Ham & Swiss Egg Casserole

Sinkology is proud to present Emily Schuermann, our food-loving guest blogger who runs Food for a Year. Emily is here to share some recipes she has created exclusively for the Sinkology blog that reflect her view of a copper sink: simple, timeless, affordable, and beautifully rustic. 

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I love a good egg casserole and this Ham & Swiss Egg Casserole recipe is at the very top of my “favorites list”. Not only is it extremely easy to make, it’s absolutely delicious! 

There are a couple of details that make this recipe particularly good ::

1. This is a ‘one-bowl’ recipe that comes together in under an hour

2. It can be easily doubled for larger crowds

3. It’s adaptable to what’s in season and on-hand (exchange meats and cheeses and veggies to fit the occasion)

Here’s what you’ll do – start by whisking the cottage cheese and eggs together. Then add in the remaining ingredients, saving back just enough of the herbs, ham and cheese for the top of the casserole before baking. 

Gently fold in the mushrooms (because they are prone to crumble) and then pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish.

Bake until the center is firmly set and the top is beautifully golden.

One tip that makes this recipe especially easy? When having Baked Ham for dinner, always save back a few cups of diced ham. Freeze in one cup portions and use for bean soup or pasta or this breakfast casserole.

I love the classic combination of ham and Swiss cheese with mushrooms! The herbs and onions add an extra boost of flavor that makes this recipe especially crave-worthy! Whether brunch or breakfast or my most favorite – ‘breakfast for dinner’, this simple, hearty casserole is a keeper. 

Ham & Swiss Egg Casserole

• 5 large eggs, room temperature
• 5 oz Swiss cheese, grated
• 1 c cottage cheese*
• 1 c diced ham
• 1/4 c white onion, finely diced
• 2 T Italian parsley, finely minced
• 2 T green onions, thinly sliced (just the green portion)
• 2 T AP flour
• 3/4 t baking powder
• 1/4 c Crimini mushrooms, sliced  (approximately 5-6 mushrooms)

Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare a 10″ x 7.5″ x 2″ or 8″ x 8″ x 2″ baking pan by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and cottage cheese until eggs are completely incorporated. 

Reserve 1 T of each (Swiss cheese and diced ham)  and 1 t of each (parsley and green onion) for topping.

Add remaining ingredients except for mushrooms, whisking to combine. Fold in sliced mushrooms.

Pour casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with reserved garnishes.

Bake 36-38 minutes or until center is firmly set and top is light golden in color.

Serves 6

NOTE :: *If the cottage cheese has a lot of liquid, drain it first before combining 1 c cottage cheese with 5 large eggs.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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How I Updated My Kitchen with a Sinkology Farmhouse Sink

Our friend Emily @le.cultivateur on Instagram, recently installed the Parker double basin fireclay kitchen sink and was kind enough to share with us all how the install went! 
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Just a little over five years ago we moved into a brand new house. The house was completely builder grade, with no custom finishes or extras. This might have been seen as a downside for many, but for me it was exciting! I love taking on big and small DIY projects, creating a space that is uniquely mine.

As a mom to four growing boys, you can imagine I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. I am always dreaming of projects that I will tackle next to help create a kitchen that I love! Slowly, but surely, I will have the kitchen that I dream of! I have already completed a few projects, replaced my kitchen island, added open shelving, framed out my refrigerator, tiled the backsplash, built a range hood cover, etc. 

 One project that I have been dying to do since day one of living in this house is replacing the stainless steel sink with a beautiful white farmhouse sink. I love the charming character that farmhouse sinks add to any kitchen! I always thought I would have to replace the countertops to install a farmhouse sink, but then I found Sinkology. One of their drop-in sinks is the perfect solution for someone like me who wants a new sink but isn’t ready to get new countertops.

And to make it even better, it was so easy to install!

Start by disconnecting your plumbing, then lift your old sink out.

