Keep this Basic Cookie Mix recipe in the refrigerator and use it to make a few different recipes.    BASIC COOKIE MIX 2 c unsifted all-purpose flour 1/4 c sugar 1/4 t salt 1/2 c butter, softened In large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt; mix well. With pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Place in airtight container; store in refrigerator (mixture will keep for up to 8 weeks). Bring to room temperature before using. Recipe can be doubled or tripled.   We have prepared a free printable booklet of Cookie Recipes for you to use.

Years ago, the kitchen was the most important room in the house and it still is. The reasons for its importance may have changed, but there is no doubt that it is an important room. When we purchased our home I didn't put much thought into the kitchen area and after reading this article I find that there are a few things I would have preferred over the builder's design. Below are points and counterpoints that occurred to us after we had finished reading the above article.

1)  Our kitchen is not set up with a triangle style work area. I have had them in other homes before and as I think back I remember an apartment that had fifteen feet between the sink and stove and twelve feet between the stove and the refrigerator. Thank goodness I was young! Older homes tend to have more open space in the kitchen area.

2)  How could anyone have too much cabinet space or counter area? In addition to the 15 ½ feet of counter space and wall cabinets, I also have a sixty cubic foot pantry. I use this area on a daily basis and could probably use an additional area to store the formal dinnerware and linens.

3)  The 42” width of a kitchen aisle seems like more than enough area for an individual to prepare food, but if you're remodeling your home you should consider your family's habits and routine.

4)  Typically, the sink is centered in a counter. If I were to redesign my current home I would allow for a larger work area and offset the sink.

5)  We can't improve much on the idea of creating the most accessible landing for unloading groceries. 

6)  Having the dishwasher is close proximity to the sink is great! I prefer there to be cabinets within reach so clean items are easier to put away.

7)  As for counter space being near the microwave I know this is necessary. I'm from a time when there were no microwaves and I rarely use mine.

8)  When we were looking for a house we saw a number of kitchens that had cabinets and drawers that interfered with one another. We can only hope the apprentice learned from the mistake.

9)  I hadn't much thought about counter height but having counters at different heights is a nice idea. I'll probably incorporate this into my dream kitchen.

10)  Cooking has been the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries since 1990. While in the design process of remodeling is the time to prevent fires. It was surprising to learn that two of every five reported home fires involve cooking equipment.  (More information is available at www.nfpa.org)

If you are planning on redesigning your kitchen don't be afraid to admit your lack of knowledge. Contractors have seen what works and doesn't work and they want you to be happy with the final project.

~Georgianna Hardware Corporation staff