Last Updated on November 24, 2014

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and celebration when families gather around their tables to reconnect and share a bounty of delicious family favorites. Granite Transformations offers you a few traditional Thanksgiving recipes with a modern twist to add something special to your holiday feast.

Caramel Apple Pie

Caramel Apple Pie offers a twist on an old favorite to finish your Thanksgiving feast.

Laced with homemade caramel sauce, this apple pie makes the perfect finale for an autumn meal. (When preparing sauce, stir only during the first 2 to 3 minutes of cooking, as instructed below.)

Ingredients:
• 2 rolled-out rounds of pie crust for deep dish pie
• 1 egg white (beaten) with 1 tsp. water and 2 tsp. granulated sugar.

For the Apples:
• 4 lb. Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and each cut into 8 slices
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. finely grated nutmeg
• 1 tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbs. cornstarch

For the Caramel:
• 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 6 tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:
Transfer 1 dough round to a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish and gently press into dish. Trim the edges flush with the rim. Reroll the dough scraps and cut out shapes using decorative pie cutters. Refrigerate the pie shell, cutouts and remaining dough round for 30 minutes.

To prepare the apples: In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, stir together the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and lemon juice. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are just tender (after about 20 minutes). Uncover and let cool to room temperature. Stir in the cornstarch.

To prepare the caramel: In a heavy 4-quart saucepan (over medium heat), combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt. Cook until the mixture is bubbling vigorously (after about 9 minutes), stirring only during the first 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Off the heat, carefully stir in 1/4 cup of the cream, and then stir in the remaining 1/4 cup cream. Let cool until just warm. Preheat in oven to 400 degrees F.

Let the pie shell, cutouts and dough round stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the apple mixture and 3/4 cup of the caramel; reserve the remaining caramel for serving. Pour the apple filling into the pie shell and place the top crust over the pie. Trim the edges flush with the rim and press the top and bottom crusts together. Brush the underside of the cutouts with egg wash and gently arrange them on the pie. Brush the entire top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with the granulated sugar.

Place the pie dish on a baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden brown (for about 1 hour).

Source: Williams-Sonoma

Double Cranberry Apple Sauce

Try this easy Double Cranberry Apple Sauce to complement your turkey on Thanksgiving.

Ingredients:
• 6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 1 (12 ounce) package of fresh cranberries
• 1 small lemon, sliced and seeded
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries

Preparation:
Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often.

Reduce heat; simmer, stirring often (about 15 minutes or until cranberries pop and mixture starts to thicken). Remove from heat, and stir in sweetened dried cranberries. Cool. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Note: Mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Yield: Makes about 5 cups.

Source: Southern Living, My Recipes

Sweet Potato-Carrot Casserole 

Sweet Potatoe-Carrot Casserole

Cooked carrots add smooth texture and extra flavor to this comfort food favorite. Serve this classic holiday casserole at any time of the year and expect rave reviews. Top with marshmallows and spicy-sweet pecans.

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings

Hands On: 40 minutes

Total: 3 Hours, 40 minutes

Ingredients:
• 6 large sweet potatoes (about 5 lb.)
• 1 1/2 pounds carrots, sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 cup spicy-sweet pecans

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake sweet potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan for 1 hour (or until tender). Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Cool potatoes for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, cook carrots in boiling water and cover for 20 to 25 minutes (or until very tender); drain.
3. Process carrots and butter in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Transfer carrot mixture to a large bowl.
4. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Process (in batches) in food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as needed. Add sweet potatoes to carrot mixture. Stir in sour cream and next 5 ingredients, stirring until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (or until thoroughly heated). Remove from oven. Sprinkle with marshmallows. Bake 10 more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown). Remove from oven, and sprinkle with spicy-sweet pecans.

Note: To make beforehand, prepare recipe as directed through Step 4; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Remove from refrigerator, and let stand 30 minutes. Proceed with recipe as directed in Step 5.

Source: Southern Living, My Recipes

Granite Transformations would like to wish you a bountiful Thanksgiving, filled with the joy of family and friends!

Last Updated on November 18, 2014

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is an honor – but planning it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle your busy schedule. Whether you’re hosting 8 people or 18, this timetable will help you plan ahead to make this the most memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving yet.

