups, stews, and sauces, but can also be used as a condiment or seasoning.

Why you’ll love this dish

Shrimp with sofrito is a dish that is packed with flavor but is also light and healthy. The shrimp is cooked in a flavorful sofrito sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and green peppers, making it a perfect option for those looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Shrimp with sofrito

What is Sofrito and Where Does it Come From?

Sofrito is a sauce or condiment typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and green peppers. It is popular in Spanish, Cuban, and Puerto Rican cuisine, and can be used as a base for stews, rice dishes, and other meals. 

The exact ingredients and proportions of sofrito vary depending on the region and cook, but the sauce is typically made by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding tomatoes and green peppers. Other ingredients may include cilantro, oregano, paprika, and vinegar. Sofrito is typically cooked for a short time to allow the flavors to meld, and it is often used as a base for other dishes. 

Sofrito has its origins in Spanish cuisine, and it has become popular in many Latin American countries. In Spain, sofrito is often used as a base for stews and rice dishes. In Cuba and Puerto Rico, sofrito is often used to flavor beans and meats. 

Sofrito is a versatile sauce that can be used in many different dishes. It can be used as a base for stews and rice dishes, or it can be used to flavor beans and meats. It is also a common ingredient in Latin American cuisine.

How to Make Shrimp with Sofrito

Ingredients:

-1/2 teaspoon cumin

-1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

-1/4 teaspoon chili powder

-1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

-1/8 teaspoon salt

-1/8 teaspoon black pepper

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-1/2 cup sofrito

-1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

-1/4 cup chopped cilantro

-1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. Combine cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sofrito, and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

4. Add shrimp, and cook until opaque, about 2 minutes.

5. Transfer shrimp and sofrito mixture to a baking dish.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until shrimp are cooked through, about 5 minutes.

7. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve immediately.

What to Serve with Shrimp with Sofrito

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make shrimp dish, look no further than shrimp with sofrito! This classic Latin American recipe is typically made with a flavorful sofrito sauce, which is a mix of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers. The shrimp is then cooked in the sofrito sauce until it’s nice and plump.

So, what should you serve with shrimp with sofrito? Here are some great ideas:

  • Rice: This is a classic pairing for shrimp with sofrito. The rice will soak up all of the delicious flavors of the sofrito sauce.
  • Beans: Another great option for soaking up the sofrito sauce, beans are a healthy and filling side dish.
  • Salad: A simple green salad is a great way to lighten up this dish.
  • Plantains: A staple of Latin American cuisine, plantains are a delicious and sweet side dish that goes great with shrimp with sofrito.
  • Bread: Bread is always a good option for mopping up delicious sauces. Serve a crusty loaf of bread on the side for dipping.

Whatever you decide to serve with shrimp with sofrito, you’re sure to have a delicious and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love!

Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp with Sofrito

Sofrito is a flavorful blend of sautéed vegetables, garlic, and spices. It’s a popular ingredient in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes. And it’s the perfect way to add flavor to shrimp. This dish is simple to make and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

Here are some tips for making the perfect shrimp with sofrito:

  1. Choose the right shrimp. For this dish, you’ll want to use large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
  2. Sauté the vegetables. To make the sofrito, you’ll need to sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic. You can use any type of oil, but olive oil or vegetable oil will work best.
  3. Add the shrimp. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque.
  4. Season the dish. Once the shrimp are cooked, season the dish with salt, pepper, and lime juice. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as cumin or oregano.
  5. Serve with rice. This dish is typically served with white rice. You can also serve it with beans or a salad.

Making shrimp with sofrito is a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meal. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make a delicious dish that your family and friends will love.

Sofrito

Dominican style Sofrito

Dominican style sofrito is a flavorful sauce made with a mixture of aromatic ingredients such as garlic, onions, bell peppers, and cilantro, along with seasonings such as cumin, paprika, and vinegar. It is typically used as a base in many traditional Dominican dishes, such as stews, soups, and rice dishes, to add depth of flavor and complexity. The ingredients are blended together in a food processor or blended until smooth, and then cooked over medium heat until the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened. The resulting sofrito is a staple in Dominican cooking, and is often used as a starting point for many different dishes.

What is it?

Culinary historians are still arguing about its origins. Some consider the country of origin to be Italy, others – Spain. The only undisputed fact is that the sauce is universal, but it is still preferred for meat and poultry dishes. Combination with fish and mushrooms is not so successful. The same cannot be said for hot vegetable dishes – here there is complete harmony.

What is sofrito good for?

Sofrito is a versatile sauce that is good for many different uses in cooking. It adds depth of flavor and complexity to dishes as a base or seasoning. Some popular dishes that often use sofrito include:

  1. Stews and soups: Sofrito is often used as the base for soups and stews, providing a rich and flavorful foundation for the dish.
  2. Rice dishes: Sofrito can be added to rice dishes to enhance the flavor and create a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
  3. Meat dishes: Sofrito is often used as a marinade for meat dishes, such as chicken or pork, to add flavor and tenderize the meat.
  4. Salsa: Some recipes use sofrito as a base for salsa, blending it with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes and jalapenos for a fresh and flavorful sauce.

