With New Classes at Purcell Murray (daytime & evenings now available…)

Showroom Location for Classes: 15400 Graham Street, Suite 102, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Friday, April 16^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $58.00
Linda Steidel - “For Every Season There is a Salad”
The Launch for Linda’s Latest Cookbook (Cost of class includes book)

Menu:
Orzo Salad with Shrimp, Roasted Peppers, Corn & Grilled Portabellas
Soufleed Goat Cheese Tomatoes & Savory Greens with
Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Crusty Pizza Bread with Gorgonzola Caesar Salad
Chocolate Chip Macaroons

Saturday, April 17^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00
Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Herb and Lemon Roasted Salmon on bed of Roasted Potatoes
Sautéed Arugula and Spinach
Carrot Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Icing & Sugared Pistachios

Friday, April 30^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $48.00
Linda Steidel - “Spring in Tuscany”

Menu:
The sunlight in the Spring casts a soft glow over the hills of Tuscany.
Menus are fresh, innovative and delicious.
Prosciutto & Grilled Asparagus with Whole Grain Mustard
Chicken Pepperonata with Creamy Semolina and Roasted Mushrooms
Zucchini with Lemon-Thyme Crumbs
Warm Chocolate Cakes with Mascarpone Cream

Saturday, May 8^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $40.00
Cathy Dyla -  “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Mothers Day Luncheon
Waldorf Chicken Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups
Smoked Salmon Napoleons
Spring Pea Soup with Scallions
Lemon Blackberry Cake

Thursday, May 20^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm $58.00
Linda Steidel - The “Farmers Market”:  Meet Me at 3^rd & Fairfax
The Fairfax market opened in 1934.  It began as a dirt lot of farmers to sell fresh produce and has become a dining paradise.

Menu:
Salmon Tempura Salad with Kiyoko’s Dressing
Sea Scallops with Blackberry Puree & Shitake Risotto
New York Strip Steak with Cognac-Mushroom Sauce
Lemon Cornmeal Cake with Lemon Glaze & Crushed-Blueberry sauce

Thursday, June 10^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm  $58.00
Linda Steidel – “Fathers Day”

Menu:
It’s Fathers Day!  Gather the Family and salute Dad with his favorite food
Shrimp Chopped Salad with Edamame, Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado,
Corn and Applewood Smoked Bacon
Grilled Skirt Steak with Artichoke-Potato Hash & Black Olive Aioli
Double-Chocolate Bunt Cake with Ice Cream

Saturday, June 12^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $40.00
Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring All Brands”

Menu:
Seared Pork Chops Roasted with Balsamic Fig Sauce
Potato Cakes with Chives
Braised Lemon Dijon Asparagus, Carrots and Green Beans
Sour Cream Vanilla Pound Cake with Fresh Berry Sauce

Friday, June 18^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $48.00
Linda Steidel - “Cooking with John Besh: New Orleans”

Menu:
John Besh is the best of a new generation of New Orleans Chefs.
He grew up on the bayous and celebrates the food he grew up with.
Chilled Tomato Soup with Tapenade
Pan-Seared White Fish with Corn
Orzo & Crabmeat Macque Choux
Strawberry Flambé over Lemon-Ricotta Filled Crepes.

Classes are subject to change. Reservations with credit card confirmation are required and should be made no later than 72 hours prior to the class. Cancellations must be made 72 hour prior to the class to avoid charges.

For More Information Visit  www.purcellmurray.com or Call (800) 294-0644 EXT.500

Those of you who know us well, know that we hold a very strong opinion about unlicensed contractors. We feel that the state laws are in place in order to protect Contractors and Customers alike. And, while we don’t always agree with every portion of those laws, we respect and abide by them. Contractors who adhere to the state’s licensing requirements and subsequent laws often end up spending a large amount of time and money in order to do so. Then, we find ourselves in direct competition with unlicensed Contractors who are able to charge a much lower price, and often get the job.

So, this year Santa has a late gift for all of the licensed Contractors in California. As of January 1st new, tougher penalties have been put into place for those operating without a license. According to a December 30th article in the Orange County Register:

“Starting Jan. 1, those caught contracting in California without a license for the first time will face six months in jail or a fine of up to $5,000 because of a new law that will take affect. Right now the offense is only considered a misdemeanor with no set jail time or penalties.

Second-timers must pay 20 percent of the contract price, or $5,000, whichever is greater and spend at least 90 days in county jail. A third offense would be punishable with 90 days to one year in a county jail and a fine between $5,000 and $10,000, or 20 percent of the contract price, according to the law, Assembly Bill 370.”