1 to 2 weeks before Thanksgiving…
• Confirm the number of guests.
• Plan your menu, including appetizers and desserts. If your guests are bringing food, select the dishes you’d like them to bring, alert them and write it down.
• Order the turkey if you’re planning on serving a fresh turkey (or catered one).
• Plan your table setting and select your serving dishes, platters and decorations.
• Review all the recipes you’re planning on making and write out a grocery list, itemizing the ingredients by category. Write a separate list for any gourmet items you’ll need at select stores, and determine if there is any special equipment that is required (like a gravy separator or digital thermometer).
• Decide on what liquor you will be serving your guests. Order your favorite wine and purchase liquor, mixers, cordials and beverage napkins.
• Polish silverware.
• Iron tablecloths and napkins.

A few days before…
• Begin thawing turkey according to package directions – if you’re planning on serving a previously frozen turkey.
• Prepare turkey brine, cover and refrigerate – if you’re planning on brining a fresh turkey.
• Prepare any food that can be made ahead of time (like cranberry sauce or relishes).

The day before…
• Complete food shopping and don’t forget to stock up on ice.
• Pick up fresh turkey (or catered turkey) if you ordered one or have it delivered.
• Place turkey in brine solution if you’re planning on brining the fresh turkey.
• Prepare any side dishes, soups and appetizers that can be made ahead of time; cover and refrigerate.
• Bake pies.
• Set the table.
• Make centerpieces or flower arrangements and take out candles if you’re planning on using them for your table scape. For an added touch, make a special smaller flower arrangement for your guest bathroom and put out pretty holiday towels, lotions and soaps for your guests.
• Set up the bar.
• Chop any ingredients you may need for recipes you’ll be cooking the next day and place in storage bags or containers.
• Set up a self-serve coffee station with cups, napkins, sugar and creamer bowls.

Thanksgiving Day…
• Prepare turkey for roasting and determine roasting time. If you’re planning on stuffing the turkey, do not stuff it until just before putting it in the oven.
• Refrigerate wine that requires chilling.
• If making mashed potatoes – peel and cut the potatoes, place in cold water and refrigerate until you’re ready. Begin making the mashed potatoes while the turkey is roasting.
• Prepare other side dishes.
• Put cranberry relishes or sauces in pretty bowls or plates and set them on the table.
• Put ice in ice bucket.
• Set out appetizers for your guests.
• When the turkey is done and resting, make the gravy and cook or reheat side dishes. Warm the gravy boats with hot running water.
• Carve the turkey.
• Sit down and enjoy the dinner you made with friends and family!

Happy Thanksgiving from Granite Transformations!

Last Updated on November 14, 2014

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is an honor – but planning it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle your busy schedule. Whether you’re hosting 8 people or 18, this timetable will help you plan ahead to make this the most memorable and stress-free Thanksgiving yet.

1 to 2 weeks before Thanksgiving…
• Confirm the number of guests.
• Plan your menu, including appetizers and desserts. If your guests are bringing food, select the dishes you’d like them to bring, alert them and write it down.
• Order the turkey if you’re planning on serving a fresh turkey (or catered one).
• Plan your table setting and select your serving dishes, platters and decorations.
• Review all the recipes you’re planning on making and write out a grocery list, itemizing the ingredients by category. Write a separate list for any gourmet items you’ll need at select stores, and determine if there is any special equipment that is required (like a gravy separator or digital thermometer).
• Decide on what liquor you will be serving your guests. Order your favorite wine and purchase liquor, mixers, cordials and beverage napkins.
• Polish silverware.
• Iron tablecloths and napkins.

A few days before…
• Begin thawing turkey according to package directions – if you’re planning on serving a previously frozen turkey.
• Prepare turkey brine, cover and refrigerate – if you’re planning on brining a fresh turkey.
• Prepare any food that can be made ahead of time (like cranberry sauce or relishes).

The day before…
• Complete food shopping and don’t forget to stock up on ice.
• Pick up fresh turkey (or catered turkey) if you ordered one or have it delivered.
• Place turkey in brine solution if you’re planning on brining the fresh turkey.
• Prepare any side dishes, soups and appetizers that can be made ahead of time; cover and refrigerate.
• Bake pies.
• Set the table.
• Make centerpieces or flower arrangements and take out candles if you’re planning on using them for your table scape. For an added touch, make a special smaller flower arrangement for your guest bathroom and put out pretty holiday towels, lotions and soaps for your guests.
• Set up the bar.
• Chop any ingredients you may need for recipes you’ll be cooking the next day and place in storage bags or containers.
• Set up a self-serve coffee station with cups, napkins, sugar and creamer bowls.

