Our Test Kitchen approves of these methods for storing fresh herbs when you need to extend their shelf life by just a couple of days in the refrigerator or for many weeks by drying the herbs. Method 1: Hang in Bunches Knowing how to dry herbs will keep you stocked year-round. Using 100%-cotton kitchen string like this cotton cooking twine ($7, Walmart), tie a few stems together. Hang the bundles upside down in a warm, dry place with good circulation until dry (about 5 to 14 days)....

Use these annuals to fill in any blank spaces in your landscape as your garden transitions from summer to fall. 1. Pansy This popular cold-tolerant plant’s cheery, edible flowers come in just about every color, including red, orange, yellow, white, purple, and blue. Pansies are often grown as annuals, especially when used in container gardens, but they’re actually short-lived perennials that are hardy in Zones 6-11. They’ll survive the winter in these regions if planted in the ground, blooming again the following spring....

Stuffing is non-negotiable: It’s carb-loaded, comforting, and filled with soft chunks of warm bread, toasty nuts, and dried fruit. It’s pretty easy to make, too. We present our five favorite stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving. (Oh, and while the term “leftover stuffing” may seem like an oxymoron, it does happen. Just in case, peruse our collection of recipes for leftover stuffing.) Related Video

Shop for what’s in season. The most important tip for baking with fruit: cook with what’s in season. There are so many benefits to baking with local produce: It’s more cost-efficient, it reduces our carbon footprint and, most importantly, locally picked fruit lends the best flavor to a recipe. Fruit that’s picked at peak ripeness (unlike imported produce) offers a natural sweetness to your final dish. What’s more: Berry picking is so fun!...

Price at time of publish: $5 Price at time of publish: $89 Price at time of publish: $18 Price at time of publish: $4 Price at time of publish: $17 Price at time of publish: From $499 Related Video

There are a few simple steps to start drinking responsibly. First, have at least one glass of water for every boozy beverage you drink. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach—keep a handful of healthy snacks nearby, or (better yet) match your drink to your dinner spread. And of course, pace yourself. According to nutrition expert Maggie Michalczyk, RD, we should also lean towards low- to no-sugar cocktails. Not only are they less likely to leave you with a migraine, but you’ll sidestep the snooze-inducing blood sugar spike, too....

Seafood Watch, a program run by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, has combed through data from health organizations and environmental groups to come up with easy-to-understand recommendations for seafood harvested all over the globe. Look for their “Best Choices” labeled in green on the site. Another easy way to identify good picks is to look for the blue Marine Stewardship Council label when you’re shopping—it identifies certified sustainable seafood. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program offers a list of sustainability ratings and detailed information on specific fish while the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) provides up-to-date mercury notices....

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Here are McFarlane’s seven top picks for outdoor plants that smell amazing. An added bonus: many of these plants also attract wildlife, from birds to butterflies to bees, creating an elaborate ecosystem in your backyard. Zones: 8 to 11 Zones: 7 to 10 Zones: 10 to 12 Zones: 9 to 11 Zones: 7 to 11 Zones: 10 to 12 Zones: 9 to 11 Related Video

While you probably have plenty of plastic or glass food storage containers to pack holiday dishes in, you shouldn’t have to dig into your stash, especially since there’s a high probability that your aunt or old college pal won’t remember to give your containers back. Plus, as reliable as basic food storage containers are, they don’t do much for keeping food at an ideal temperature. Instead, you toss food in a container and hope for the best....

Transform your leftover pumpkins into whimsical mushrooms, a luxurious candelabra, or a cute collection of owls. A festive centerpiece with pumpkins is an easy and inexpensive way to repurpose your Halloween decorations for Thanksgiving. Just make sure you preserve your pumpkins so they can last that long. Related Video

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1. Two Resolutions and a Lie How well do you know your friends? Put your friendships to the test by playing this variation of Two Truths and a Lie. Share two of your New Year’s resolutions (plus one you’ve made up) without saying which is which. See which of the guests can guess the imposter. 2. 2023 Predictions Bingo When your guests arrive, give them a blank bingo sheet. Ask them to fill out the squares with their predictions for 2023....

Make an Impact with Exterior Lighting Front Yard Landscape Secrets Slow-growing evergreen boxwood can be sheared into nearly any shape. Here it’s sculpted into round orbs surrounded by succulent and drought-tolerant echeveria. Related Video

Wasabi Mayo Dipping Sauce Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1 to 2 tsp. prepared wasabi paste. Makes 1/2 cup. Related Video

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Many self-cleaning ovens are lined with Teflon, which at very high temperatures can produce fumes that are toxic to small pets like birds, and may cause respiratory irritation in humans. And while being in the house during the self-cleaning process could expose you to fumes, it’s also a good idea to be present in case of excess smoke as food burns off. To play it safe, avoid the self-cleaning button and try our easy method for cleaning your oven instead....

This spring, create your own decorative Easter egg tree or purchase one as a spring centerpiece that will steal the show at your Easter brunch. Bring the tradition inside by decorating a small faux tree or collection of branches with flowers, cut paper shapes, and dyed Easter eggs. Decorated Easter trees are a colorful and festive way to welcome the spring season. These are some of our favorite looks. To make it, fill a colored bucket with sand, insert branches, then hang the handmade paper bird ornaments and plastic eggs to complete the display....