Ideas & Tips — Ideas & Tips

Craft beer is all the rage these days, so why not try your hand and whip up some homemade brew? Here are some tips for beginners: Cleanliness is key: According to popular recipe and cooking website Serious Eats, the best brewers agree that proper sanitation is the first step toward making amazing beer. That's because bacteria can prevent your yeast from growing and fermenting the liquid.  Fresh is best: The American Homebrewers Association says that, much like cooking, brewing can't be done well without high-quality ingredients. Find and use the freshest and best malt extract you can and you'll make the best...

The latke is a beautifully simple food. The traditional Hanukkah dish, these fried potato pancakes are delicious on their own or dipped in applesauce and sour cream, and make a great addition to the table at this time of year regardless of religious background. However, since there are eight opportunities to fry up latkes during the holiday, some foodies might get bored with making the same plain potato pancakes every night. Here are eight alternative latke recipes that, while they might shock some traditionalists, will add some variety to your celebrations: Cheesy potato latkes: Have you ever melted cheese over french fries?...

There's nothing like wrapping cold fingers around a warm cup of something come wintertime. From morning pick-me-ups to evening party drinks to soothing late-night beverages, there is a hot drink for every occasion. Keep yourself and your guests warm with these drink ideas: Day (Non-Alcoholic) Nutella Mocha: What could make a regular mocha even more rich and decadent? A nice dollop of Nutella, of course. Add it to your morning latte for a nutty, extra-thick beverage that's guaranteed to kill the morning blues. Mulled Cider: Contrary to what you might expect from its complex flavor, making mulled cider at home is actually...

The kitchen is one of the most-used and hardest to organize rooms in the house. No matter how much space you have, it likely doesn't feel like enough! However, some simple tips and tricks can help you declutter and control the chaos:  Corral your condiments: Keep your salt, pepper and favorite condiments neatly organized in this beautiful caddy. (Looking for something to spice up your meals? Try various hot sauces like Tabasco and Sriracha or several different flavors of gourmet mustard!) A sophisticated looking handle makes it easy to tote from counter to table.  Create a "stage": Too many items...

If you're getting married, remember that thoughtful wedding favors can really set your special day apart. This detail is too often overlooked, but it is crucial to acknowledge the time and money your guests have invested in celebrating the start of your new life. Show your appreciation with a special gift that will always remind them of your wedding day.  There's something memorable about any occasion like wedding, baby or bridal shower, birthday or anniversary party that sends you home with a special treat. Favors are often arranged as part of the place setting, allowing them to do double-duty by...