Thanksgiving Day…
• Prepare turkey for roasting and determine roasting time. If you’re planning on stuffing the turkey, do not stuff it until just before putting it in the oven.
• Refrigerate wine that requires chilling.
• If making mashed potatoes – peel and cut the potatoes, place in cold water and refrigerate until you’re ready. Begin making the mashed potatoes while the turkey is roasting.
• Prepare other side dishes.
• Put cranberry relishes or sauces in pretty bowls or plates and set them on the table.
• Put ice in ice bucket.
• Set out appetizers for your guests.
• When the turkey is done and resting, make the gravy and cook or reheat side dishes. Warm the gravy boats with hot running water.
• Carve the turkey.
• Sit down and enjoy the dinner you made with friends and family!

Happy Thanksgiving from Granite Transformations!

Last Updated on January 22, 2020

More than 400 designers are in agreement that bathroom renovation trends for 2015 are moving toward a more simplistic, cleaner and contemporary look, according to a style report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Although homeowners and designers aren’t completely dismissing the traditional rustic, cozy charm of today’s bathroom styles, they are favoring cleaner and more modern lines.

Here are the hottest bathroom trends for 2015 to keep in mind if you’re considering a bathroom renovation in the near future:

  • Soaking and free-standing tubs are taking over the traditional glass-encased rain shower tubs. Designers agree they expect to see a decline in homeowners opting for standard tubs.

Free-standing tubs will become the norm in 2015 over glass-encased showers and tubs.

  • Multi-head showers are becoming more popular as homeowners enjoy the indulgence, luxury and functionality of being misted from all angles.

Homeowners are enjoying multi-head showers because they can be sprayed from all angles.

  • Steam showers may once have been an experience you’d only find in a spa, but the latest trends show homeowners who want that “spa experience” in their own homes – transforming their once five-minute shower into a luxury steam shower experience.
  • Under-mounted sinks are all the rage for 2015. Bowl-shaped sinks on cabinets may have been popular a few years back (and they do offer a place to store your toiletries), but designers say homeowners may not mind finding a place to stash their stuff and opt for a more modern “leggy” sink.

2015 will be the year of under-mounted sinks with sleek, modern legs instead of cabinetry.

  • Gray is the new white when it comes to the favorite color choice for bathrooms in 2015. While white, blue and beige are still popular choices, gray is becoming the fastest-growing shade for bathrooms, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

Gray is one of the fastest growing bathroom color choices.

  • Quartz countertops are gaining in popularity as the countertop of choice in the bathroom. Designers say quartz is a major player for 2015.

Quartz vanities and bath tops are becoming a standard choice for homeowners.

  •  Black tile has made its appearance in kitchens across the country, but designers are now opting for the bolder, darker and more intriguing look of black tile. Recycled glass remains a top choice in bathroom design, as it offers a choice of bold colors and the option to go from floor to ceiling for a more dramatic look.

Homeowners are opting for a darker, more dramatic look in the bathroom by using black glass tile.

  •  Radiant heat is one of the hottest bathroom trends, as homeowners enjoy not only the comfort of in-floor heating on cold winter mornings, but the practicality and cost-effectiveness over other heating methods.
  • Televisions, stereos and fireplaces aren’t just for the den anymore. Homeowners are channeling their comfort zones into their bathrooms and designing a once unexpected place for relaxation into a den of tranquility by adding flat screen TVs, surround sound stereo systems, and fireplaces – finally making the name ‘rest room’ a reality.

We hope that this article gives you some ideas if you are looking to remodel your bathroom in the New Year. Please post your comments or questions below.

Last Updated on November 7, 2014

So, we may not have been around during the Stone Age, but (surprisingly) the need for some form of countertop spans back to 200,000 BC. “The Road to Kitchen Counter Renovation” has been a journey of kitchen design trends and faux pas, with several innovative design successes and a series of hits and misses along the way. When it comes to kitchen design, avocado-colored appliances and unsightly Formica® countertops may have been all the rage back in the 1960s, but fast-forward into the next century and homeowners are busting through the time warp and embracing the beauty, style and practicality of natural stone countertops, such as those made from granite and quartz.