Many customers don’t realize that most unlicensed Contractors do not carry Worker’s Compensation Insurance which can end up costing the homeowner much more than they bargained for. If a worker is injured in their home while on the job the homeowner can be held liable for those injuries. Unlike licensed Contractors, those without a license also do not have to submit to a background check. California law requires that a Contractor be licensed for all jobs over $500.

Here are some tips from the Contractors State License Board and a few of our own for hiring a Contractor:

•Ask to see contractor’s licenses.
•Verify the contractor’s license at www.cslb.ca.gov or 1-800-321-2752.
•Don’t pay more than 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less, as a down payment.
•Get three bids, check references and get a written contract.
•Don’t pay in cash and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work.
•Ask to see a copy of the contractor’s liability and worker’s compensation insurance certifications.

If you are looking for a reputable, licensed contractor contact us today at 714-558-1094!

Though the recent weather may not give the impression that winter is on its way, the calendar is a stark reminder that winter, and the accompanying holidays, are fast approaching. Many people are making their holiday travel arrangements now and, if you’re like me, your home is going to end up being the hub of the excitement during the next few months. You’ll be entertaining on an almost weekly basis once Thanksgiving gets here and won’t have time to come up for air until late January. Also, if you’re like me, you’re currently finding a ton of small items all over the house that need attention before this whole crazy holiday things hits. From general maintenance (can’t have the heat going out on Christmas Eve!) to some simple facelift items (a dab of paint here, some new caulking there) there are many things you can do to keep your home beautiful and safe during the winter months. Below are a few tips that can help save you time and money as well as ways for keeping your home safe the whole year through.

For more detailed items such as finish carpentry (moldings, casings, etc.), new cabinet hardware, new plumbing fixtures, new doors, ceiling fans, extra outlets, lighting, tile/grout repairs, grab bar installations, deck and patio cover work and much more give us a call at 714-558-1094 for a consultation!

Make sure you print out your coupon from the weekly blog email we sent for a special offer on the above services! (if you didn’t receive a coupon please let us know and we will send one out to you asap!)

T Have your heating systems inspected by a qualified service professional at least once a year including lubrication and cleaning, replacing filters, a check of belts and thermostats and having vents cleared of obstructions, as necessary.
T Make sure window air conditioners do not allow cold air to sneak through or around sides, top and bottom. Local hardware stores can provide covers and other easy, low-cost ways to keep that cold air out.
T Caulking around windows and other openings can stop the cold air invasion dead in its tracks. A warmer home and lower utility bills can result.
T When using a portable electric heater, keep flammable materials – bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs and furniture at least three feet away, even if it has safety features such as cut-off switches or heating element guards.
T If you use an electric blanket to keep warm on a cold night, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you turn it off and unplug it when it’s not in use.
T Install a smoke alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Test it monthly to ensure it is working properly. Be sure and change the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year.
T Install a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm near bedrooms and on each floor of your home. Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
T Have your fireplace chimney and flue inspected each year and cleaned if needed. Open the flue and use a sturdy fireplace screen when you have a fire. Burn only untreated wood; never burn paper or pine branches-pieces can float out the chimney and ignite your roof, a neighbor’s roof, or nearby trees.

CAMBRIA, THE LEADER AND INNOVATOR OF STONE SURFACING, INTRODUCES 16 NEW COLORS AND ESTABLISHES THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUPERIOR STONE

These 16 unprecedented new colors expand Cambria’s palette to 64 and represent the largest launch ever of new colors in the history of the stone industry. Cambria has once again revolutionized the look of quartz. We’re calling it “The Next Generation of Superior Stone.” What you’ll see is unparalleled movement, depth, veining and tonality that again sets Cambria apart from all other stone providers. We know you’ll share our enthusiasm for these exceptional new colors. And, we’re just getting started!

Please contact your local Cambria Dealer Burgin Construction at
714-558-1094 to see samples of the new colors!

__________________________________________________________

New Classes Just Announced at Purcell Murray

Cathy Dyla - “Dine & Learn Featuring Thermador”
Saturday, August 22^nd 11:00am – 12:30pm  $35.00
*Parmesan Potato Chip and Pretzel Baked Chicken
*Roasted Cobb Style Potato Salad with Avocado Dressing
*Summer Bean Medley with Pickled Red Onions
*Blackberry Cobbler with Coconut Pecan Streusel

Linda Steidel - “Summer Dinner:  Garden Fresh”
Thursday, August 27^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm  $58.00
*Garden Greens with Yellow Tomatoes and Peaches with Balsamic Vinaigrette
*Black Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon with Toasted Goat Cheese & Red Chile Sauce
*Sweet Corn Flans with Tomato-Corn Relish
*Sour Cream Tart with Plum Compote

