How to Make a Stir-Fry Dish

Buwei Yang Chao first coined the term stir-fry in her book How to Cook and Eat in Chinese. First published in 1945, many culinary historians consider it the first book to present traditional Chinese recipes to an American audience. Over the years stir-fry has become a common entree gracing dinner tables everywhere. Stir-fry is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables and lean meat into a delicious meal. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will explain how quick and easy a stir-fry meal can be with the right kitchen smallwares.
One of the most common stir-fry tools is a wok. A wok is a wide, rounded pan that originated in Guangdong Province in China. A wok’s curved, sloping sides allows for more food to cook evenly. You can shift food around in a this pan by cooking some food on the more direct heat and others on the side farther away from the burner. We recommend Adcraft’s Induction Ready Wok with Cover. This wok is made with an aluminum core to maximize even heat distribution. The Adcraft wok has a magnetic bottom so it can be used on an induction cooker. To make stir-fry, woks should be placed over medium-high heat. Once your pan is hot, 1 tablespoon of peanut oil should be added to the wok until the oil simmers.
Before you add your stir-fry spices and ingredients, you should considering measuring them to ensure no one ingredient overpowers another, unless you want it to. Use Update International’s 4-Piece Measuring Spoon Set for your seasonings. Stir-fry is a versatile rice dish that can use a large variety of spices and sauces. Some of the most common, popular stir-fry seasonings are garlic, soy sauce, peanut sauce, crushed red pepper and ginger. The key to delicious stir-fry is knowing the impact of each flavor. Each seasoning needs to be correctly measured. Same goes for meats and vegetables. For a yield of four, we recommend using 12 ounces of lean meat and four cups of vegetables. Use Cambro’s 1 Cup Clear Measuring Cup for precise measurements for your meats and veggies. Stir-fry is a great way to use leftover ingredients. Most meats and vegetables work well in a stir-fry, especially with the right seasoning. Consider using chunks of chicken, chunks of beef, or pieces of seafood. If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner use a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables and chicken breasts and mix with white rice.
Once you have measured your ingredients and added them to the wok you will need a wooden spoon or a heatproof silicone spatula. Rubbermaid’s 16.5” White Spatula Spoon is a great way to stir and handle all of your ingredients without damaging the wok. You should continually stir your meat, vegetables, and rice until they are crisp, hot and tender. Be careful not to stir-fry too many vegetables at once or they’ll lose their crunch, becoming soft and mushy. Most stir-fry recipes take about 40 minutes between food prep and cooking.
Serve your stir-fry dish with Update International’s 12” Black Serving Spoon. This serving spoon is made out of nylon making it heat resistant up to 410°F. Its long handle will provide plenty of space between your hand and the stove. Use colorful plates like Tablecraft’s Orange Frostone Serving Bowl to present your stir-fry dish to your family or guests. The Orange Frostone Serving Bowl is temperature resistant up to 212°F. It will do an excellent job of containing your favorite crispy vegetables and meats in their exotic sauce. Let Public Kitchen Supply supply your kitchen with the kitchen smallwares you need to feed your family. Stir-fry is a quick way to make a hot, fresh meal. There are endless stir-fry combinations that are just waiting to be explored. Spice up your weekday with is easy, healthy delicious dish.

Merril D. Smith (9 January 2013). History of American Cooking. ABC-CLIO. p. 65. ISBN 978-0-313-38712-8.

