4 kitchen safety tips when using LPG

Always place your LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area

As everyone continues to stay at home, people have been spending a lot of their time in the kitchen lately – from preparing daily meals and trying out new recipes, to cooking with the kids and of course, enjoying homecooked meals with the entire family. With this, kitchen safety is more important than ever, and it starts with securing all the tools and equipment, including making sure your LPG cylinders are safe and professionally installed.

Solane, a leading LPG provider in the country, offers these safety tips on the use of LPG to make cooking at home a safe and enjoyable experience.

• Place the LPG cylinder in a well-ventilated area

When choosing a spot for your LPG cylinder, make sure that there is an opening, such as a window or a door, to ensure adequate ventilation. Make sure that LPG cylinders are also far away from other heat sources, electric outlets, and hazard-prone areas in the house to avoid ignition. Lastly, make sure that your LPG cylinder is in a secure and upright position.

• Inspect the LPG cylinder

Upon delivery, carefully inspect your LPG tank to make sure that it is in good physical condition. First, check the cylinder for dents, cracks, corrosions, or other damages. Then, make sure that the safety cap and security seal are in place. If there seems to be a problem with any of the components, turn off the gas supply and have it replaced or repaired immediately. To make it easier, Solane offers customers a free 7-Point Safety Check. Through this extra precautionary step, Solane's well-trained riders help ensure that the tanks are safe and secure.

• Use the correct equipment and accessories

With LPG cylinders, ensure that you are using the correct hose by checking for the mark, "LPG Hose." Branded regulators,  such as RECA and TPA, are recommended because these are manufactured according to specific standards. When attaching the regulator, ensure that it is securely connected to the cylinder valve. The regulator knob should also be open to allow the outflow of gas from the holes. It’s also important to regularly check the condition of these two and replace them as needed. The hose should be replaced every 2 years while the regulator should be replaced every 5 years upon the date of manufacture. 

• Practice caution

Whether you are installing, using, or disconnecting your LPG cylinders, caution is a must. To avoid mishaps and injuries, you should also never attempt to fix, refill, or replace your cylinders without the help of authorized personnel. Don’t forget to turn off the cylinder valve or regulator and gas appliance when not in use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the use and maintenance of your gas appliance. In case of an emergency, try to eliminate all sources of ignition and turn off the gas supply of the cylinder. If the leak is on the cylinder, cover the leaking portion with a wet rag. 

• Make sure your LPG is authentic

To help ensure the safety of your family, buy your LPG cylinders from authorized dealers only. In addition, when buying gas tanks, be sure to check for quality markings on the cylinders, such as the registered brand name and trademark of the manufacturer, the standard used and test dates, the serial or code number, expiry date, tare weight, and LPG content, and the “Made in the Philippines” mark. 

For more information, visit https://www.solane.com.ph or follow on Facebook. To order Solane LPG, call 8887-5555 (Metro Manila) or text (0918) 887-5555 (nationwide).

Celebrate safely this Christmas season with Solane

Always observe strict safety protocols at home

 

As we all prepare for the holidays, Christmas is a time when our loved ones can come together to bond and celebrate the festive season. Undoubtedly, it may be a lot different this year with many of us staying indoors and opting for intimate gatherings. 

Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions company, stresses the importance of these safety tips to have an enjoyable and more meaningful celebration this Yuletide season:

 

Implement COVID-19 safety protocols

The COVID-19 virus is still out there and everyone is still at risk. To avoid this, be sure to implement strict safety protocols at home. Limit gatherings to those in your immediate household, if possible. Otherwise, maintain small groups of 10 people or less to allow social distancing at home. Wear face masks, do not share cutlery, have disinfecting alcohol ready for guests, and require everyone to thoroughly disinfect and wash hands with soap and water upon entering your home.

 

Practice caution with your Christmas décor

Christmas decorations may be pretty to look at, but they may be hazardous when left on all the time. Be sure to turn them off or unplug them all at night before going to bed or when leaving the house to prevent a fire and save on electricity. Also, before putting up your string of lights, be sure to check for any strayed chords or cracked lights. Keep them away from furniture and under rugs. Avoid forcing them into small spaces as they can be fire hazards.

 

Observe cleanliness in the kitchen

Christmas means nonstop cooking for the endless celebrations you’ll be having. If you’re the assigned cook, be sure to clean the kitchen appliances before using them and never leave the food you’re cooking unattended. Once done, switch off your LPG gas cylinder and unplug all appliances. Make sure to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of an emergency.

 

Do not overload electrical outlets

A typical household circuit can power 70 strings of 50-bulb mini lights. Take note of the major appliances that are already plugged in. If you plan to use more power, be sure to spread it across multiple circuits to avoid overloading the outlets.

 

Celebrate the holidays as safely as possible by following these tips from Solane. To know more, visit www.solane.com.ph and follow Solane’s Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph.