Linda Steidel - “Southwest Style”
Friday, September 11^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $48.00
In the American Southwest the changing seasons reveal a myriad of aromas and flavors. These recipes burst with the colors, textures and flavors of the region.
*Sweet Potato & Roasted Plantain Soup with Smoked Chile Crema
*Southwest Caesar Salad with Cornbread Croutons
*Chicken Chilaquiles with Spicy-Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
*Chocolate Cheesecake with Rosemary-Scented Cherry Compote & Shaved Chocolate

Cathy Dyla - “ Dine & Learn Featuring Thermador”
Saturday, September 12^th 11:00am – 12:30pm  $35.00
Get the most out of your Thermador appliances while learning a fabulous new menu!
*Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Grapes and Lemon Honey Sauce
*Parmesan Polenta
*Convection Broiled Seasonal Vegetables
*Baked Apples with Almond Golden Raisin Filling & Crispy Topping

Linda Steidel - “Sunday Supper In The Kitchen”
Thursday, October 8^th 6:00pm – 8:00pm   $58.00
Sunday suppers in the kitchen are all about family. Comfort food prepared together makes for a very special evening.
*Roasted Butternut Squash & Spinach Salad with Gorgonzola
*Classic Beef  Stew Baked with Parmesan Gnocchi Crust
*Grilled Garlic Bread
*Grilled Asparagus with Garlic
*Eggnog Flan on Cinnamon Crust with Rum Whipped Cream

Cathy Dyla - “Dine and Learn Featuring Thermador”
Saturday, October 10^th 11:00am – 12:30pm  $35.00
Learn great recipes for fall that can be prepared using your Thermador appliances
*Beer Braised Brisket
*Smashed Sour Cream Horseradish Potatoes
*Glazed Balsamic Roasted Carrots
*Spiced Cake with Sticky Coconut Pecan Icing

Linda Steidel - “A Harvest Celebration”
Friday, October 16^th 11:00am – 1:00pm  $48.00
Fall introduces all of the late harvest fruits and vegetables. It is a cornucopia of color and flavors that celebrate the season.
*Grilled Endive and Orange Salad
*Seared Salmon with White Beans & Basil Oil
*Grilled Eggplant & Peppers with Feta
*Almond and Marmalade Torte with Lattice Crust & Grand Marnier Cream

Linda Steidel - “Thanksgiving in the USA”
Friday, November 6^th 11:00am – 1:00pm $48.00
Thanksgiving is an American tradition with traditional dishes that fill our homes with aromas and flavors that celebrate the day.
*Baby Greens with Tangy Mustard Vinaigrette
*Smoked Sea Salt Roasted Turkey with
*Chipotle Glaze & Caramelized Onion Gravy
*Sausage Stuffing with Fennel & Roasted Squash; Green Bean Casserole
*Cranberry-Pomegranate Terrine
*Pumpkin-Praline Trifle

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

CLASSES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. RESERVATIONS WITH CREDIT CARD CONFIRMATION ARE REQUIRED AND SHOULD BE MADE NO LATER THAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE CLASS.  CANCELLATIONS MUST ALSO BE MADE 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE CLASS TO AVOID CHARGES.  FOR MORE DETAILS

VISIT WWW.PURCELLMURRAY.COM OR CALL (800) 294-0644 EXT.500

If you’re looking for a way to keep temperatures and cooling costs down in your home this summer – take it outside. Outdoor grilling will keep you from having to heat up the house by cooking in the kitchen and the need to offset that extra heat by turning down the thermostat. A simple charcoal grill is all that’s required but for those that prefer a complete outdoor kitchen there are many options. From stone and brick layouts to various countertop surfaces and a huge selection of grills and cooktops, you can have a gourmet kitchen right in your backyard. If you’d like more information on how to plan and create your Outdoor Kitchen please give us a call at 714-558-1094.

To get your outdoor cooking started, we’ve included the recipes below to create a meal that’s sure to please the entire family!

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
(recipe courtesy of California Olive Ranch)

Ingredients:

• 1 (packed) cup fresh cilantro
• ¼ (packed) cup fresh oregano
• 1 (packed) cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar, or to taste
• 2 Tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ cup California Olive Ranch EVOO
• 1 (1¼-pound) skirt steak

Directions:

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

1. In a blender, combine the herbs, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, pepper, vinegar, lemon juice and California Olive Ranch EVOO.
2. Process to make a thick, textured puréed sauce.
3. Taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, pepper flakes and vinegar.