The Tools for a Perfect Catered Brunch

Regardless of the season, there is always large social events. Caterers are always busy with graduation parties, weddings, and other parties. Nothing pairs better with special events than a delicious brunch. At Public Kitchen Supply we have a large selection of products that will help you create the perfect catered brunch for any type of gathering you may be catering or hosting. We will be highlighting some of our favorite brunch and breakfast tools that should be in every caterer’s collection.
Omelet stations are always a hit and should be included in a catered brunch set up. People love customizing their own breakfast and watching it being made in front of their eyes To create an omelet station you will need tools like mixing bowls, measuring cups and whisks. Stainless steel mixing bowls are perfect for omelet stations. Crack your eggs and mixing them up to make them fluffy. They are easy to clean and have a sleek, professional appearance. American Metalcraft’s 2 Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl is heavy duty and perfect for a task like this. The stainless steel composition will not break or scratch easily even when using other utensils within it. Of course, you’ll need a whisk with your mixing bowl. Browne Foodservice’s 12” Stainless Steel Deluxe French Whisk matches American Metalcraft’s Mixing Bowl well, complementing the stainless steel. When setting up an omelet station don’t forget to buy measuring cups. Cambro’s Clear 1 Pint Measuring Cup has metric and standard measurements along the sides for precise measuring. Complete your made-to-order omelet station with food pans. Cambro’s 1/9 size pans are great for holding fresh toppings on display for your customers. Food pans neatly display fresh ingredients while keeping them at a fresh, safe temperature.
Bread is a must at a catered brunch. Customers expect to have bagels, english muffins, and toast along with a variety of other breads. We recommend purchasing the APW Wyott’s 13” Wide Radiant Conveyor Toaster. This toaster will quickly toast bread as it allows two slices of toast to pass at one time in less than 30 seconds. The 13” Wide Radiant Conveyor Toaster has variable speed and temperature control. APW Wyott’s toaster is ideal for serving ten people or more, making it perfect for a catered brunch tool. Have a member of the staff ready to toast your guests' bread at a moments notice. It prevents burns from improper use as well as speeds up the toasting process from a traditional toaster.
Breakfast isn't completed without scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes and meats. Rely on chafing dishes to keep your meats, hash-browns,  and other brunch favorites warm. Update International’s EZ Stor Folding Chafer is lightweight and travels well because of its foldability. Its stainless steel design is sure to match the rest of your catering equipment providing a professional appearance. Be sure to purchase a chafing dish heater to keep the chafer and food warm for extended periods. Adcraft’s Electric Chafer Heater is a great pairing. The Electric Chafer Heater will evenly distribute heat throughout the entire chafing dish ensuring all of the food within the dish is kept at the proper temperature. Proper temperature is extremely important when catering, make sure your chafing dish and chafing heater are up to code before setting up.
While breakfast foods are expected at a brunch some light lunch foods are too. That's what makes it brunch. Sandwiches and soups are great brunch foods. Consider grilling sandwiches and making paninis, grilled cheese, or other warm sandwiches for your perfect catered lunch. Equipex’s Majestic Panini Grill is a great choice for toasted sandwiches. This Panini Grill is easy to clean and easily controlled. Remember to provide a spatula with your panini grill for your customers to safely and hygenically remove their sandwiches when they are perfectly toasted. To pair a tomato soup with a grilled cheese, invest in an APW Wyott Soup Kettle. Soup kettles make it easy for customers to serve themselves. It’s important to remember simple serving utensils when purchasing pricier items like soup kettles and panini grills.
For salad and dessert bars you can rely on Table Top Food Bars. Cambro supplies an excellent Table Top Food Bar that works well for salad and salad toppings. It is NSF listed and can hold a maximum of three full size pans or a smaller pan configuration. It is made from lightweight polyethylene that will help keep food cool when filled with ice. If you want to make desserts or fruits more personal, consider serving them in Tablecraft’s stylish, Orange Frostone Serving Bowl. The Frostone Serving Bowl is an elegant square ribbed shape, painted orange with a glossy finish. Cambro’s Table Top Food Bar and Tablecraft’s Orange Frostone Serving Bowl work well with many other dishes too. You will find many uses for these versatile products along your catered brunch buffet line.
Finish you scrumptious brunch with a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. Buy Adcraft’s Hot Water Dispenser to dispense hot water immediately. Adcraft’s Hot Water Dispenser is great for setting up with tea bags and hot chocolate mixes. At Public Kitchen Supply you can find manufacturers like Keurig®. In our Keurig® Coffee and Tea category you will find countless Keurig® brewing systems and delicious drink blends to keep your customers refreshed. You will find brands like Green Mountain Coffee®, Starbucks®, Caribou Coffee® and many others. These beverages will allow your customers to have a wide variety of drinks to choose from rather than the standard milk, orange juice, and coffee.
If you’re planning to open a breakfast themed restaurant or want the perfect catered brunch, we have the tools you need. At Public Kitchen Supply we are happy to help. Call us at 1-800-458-1716 to start planning your perfect brunch or visit our website at www.PublicKitchenSupply.com/.