I realize power tools can be intimidating to some people. The only power tool that I used for this project is a saw, and I only used it for one small part. I had to cut the front piece of the countertop and cabinet to make a proper-sized hole for the sink to sit in. If you don’t feel comfortable using power tools, you could use a hand saw.

Place your new sink into the hole, silicone around the edges, reconnect the plumbing and you’ve installed a new sink! If you’re like me and need a more detailed walk-through of disconnecting or reconnecting the plumbing, check YouTube, there are so many great videos and tutorials!

After years of looking through Pinterest, I have seen a fair number of farmhouse sinks, and something that I have always been drawn to is the custom look of a drip rail.

Not only does the drip rail add a custom-looking detail, but it also catches any water that drips off the front of the sink, saving your cabinets and flooring from possible water damage.

Sink/faucet details

ELEVATE Collection

• Parker 34” Double Bowl Quick-Fit Drop-In Fireclay Farmhouse Sink in Crisp White
• Pfister Wheaton Faucet in Stainless
• Ashbee bottom grid in Stainless
• Fireclay Care IQ Kit

   SINKSENSE Accessories

• 5” Stainless Basket Drain
• Stainless Disposal Flange

I am loving my new sink!! I feel like my kitchen has a completely new look by simply changing out the sink.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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2022 Buyer’s Guide: Kitchen Faucets

We wrap up the kitchen portion of our Buyer’s Guide series with one last finishing touch: the kitchen faucet. Arguably one of the most eye-catching pieces in a kitchen, outside of the sink of course, the faucet has the power to bring beautiful, functional style to the kitchen. The thing is, there are many types of faucets available today. And with so many to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. Today, we share three tips to help you narrow your search.

1. Find the right fit first.

Before you fall for one particular faucet, let’s talk about mounting style. If you found your perfect kitchen sink years ago or love your current countertop and want to simply trade out your existing faucet, you’ll need to choose a faucet that has the same number of mounting holes. You might not have noticed this before, but faucets come in one-hole settings, two-hole, three, or even more. When you work with what you’ve got, this can be an easy – and inexpensive – upgrade.

Have your eyes on a sleeker sink style with fewer mounting holes? The good news is that you can still replace your faucet without having to make any other major upgrades. Many new faucets on the market come with an escutcheon plate, aka a deck plate at the base, that will cover up any unnecessary holes for a single-handled faucet style.

2. Next, figure out the best functionality for you.

Picture how you’ll use your sink every day. You’ll want to choose a faucet that will work with you, not against you.

If you tend to have your hands full, go for a single-handed faucet. This design allows you to easily operate the faucet while working with your other hand. We love how it keeps the faucet cleaner and your hands freer. It’s no wonder that this is the most popular type today. Even better? There are even hands-free faucets that feature an activated sensor for totally touchless use.

If precise temperature control is more important to you, look for a double-handled faucet. With one knob dedicated to hot water and another purely for cold, you can get better, more customized temperature adjustment.

3. Finally, it’s time to style.

Like we discussed in last week’s post on kitchen sink drains, when shopping for a kitchen accessory, it’s important to coordinate materials and finishes with the entire space. Even if your drawer pulls are matte black and your fridge is stainless steel, keep the drain and faucet finish consistent.

With that in mind, you have the freedom to show your personal style, from traditional with elegant curves to sleek and modern with an impressive spout height. No matter what style you choose, you’ll want to select a sink faucet that will withstand the test of time. You can trust that every Sinkology All-In-One Kit includes a quality faucet that will look great and work well for years to come.  

We hope this Buyer’s Guide has helped you put the finishing touches on your kitchen sink. If you have specific questions about our kitchen sinks and accessories, contact us.  

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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2022 Buyer’s Guide: Kitchen Drains

So, you bought your kitchen sink. This means you’re ready to get started, right?

Not exactly.

But, you wouldn’t be the first to assume so. When homeowners purchase their kitchen sink, many breathe a sigh of relief, thinking, “Finally.” But selecting a kitchen sink is only just the beginning. Without functional attachments like drains and faucets, a sink would simply stay a decorative piece.