For the Skirt Steak:

1. Combine the skirt steak and 1/3 cup of the Chimichurri in a plastic zip-top bag; remove as much air as possible. Place in the refrigerator and marinate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight. Reserve the remaining Chimichurri to use as a sauce.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade, and discard. Shake off the excess, then pat dry with paper towel; allow to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill until the meat is seared and crusty on the outside and medium-rare on the inside (internal temperature 130° to 135°F), about 3 to 4 minutes per side. For medium, cook to 140° to 145°F.
4. Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice across the grain on the diagonal into thin slices. Serve with Chimichurri Sauce.

Grilled Avacados

Ingredients:

• 8 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and halved
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
• 2 lemons, juiced
• S & P, to taste

Directions:

• Preheat the grill
• Place peeled and pitted avocado halves in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice and sprinkle with salt & pepper
• Place avocados on the grill, cut side down. Grill for 1 full minute on each side.  That’s it!

Grilled Cheese Bread:

Ingredients:

No, that’s not me counting with my 3 year old (though it is pretty much what that sounds like). It’s the latest and greatest offer from Thermador. From now until July 31st you can save up to $6,833 on Thermador Luxury Appliances.

When you purchase a 36” or 48” Professional Range or a 36” or 48” Cooktop and any Double or Triple Combination Oven you will receive a Free Dishwasher. If you add a 36” or larger refrigerator or 2 Thermador Freedom Colums to your order, you’ll receive a Free Ventilation System of your choice plus free stainless steel refrigeration panels and free stainless steel refrigeration toe kicks. If all this seems a bit confusing, and if you’re like me it’s quite probable, refer to the illustrations below for an explanation of the offer:

If you’d like more information on this offer or where to purchase Thermador Luxury Appliances please give us a call at 714-558-1094.

Over the past few weeks I’ve had several people asking me about remodeling. Knowing that I work in the business, friends often come to me with questions on their projects but the questions I’m getting now are all about how business is, are we busy, is now a good time to remodel, etc. I generally take from my experience in the industry to answer those questions but this week the National Association of Homebuilders did the work for me. I received an email this week that gives the 10 best reasons to remodel now and wanted to share them with you:

1. Low Interest Rates – Interest rates are at historic lows and now is the time to get the best rate on a loan for your remodel before rates begin to increase again.
2. Maintenance and Repair – There is never a bad time to repair the things that are broken. Regular maintenance and repairs can save on energy costs, improve the home’s value and save on larger, more expensive repairs later.
3. Increasing Home Value – Smart remodeling will increase your home’s value. Some good examples are bathroom additions, kitchen remodels and replacement of siding.
4. Every Home Needs a Facelift Once In a While – Updating your home makes it more comfortable and functional. Replacing cabinets, light and plumbing fixtures, painting or installing new appliances are easy ways to create a “new” space.
5. Energy Savings – Saving on energy resources can save money. Over time reduced energy bills and long-life products such as lights will help to pay for your remodeling costs.
6. Improving Curb Appeal – New siding, fresh paint, clean gutters, and more greatly improve the first impression of your home. This can increase overall value and will add to the sales potential of your home if you are planning to put it on the market.
7. Outdoor Living Spaces – The addition, updating or expansion of decks, patios or porches can add more living and entertainment space without the expense of expanding your home.
8. Kitchen Remodels Add to Functionality – Cramped or poorly laid out kitchens can take up a lot of time. A good design, new appliances and updated spaces can make your kitchen work better.
9. Bathroom Remodels or Additions Improve Comfort and Value – A bathroom addition can increase a home’s value by up to 20%. New fixtures, lighting and amenities will also add to the value as well as the functionality and relaxation of an existing bathroom.
10. Aging-in-Place or Universal Design Increase Home Accessibility – Whether pre-planning for your own future or the possible addition of elderly family members to your home, Universal Design will make your home accessible to everyone.

Feel free to give me a call at 714-558-1094 ext. 707 if you have any questions about your remodeling plans and whether now is a good time for you or if you want to know more about any of the projects listed above.

We received this News Release from Purcell Murray this week and wanted to share it with you:

The popular Dine & Learn cooking classes will resume at the Purcell Murray Showroom in Huntington Beach on January 31, 2009.

These 1 1/2 hour classes are designed to teach you how to adapt recipes to use the many features of your convection oven. Classes do feature specific brands but the methods taught are not exclusive to those brands and tips will be provided for brands not specifically featured.

Gaggenau – Cathy Dyla – Saturday, January 31st 11am-12:30pm – Cost $35.

Thermador – Cathy Dyla – Saturday, February 28th 11am-12:30pm – Cost $35.

If you would like more information on the classes please contact us at 714-558-1094 today. Here is a link to their schedule of classes: http://www.purcellmurray.com/culinary_schedule_sc.cfm.