Granite Transformations invites you to take a journey through time and follow the retro road of kitchen counter renovation in our infographic “The Road to Renovation” seen below. By taking your own trip down “Renovation Road,” you may discover your own childhood kitchen décor or recall some trends of times past. One thing is certain: homeowners of all generations are still striving for their dream kitchens, as kitchen renovation continues to be one of the top trending home improvement projects today. Enjoy!

Download Infographic as PDF

'The Road to Renovation' Infographic by Granite Transformations

Last Updated on January 7, 2020

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reveals homebuilders are feeling more confident in sales expectations than they have in almost nine years. Builder confidence in the newly built, single family home market rose for a fourth consecutive month in September to a level of 59, according to the latest Housing Market Index (HMI). This brings the index to its highest point since November of 2005.

With a strengthening job market, demand for new homes is steadily trending upward and regaining builder confidence; however, there has been slightly slower activity from first-time homebuyers, due to the strict credit and financial requirements to get a home loan, compounded by the rising costs for materials and lots.

The HMI measures conditions of current sales, traffic of prospective buyers and expectations of future sales. All three components posted gains in September, which means that buyer interest is growing in the housing market. Regionally, every area of the United States reflected gains in builder confidence.

So what does this mean for you? With the value of homes rising, it’s smart to invest in improving your home now, to make it even more valuable for when you choose to sell. That’s where Granite Transformations can help. Whether you are looking to buy a new home or renovate your existing one, Granite Transformations can make your dream kitchen and bath a reality with beautiful granite, quartz and recycled glass countertops, mosaic tile backsplashes and cabinets. We welcome your comments about this topic below.

Last Updated on November 2, 2014

Granite Transformations, a division of Trend Group, is proud to announce their involvement in a $1 million renovation of the Peacock Loop Diner, a 5,000 square foot retro-style diner located in the Loop section of St. Louis. Situated near the Moonrise Hotel, the Peacock Loop Diner is defined by locals as the ultimate 24-hour destination. With high-end design and a unique spin on traditional diner fare, this popular establishment was the first 24-hour diner to open in the area – serving breakfast, lunch, late-night dinners and a bonus full-service bar with spiked milk shakes!

Peacock Loop Diner under construction in St. LouisIn conjunction with Paric Construction and the architectural firm Kiku Obata & Company, Granite Transformations countertop material was specified in February to bring the diner to a whole new level of sophistication and charm. The unique horseshoe-shaped counters situated throughout the diner posed a design challenge when it came to choosing the right countertop materials to fit the project. Lead designer Carly Meyer and architect Kevin Flynn said they ultimately chose Trend Bianco Spizzio recycled glass countertops* as the surface for the project because of its clean look, vast color selection and the ability to easily craft the material into the horseshoe shape. The Trend countertops were able to achieve the retro-modern look that the owners were looking for. Collectively, the architects, designers and general contractor stated they were impressed not only with the professionalism and quality of the workmanship, but the level of detail that was achieved on the project.

Loop civic leader and developer Joe Edwards fulfilled his vision for the Peacock Diner with a double-sided sign weighing 1,800 pounds and depicting a brilliant blue peacock head, measuring 11 feet wide by 7 feet high, rising above extravagant fan-shaped tail feathers. Designed by his daughter, Hope Edwards, a professional graphic designer, along with input from Kiku Obata & Company, this unique piece of artwork was then transformed into the actual sign by Piros Signs, a third-generation company.

“People ask me why I call this diner the Peacock,” said Edwards. “I felt this beautiful bird would appeal to people from all over the country and the world. The Loop is such a melting pot of ages, ethnicities and ideas, and a peacock symbol seemed to be a perfect match for this diverse area.”

Granite Transformations would like to thank Paric Construction, Kiku Obata & Company and everyone involved in the project for the opportunity to be a part of local history in the renovation of the Peacock Loop Diner. We are honored that our products fit the unique demands of such a vast and rewarding project. And this is just the beginning; Granite Transformations will be partnering with Paric Construction and Kiku Obata & Company for several upcoming commercial projects in the area.

For more information on the Peacock Loop Diner, please visit their website: www.peacockloopdiner.com.

*Made from pre-consumer recycled glass content.