Now, if the thought of having to select accompanying accessories sends you deep into decision fatigue, keep reading. Over the next two weeks, we’ll give our recommendations for what to look for when selecting these finishing touches, starting with kitchen drains. 

1. Find a drain that fits your needs.

Fist thing’s first: select a drain that will help you use your kitchen sink best. For example, if you want your kitchen sink to connect to a garbage disposal, you’ll need a special drain made for this purpose. But don’t worry, specialty doesn’t mean hard to find. Sinkology disposal drains are compatible with most InSinkErator disposals and are easy to install.

If your kitchen isn’t equipped with a garbage disposal or one side of your double-basin sink doesn’t connect to a garbage disposal, look for a drain that will help you tackle your biggest stack of dirty dishes and prevent clogs from everyday buildup. Sinkology strainer drains have a removable basket strainer that keeps food debris out of your pipes when rinsing and a stopper that seals water in the basin while soaking.

2. Make your finish a perfect match.

This next tip you might find to be a little more exciting. Once you know how you’ll use your drain, it’s time to think beyond just the practical use and take your kitchen style into consideration.

We believe that the kitchen drain should always accentuate the kitchen sink. Now, at first, it might seem like this is an unnecessary detail. After all, the drain is attached to the bottom of the basin, hidden beneath the countertop. But we’ve found a purposeful drain is difficult to overlook. Picture an antique bronze sink drain that blends seamlessly into a copper sink basin or a matte black drain that picks up on the trendy matte finish of a modern Pfister faucet, updated cabinet pulls and high-end appliances. Then, compare that to a hodge-podge of materials and finishes from basin to countertop. Isn’t it easy to see that a beautifully coordinated drain is worth the effort?

3. Simplify the selection process.

When in the middle of a kitchen remodel or new home construction project, most homeowners will do anything to get to the finished product sooner. Rather than taking the time to shop around, you can choose just one All-in-One Kit. The Sinkology All-In-One Kits take the guesswork out of pairing the perfect drain with your preferred kitchen sink. All you’ll need to do is select your sink and determine which drain type you need. Then, we’ll recommend the add-ons you’ll need to complete your kitchen sink upgrade in one curated kit.

We hope this Buyer’s Guide has helped you understand the drain selection process better. If you have specific questions about our drains, contact us.  

Stay tuned for next week’s Buyer’s Guide: Kitchen Faucet Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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2022 Buyer’s Guide: Bathroom Sinks

Last week, we gave you our best tips for finding a sink that’s fit for everything from handwashing your most delicate laundry to tackling your biggest messes. Today, we’ll share the three steps to take when selecting a bathroom sink.

Your bathroom sink sees a lot of action day in and day out, beyond basic handwashing. As a central part of your everyday routines, it’s important to contemplate which sink style will work best in your space – whether that be a powder room or master bathroom – before buying. But this process doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. Simply follow these three steps:

Measure the space you’re working with.

The bathroom sink is the centerpiece to your bathroom, so it needs to be sized accordingly. If it’s too large, you risk overpowering the space. Or, if the sink is too small, it will make the wrong statement. That’s why we recommend taking this first step before starting your sink shopping process.

Determine the best size of sink for your bathroom where water supply connections are available. Measurements might include:

• The floorspace you’ll need to have free for a vanity sink.
• Your existing counterspace if you plan on keeping your current vanity. Be sure to measure the space underneath the countertop if you look into undermount sinks. (More on that next.)

Decide how your sink will be installed.

Once you know what will work in your space, you’ll need to decide how it will get there. Most people jump right into picking out the look of the sink, but before you get ahead of yourself, think about whether this is something you feel comfortable taking on yourself or hiring out.  Your answer to this question will determine which installation type you should explore before falling for a specific style. Let’s break it down in greater detail.