Stainless Steel: 18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0

In the world of stainless steel there are several different types: 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0 stainless steel. Each of these types are classified by the percent of chrome and nickel in the steel. 18/10 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 10% nickel, hence the 18/10 classification. Likewise, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 8% nickel. While 18/0 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 0% nickel. Nickel effects stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and luster. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will discuss the benefits of each type of stainless steel.
18/10 stainless steel contains the most nickel out of the three. Nickel tends to be more expensive so 18/10 stainless steel products are typically more pricey than 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel items and also the highest quality. The biggest benefit of choosing 18/10 stainless steel is that it is long lasting and has a sturdy feel to it. Browne-Halco’s 2 Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is an example of 18/10 stainless steel. The pan’s 18/10 construction allows it to be excellent at conducting heat. It features a riveted, stay-cool handle for extra strength and heat protection, the nickel adds to its extra strength component. While 18/10 stainless steel is ideal when working with pots and pans, it is not necessary for all kitchen items. Finding 18/10 flatware is also ideal for fine-dining establishments that want to portray class to their patrons.
If you are not using stainless steel to conduct heat 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel works quite well. 18/8 stainless steel works well with items like crowd control poles and bun pan racks, things that need to be strong but not necessarily attractive. Its more for utility than the other two types of stainless steel. One advantage of 18/8 stainless steel is that it is less expensive than 18/10 stainless steel. Keep in mind the difference between 18/10 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless is only 2%. While 18/10 stainless steel will be slightly better at conducting heat you may want to save money by choosing an 18/8 stainless steel product. A perfect example of 18/8 stainless steel is an Induction Ready Wok from Adcraft. This wok has a quality top layer made of 18/8 stainless steel so that it is great for induction cooking while containing an aluminum core to keep the price down.
18/0 stainless steel is the least expensive stainless steel as it is pure chrome and no nickel. This type of stainless steel is perfect for products that do not require heat conduction or strength. 18/0 stainless steel is great for tools like everyday use flatware and other kitchen utensils such as this Update International Butter Spreader that is made out of 18/0 stainless steel. They are inexpensive and perfect for make lines or a home kitchen. Because 18/0 stainless steel contains zero nickel it is also dishwasher safe, perfect for cleaning quickly. 18/0 stainless steel is a great choice for people looking to save money but still wanting a quality product.
When it comes to choosing your stainless steel kitchen tools you have many different options. Each type of stainless steel has advantages and disadvantages, so everyone should know the difference between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. Before purchasing a product made from stainless steel consider its function, polish, and finish. At Public Kitchen Supply we work hard to provide equipment that will fit your commercial and residential kitchen needs. Visit our website at publickitchensupply.com to view our large selection of stainless steel products.