4 must-try Noche Buena classic dishes with a twist

Glazed Christmas ham

Food has always been a big part of every celebration. As Filipinos are known for having the grandest Christmas celebration in the world, there will surely be tables filled with unique and festive dishes to match the season’s merriments. Now, to help you get into the Holiday spirit, Solane, the leading LPG brand in the country, shares how to put appetizing and creative twists on some classic Filipino Christmas dishes to level up your Noche Buena.

Glazed Christmas Ham

A Christmas ham certainly completes a Noche Buena table. But instead of just taking it out of the box and putting it on a plate, make it more flavorful and enjoyable. First, place your ham on a roasting pan lined with foil then score it vertically. In a saucepan over low heat, make your glaze by melting a stick of unsalted butter then mixing in one cup of brown sugar, half a cup of orange juice, half a cup of honey, and two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Once the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened, pour half of it over your scored ham. Put the ham in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes per pound. Make sure to baste the ham with your remaining glaze halfway through.

Crispy Lechon Roll

Lechon is another Holiday favorite among Filipinos. First, get a slab of pork belly and lay it flat on a surface. Rub it with salt and pepper and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Next, arrange a pile of lemongrass, scallions, garlic, and red onions on top of the pork belly, and then roll it until it forms a spiral shape. Use kitchen twine to tie the meat and brush the outside with annatto oil. Place it on a roasting pan with a rack, then put it in a preheated oven at 350°F for two hours or until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy.

Extra Meaty Spaghetti

No matter what the occasion, Filipino-style spaghetti will always be present! So take it to the next level by adding a surprise ingredient – longganisa! In a pan, start by sautéing minced garlic and onions before adding the ground beef. You can also add finely diced carrots to up the health factor. Once the beef has turned brown, mix in your longganisa and hotdogs. Then, add salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the Filipino-style spaghetti sauce of your choice then let it simmer. Now, pour it over your cooked pasta noodles, grate some cheese, and enjoy!

Decadent Queso de Bola Cheesecake

After a hearty meal, your guests will surely crave dessert. So why not make another Christmas staple with a fun twist -- queso de bola cheesecake? In a bowl, start by mixing one cup of crushed graham crackers, sugar, and a quarter cup of melted butter. Once combined, press it down to the bottom of a springform pan then chill. For the cheesecake filling, mix three packs of softened cream cheese and sugar before adding your special ingredient – a cup and a half of finely grated queso de bola. Next, beat in three eggs then pour over the chilled graham crust. Simply bake it for around 40 minutes or until the filling has set. You may also serve it with mangoes or blueberries for added sweetness.

If you want to prepare all those dishes and more, Solane can help you have a stress-free experience in the kitchen with its quality and safe LPG that you can now order online. For more information, visit www.solane.com.ph and https://www.facebook.com/solane.ph/.

6 helpful tips for starting your own home-based food business

Know your target market so you can narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers

Starting your own home-based food business may be a risk and an uphill battle, but with hard work, ample preparation, the right equipment, and these tips from Solane, you can begin this new venture with more confidence.

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic and community quarantine is that they gave way to many delicious food home business start-ups. However, while the majority of the start-ups continue to thrive today, home-based food businesses take a lot of work and require thorough research and planning to survive the ever-changing market.

If you’ve also been thinking of starting your own food business, let Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, guide you and help you. The trusted LPG gas of many business owners, Solane helps guarantee the safety and weighs your LPG with its “Timbang Challenge service” which is essential for food business owners who want to get the best value for their money. 

Solane also offers these practical tips to succeed: 

• Know your target market

Identify which group your business will target: Is it the health buff or dessert lover? Millennials or moms? By knowing your target market, you will be able to narrow down your food offerings, as well as package them according to the buying behaviors of your target customers.

• Conduct market research

Since the food industry is very competitive, it’s important to do your research before opening your own food business. Join online seminars, safe business networking events, and interview people who run a small businesses to know what works and what doesn’t. You can also test your food recipes on your family and friends and ask for their feedback so you can make any necessary changes for the best product possible.

• Prepare licenses and permits

Check with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and your local government unit to familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits when opening a business. These documents are required to protect public health and safety, keep track of your finances for tax purposes, and help keep you accountable for your company’s actions, while simultaneously gaining the trust of new customers.

  

• Use quality equipment

Aside from the ingredients, the kitchen equipment that you use is just as essential in running a food business. Make sure to invest in durable kitchen equipment, such as an oven if your business is baked goods, or a quality stove range to keep up with the demands of your food business.

• Prioritize safety

In any food business, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and sanitation to ensure food safety. Restaurant owners should provide adequate hand sanitizing solutions, require employees to regularly wash their hands, and clean all kitchen tools and surfaces. Food business owners should also use high quality and safe LPG tanks, such as Solane, which conducts a free 7-Point Safety Check upon delivery to your home to help ensure that the LPG tanks are safely installed. 

• Promote your business

Get your family and friends involved in helping you spread the word. Consider spending a little money to advertise your business in your online community groups and social media. Maximize the social media platforms and e-commerce business sites by creating your own business page to help your start-up reach a bigger market.

To know more about Solane, visit www.solane.com.ph.