If you are looking for a sink that is attached to a vanity countertop, consider:

Drop-In

• This sink style is incredibly easy to install. It simply rests in a pre-cut hole with its edges helping to anchor it in place. You’ll just need to make sure that it fits perfectly within the space if you’re keeping your existing countertop.

Undermount

• If you’ve done plenty of DIY projects before, you could probably take on an undermount installation. But, if this is your first home renovation project, we recommend calling in the experts. Why? Undermounts are, like their name gives away, installed beneath countertop, which can be a bit tricky for DIY newbies. Not only that, but trained professionals will also guarantee that it fits seamlessly with the countertop, which is the best part of this sink style after all.

Vessel

• We love the look of a vessel sink, but the installation process can be difficult to take on. Since this elegant, modern sink style sits on top of the countertop, we recommend hiring professionals.

 

If you don’t plan on having a full vanity with lower cabinetry, consider:

Pedestal

• This classic sink style is incredibly easy for most to install, making it the perfect weekend project for the powder room.

Wall-mounted

• This sink style is perfect for the smallest bathrooms because they attach directly to the wall. The look is fabulously minimalistic, but the process of installing takes more than minimal renovation knowledge. Let the experts handle this one.

Select a sink material.

Now, it’s time for the fun stuff. When you picture a bathroom sink, chances are a crisp white sink first comes to mind. That’s because vitreous china is the most used material for bathroom sinks. The clean look is incredibly timeless and durable. But that seems rather boring to us. After all, the bathroom sink has the potential to be the room’s centerpiece. For something a little more special than standard, choose from high-quality materials like:

• Nickel, which pairs nicely with stainless steel accessories.
• Glass, which is best for vessel sinks.
• Granite, which blends beautifully with natural stone countertops.
• Copper, which is a standout, naturally antimicrobial metal.

There’s a lot to consider when finding the perfect bathroom focal point. But when you break it down step by step, you’ll find the bathroom sink shopping process to be a breeze. If you have specific questions about our bathroom sink styles, contact us.  

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Bar & Prep Sink Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

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The Sinkology Laundry Room Sink Buying Guide

Last week, we dove into what to look for when choosing a bathtub. This week, we’re switching gears and exploring the best sink styles for the laundry room.

Even if you depend on your washer and dryer to take care of all your clothes, a sink in the laundry room can be a lifesaver when taking care of things like:

• Hand washing delicate garments.
• Grooming pets.
• Treating stains before tossing into your washing machine.
• Rinsing off glitter, glue and more after arts and crafts time.
• Cleaning dirt and mud off your shoes.

Many use their bathtub or kitchen sink for these tasks. But frankly, we find it to be a real pain (in the back) with all the bending over, the never-ending mess that trails into the kitchen and bathroom, the clogged drains from pet hair, mud or whatever else is stuck on. Laundry room sinks keep the mess and pain away.

Given all they can do, it’s no surprise that these sinks are also known as utility sinks. But which materials will withstand all this wear and tear? Our top two materials for laundry room sinks are:

Stainless steel

This incredible metal is perfect for tackling the dirtiest cleanups. The natural metallic surface makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere to and survive, helping it stay cleaner, no matter what you throw at it. Not only that, the striking look of stainless steel suits many room styles, creating everything from a premium look with a high-shine finish to a more industrial feel with brushed metal.

Fireclay

This trusted material is incredibly durable, meaning it will withstand the wear and tear that comes with taking care of the toughest jobs in the laundry room. We especially love an all-white apron-front style, which gives any laundry room a quintessential farmhouse feel.

When selecting your sink material, just make sure it is equipped for more intense cleanup that kitchens and bathrooms don’t typically take on. Copper, for example, should never come into contact with abrasive chemicals that are common with laundry care.