Sofrito can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use, making it a convenient ingredient for busy home cooks.

Sofrito

Steps to make

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers (green, red or yellow), chopped
  • 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor or blender, blend together the onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, cumin, paprika, vinegar, salt, and pepper until a smooth paste forms.
  2. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sofrito paste to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is fragrant and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the sofrito from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  5. Store the sofrito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Note: This is a basic recipe, and the ingredients can be adjusted to taste. Some recipes call for the addition of ingredients such as ají dulce (a sweet chili pepper), tomato paste, or wine. Experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect sofrito.

pastelon de platano maduro

Recipe for pastelon de platano maduro

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for special occasions, you should definitely try Recipe for pastelon de platano maduro. This dessert is made from layers of sweet, creamy pastelon and rich, dark chocolate. It is sure to be a hit with your guests!

Tips for making perfect pastelon de platano maduro

Here are some tips for making the perfect Pastelón de Platano Maduroano:

  1. Use ripe plantains: For a sweet, tender and flavorful Pastelón, it’s important to use ripe plantains that are yellow with brown spots.
  2. Fry the plantains twice: Fry the plantain slices once to cook them through and then a second time to crisp them up. This will give them a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
  3. Brown the meat thoroughly: Make sure to cook the ground beef or pork until it is thoroughly browned to ensure that it has a rich, savory flavor.
  4. Season the meat mixture well: Use a good amount of salt, pepper, and other spices to season the meat mixture, making sure to taste as you go.
  5. Use a good tomato sauce: Use a good quality canned tomato sauce or make your own fresh tomato sauce for the best flavor.
  6. Layer the Pastelón properly: Alternate layers of plantains and meat mixture, making sure to press down firmly after each layer to help everything hold together.
  7. Use cheese sparingly: If using cheese, sprinkle it sparingly over the top of the dish. Too much cheese can overpower the flavor of the plantains and meat.
  8. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly: Bake the Pastelón in a preheated 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.

By following these tips, you should end up with a delicious and perfectly made Pastelón de Platano Venezuelano!

pastelon de platano maduro

The ingredients you need

  • 4 ripe plantains
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 diced onion
  • 1 diced green pepper
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup of grated cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil

The instructions for cooking

  1. Peel and slice the plantains into 1/4 inch rounds.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the plantains until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the ground beef, onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
  5. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the plantains on the bottom, then half of the beef mixture, and then repeat the layers.
  6. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top (optional).
  7. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy your Pastelón de Platano Maduroano!

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for a serving of Pastelón de Platano Maduroano can vary depending on the recipe and serving size, but here is a rough estimate:

  • Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving
  • Fat: 20-30 g per serving, with most of it coming from the plantains and cheese.
  • Protein: 20-30 g per serving, from the ground beef or pork.
  • Carbohydrates: 50-60 g per serving, mostly from the plantains.
  • Fiber: 2-3 g per serving, mostly from the plantains.
  • Sodium: Approximately 500-600 mg per serving, depending on the amount of salt used.

Please note that this is just an estimate, and the actual nutritional information can vary greatly based on the ingredients used and the serving size.

Pastelon de yuca

Pastelon de yuca recipe

Pastelon de yuca, also known as the Latin version of a shepherd’s pie, is a traditional dish originating from Latin America. This savory and delicious dish is made with yuca, which is a starchy root vegetable similar to a potato. It is then layered with a variety of other ingredients, such as ground beef, raisins, olives, and cheese, and is baked to perfection. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Additionally, the dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any dietary needs or preferences. The dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, as well as a source of protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. So, if you’re looking for a new and delicious way to enjoy yuca, then Pastelon de Yuca is the perfect option.

The ingredients you need

  • 1 large yuca root, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 ounces) of tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pastelon de yuca

The instructions for cooking

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Boil yuca in a pot of salted water until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain yuca and mash in a large bowl.
  • In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Add the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomato sauce, oregano, cilantro, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
  • In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the mashed yuca mixture on the bottom.
  • Layer the ground beef mixture on top of the yuca.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the ground beef.
  • Spread the remaining yuca mixture on top.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for making the best pastelon de yuca

Here are some tips for making the best pastelón de yuca:

  1. Use a ripe yuca: Choose a yuca root that is firm to the touch and has a slightly sweet smell. Overripe yuca can be tough and have a bitter taste.
  2. Cook the yuca properly: Boil the yuca in salted water until it is tender and easily mashed. Overcooking the yuca can make it too soft and mushy.
  3. Season the filling: Make sure to add enough salt, pepper, and other spices to the ground beef filling to enhance the flavor.
  4. Use a mix of cheeses: A combination of mozzarella and parmesan cheese creates a delicious, melted, and gooey topping.
  5. Preheat the oven: It’s important to preheat the oven so that the pastelón cooks evenly and the cheese on top gets nice and melted.
  6. Let it cool: Letting the pastelón cool for a few minutes before serving allows the filling to set and makes it easier to cut into slices.
  7. Serve with a side salad: A simple side salad of greens and a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this rich and cheesy dish.