Change Your Restaurant With The Seasons

One of the reasons restaurants fail is that they cannot keep their customers interested and coming back. It’s vital to have reoccurring customers along with new clientele. A loss in customers can quickly lead to a restaurant’s failure, no incoming funds means no money to pay bills. One way to keep your customers interested is by offering menu and restaurant changes throughout the year. Changing decorations quarterly, with the seasons as well as foods with the seasons, will help your restaurant feel fresh and current.
Showcasing seasonal foods can revive a menu periodically. Seasonal foods offer the most flavor and nutritional value at an affordable cost. Ro Howe, chef and restaurateur, explains “Featuring seasonal ingredients assures your customers that you are conscious of what nature has to offer." Using products like San Jamar’s Full Fold Tabletop Napkin Dispenser, is a great way to display seasonal menu items. This napkin dispenser features an insert option for customized promotional advertising. You can easily change advertisements from one season to the next allowing you to promote your special seasonal items without redoing your entire paper menu every few months.
In the Spring highlight green, leafy vegetables. Spring onions and asparagus are delicious this time of year. Summer is a great time to introduce cool and light foods. People typically eat less when it’s warm outside. Strawberries, corn, and apples are all fantastic foods for the summer. As Fall approaches, switch to full and hearty ingredients. Fall is a great time to work sweet potatoes and ginger into your menu. These are warm, filling foods that will match your customers’ taste buds. Finally, in Winter, focus on meats and root vegetables. Beef, carrots and lamb are particularly delicious this time of year. Stews are a great way to incorporate these as most people find a hearty stew a comfort food in the cold Winter months. Your menu is a great way to target new customers and keep current clientele's attention.
Your restaurant’s decorations and color scheme is another way to stay fresh, current. Like your menu, follow a seasonal pattern. Look for tabletop accessories that are versatile, like Update International’s Round Cracker Basket. In the Spring bring fresh flowers and pastels into your restaurant in small ways. Customers will appreciate the lively transition into the summer months. Summer is a great time to incorporate brighter colors into your tablecloths, napkins or other small features. As the temperature drops, switch your attention to beautiful autumn. Autumn is filled with rich, stunning colors. Incorporate items that start to transition between Summer and Winter, warm flowers with deep reds or fill a glass vase with fallen leaves for an inexpensive, gorgeous decoration. In the bitter cold keep customers warm, use candles at night to make it feel warm or use pine cones and snowflakes as simple table decoration.
When it comes to revamping your restaurant’s menu and style remember simplicity is key. Small changes can make a huge difference, especially when paired with the changing seasons. We strongly encourage restaurants to stay current by making small changes quarterly. At Public Kitchen Supply we want to help restaurants succeed. Visit our website at publickitchensupply.com for additional restaurant advice and fantastic kitchen supplies.

The World's Healthiest Foods. George Mateljan Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

Caring for a Cutting Board

Cutting boards are a daily tool in most residential and commercial kitchens, they keep our counter-tops clean and prevent the spread of disease. While the purpose of kitchen cutting boards may be the same, their maintenance varies entirely. In the kitchen, cutting boards are commonly made out of wood or plastic. Wood is long lasting and if properly taken care of, it will last for many years. On the other hand plastic cutting boards have a much shorter life. Plastic cutting boards are built to be disposable even with proper care. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will provide some helpful hints on how to get the most out of your wood or plastic cutting board.
Wood cutting boards do well in home kitchens. Wood has natural anti-septic properties and are great at self-healing. If your knife leaves thin cuts in the wood they will likely close up on their own. Wood cutting boards are softer on knives and provide a classic, rustic look to your kitchen. We recommend Update International’s Wood Bread Board with Knife Slot. Wood Cutting boards should be washed in hot soapy water, wiped clean and dried upright. Never put wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher. When wood is exposed to too much water it will become soft, fragile and lose its shape. Coarse salt and lemon are simple ingredients that can dramatically extend the life of your cutting board. Every other week dust your cutting board with coarse salt, rub the salt with a sliced lemon and rinse in hot water. This method will close cracks in the woods surface.
Oiling wooden cutting boards is another fantastic technique to extend their life. You will need a clean soft cloth and mineral oil. Before oiling your board be sure it is clean and dry. Next, take your soft cloth and apply the mineral oil evenly over the board’s surface. Allow your cutting board to take in the oil overnight. In the morning, rub off any remaining oil with a dry cloth. This method protects the wood from becoming dry and cracked. If you follow these techniques your wooden cutting board will last for decades to come.
Plastic cutting boards are not nearly as high maintenance as wood cutting boards, but they do not have the same life expectancy. Plastic cutting boards are meant to be disposable, typically lasting only a handful of years. Most plastic cutting boards are made from copolymer. This material is designed not to dull knives but cuts and scratches do tend to quickly appear on the board’s surface. Scratches can easily turn to cracks, a strong indication that a board should be replaced.
The best way to extend the life of your plastic cutting board is through proper cleaning and sanitation. Plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe but they can still warp in high temperatures. It is critical that you allow excess water to run off your cutting board by either hanging it or storing it upright. Look for cutting boards like San Jamar’s 18” x 24” Cut-N-Carry Cutting Board. This cutting board provides a safety hook for storing and drying upright like it's supposed to.
Wood and plastic cutting boards are very different in their construction. It is important to understand the maintenance of each board. Before purchasing a cutting board consider how long you want it last and how you want to take care of it. To find a cutting board that fits your needs, visit our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com