No matter the material you choose, it’s important to determine what size will serve you best. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all sort of project. In fact, you really don’t need to have an expansive laundry room to enjoy the benefits of a utility sink. Think about how you’ll *actually* use your sink before selecting:

• If you want to regularly hand wash your most delicate clothing, a deeper single basin will serve you well.
• If you want a multi-purpose sink, a double bowl will help you do it all.
• If you are looking for a place to simply rinse-off life’s messes, a smaller sink will work just as well as larger sinks.

 

No matter how big your laundry room sink is or what it’s made of, decide where you’ll install your sink before you begin. Convenience should be your number one concern.

• Positioning your utility sink in a highly accessible yet low-traffic place is important in both tiny homes and homes with separate laundry rooms alike.
• Make sure cabinets or some sort of storage is close by so all your cleaning necessities are within reach.
• Outdoorsy families find a utility sink installed directly in the mudroom to be most helpful.

Utility sinks make laundry day easier and everyday life cleaner. If you have questions about choosing the right sink style for your laundry room, contact us.  

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Bathroom Sink Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

 

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The Sinkology Bathroom Tub Buying Guide

Recently, we introduced our 2022 Buying Guide series, covering all things kitchen accessories. This week, we’ll talk bathroom tubs.   

Call it a bathtub, soaking tub or your kids’ favorite splash zone, we at Sinkology refer to this bathroom piece as an absolute necessity. Why? It is the most beautiful bathroom focal point and best relaxing getaway. But what makes a bathtub right for you and your family? That depends. Today, we’ll share what to look for when shopping for a bathtub. 

First, you’ll need to determine how you will use your tub. Some families are looking for a convenient alternative to showering while others seek a spa-worthy experience in a daily soak. You might fall somewhere in the middle. With your everyday use in mind, consider the following:

Dimensions

Standard tubs are around 60 inches long, 32 inches wide and 18 inches deep. If you’re new to the bathtub game, we recommend you “dip your toes” with a smaller style before committing to a more expensive, extra-deep soaking tub. More than anything else, keep comfort at the forefront. Will your tub be big enough for your body? Or will it be too big, forcing you to stretch uncomfortably as you bathe your little one?

Shape

Rectangular tubs are the most common when it comes to bathtub shape because they fit easily into most bathrooms. If you have the square footage, uniquely shaped tubs such as oval and round take an ordinary bathtub and make it an art gallery-worthy piece. Of course, how a bathtub looks is just the beginning. Assess whether your body will feel supported and comfortable before committing to a particular tub shape.

Location  

The most popular rectangular bathtub shape is typically installed directly to three surrounding walls. These alcove tubs, also known as recessed tubs, are the perfect safe-spacing solutions as a two-in-one, bath-and-shower combo. Freestanding tubs, on the other hand, are, as the name gives away, freestanding. You can find these tubs in the middle of a bathroom or attached to just one wall.

Material

There are many materials used in bathtubs, including:  

• Plastic

Plastic bathtubs offer great design flexibility because they can be molded into many shapes. This is the lightest weight tub available and is also surprisingly durable, thanks to a coating of fiberglass or acrylic.

• Cast-polymer

Cast-polymer bathtubs are made to look like high-end materials like marble and granite. Though it’s more expensive than acrylic, customizable and available in a range of colors, it’s actually less resilient than plastic tubs. Over time, the cast-polymer becomes more brittle and prone to cracking.

• Copper

Copper is our most favorite tub material here at Sinkology because it takes the best bathtub benefits to a whole new level. A copper bathtub: 

• Has natural antibacterial properties, providing a cleaner clean.
• Can help reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis and more.
• Heats up quicker and stays hotter longer than other tub materials.

Extra’s

If a standard tub simply won’t do, look for a whirlpool bathtub to take your soak up a notch. These specialty soaking tubs feature jets that transform the tub into a relaxing jacuzzi experience.

 Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for in a bathtub, browse the Sinkology copper bathtub collection. If you have additional questions during your search, contact us.

Stay tuned for next week’s Buying Guide: Laundry Room Sink Edition.

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or crafted stainless steel sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok for more helpful tips and design ideas.

 

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