How to Boost Customer Loyalty in a Restaurant

When a customer is loyal to your restaurant they will purchase your food and service, time and time again. Businesses are dependent on loyal customers because they bring in new customers, provide free advertising, take business away from the competition and are more accepting when mistakes are made. In this blog Public Kitchen Supply will discuss several ways to earn and retain restaurant regulars.
One of the best ways to earn customer loyalty is through incentives. Your customers have many different options when it comes to where they eat. Motivate them to continually choose your restaurant. Many restaurants print coupons on the back of receipts to bring in returning customers while other set up reward systems. Reward systems can be an excellent customer loyalty tactic because they encourage frequent visits. Reward systems typically require customers to spend a set amount of money or come in a number of visits before they are rewarded. The incentive can be anything from half of an entrée to a free dessert. These marketing gimmicks will quickly bring back returning customers.
Many restaurants have periods of time when they have very little traffic. Public Kitchen Supply suggests setting up promotions during slow times, like happy hours or early bird specials. We found that restaurants are the least busy between 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, or between lunch and dinner, and this is a great time to offer half price appetizers or discounted drinks. When customers are aware of excellent deals they will make time in their schedules for your business. Placing card stands with advertisements on your tables is a great way to call attention to specials. Use Update International’s 12” Menu Stand for an inexpensive advertisement. Card stands are great because they can be reused and match most businesses well.
Before implementing these marketing techniques Public Kitchen Supply encourages you to weigh the cost and benefit of each method. An early bird special may work very well for a diner but fail for a bar and grill. At the end of the day, customer loyalty is about pleasing your customers and making them want to return. The best way to bring in returning customers is through fantastic service and scrumptious food.
At Public Kitchen Supply we understand the importance of customer loyalty. It’s our goal to help our customers provide the best culinary experience possible to their patrons. Quality service, delicious food, and a bit of creativity will fill your restaurant with booming and bustling business. For more promotional tips and tools visit our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com

How to Re-Use Kitchen Waste

Throwing away food is frustrating and a quick way to lose money. Often times we unconsciously throw away parts of food that would work well in an array of different dishes. Stop filling your trash can with wasted ingredients and instead explore some new interesting recipes. In this blog Public Kitchen Supply will offer a few suggestions on how to save food and money.
Soups and stews are an excellent want to save leftover ingredients. Use potato peels, the tips of celery and carrot peels to make a delicious vegetable soup. Stock pots are a great way to combine all of these ingredients into a warm hearty soup or stew, we suggest the Browne Foodservice 12 quart stock pot. This stock pot is part of Browne-Halco’s Thermalloy line insuring the pot’s handles will stay cool, even when on a hot stove. The “stay cool” technology prevents user burns, a great safety feature. Onion peels are another great ingredient for stocks and broths as it gives broths a hint of flavor and color at the same time.
Apple peels and orange peels make a naturally healthy tea. Steep apple peels or orange peels in hot water with cinnamon and a trace of vanilla. This simple recipe is incredibly easy and makes a sweet drink. Use Update International’s 6” vegetable peeler to safely remove apple peels. Update International’s 6” vegetable peeler features an easy spin carbon steel blade honed to a perfect edge then attached to an incredibly comfortable handle. The handle has been coated with plastic so it is easy to grasp. The vegetable peeler is completed with a blister card ensuring soft cut free hands.
Coffee grounds are a fantastic way to deodorize hands and cutting boards after cutting onions or garlic. Coffee grounds are also a great a plant fertilizer. Every month place 3/4 cup of coffee grounds into your garden. The coffee’s acidity is incredibly helpful for plant growth and deters insects like ants and slugs. Coffee has a surprising number of uses ranging from a car air freshener to counter cleaner. These do it yourself tips are a great way to save money.
The kitchen is filled with hustle and bustle making it easy to throw away left behind food. The next time you’re cooking take a minute to pause, breathe and save. Following a few of the methods above will quickly turn into savings. For more food saving tips check out our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com.