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While this kitchen was up-to-date and functional when we started, there were a few areas where small improvements would make a big impact. For instance, the builder-basic, over-the-range microwave was functional but it crowded the range area. By simply removing the microwave from the wall (and replacing it with a practical vent hood), the kitchen feels more open and the vent hood looks like a high-end custom cabinetry piece. The classic subway tile backsplash gives a subtle contrast to the pure white cabinets....

1. Watery Blue and Sandy Beige Soft shades of blue naturally evoke calm feelings associated with the sea. Partner light blues with a sandy-colored neutral or light-washed wood for a feeling reminiscent of the seashore. Repeat both tan and pale blue with fabrics, bedding, and furniture to create a relaxing retreat in a master or guest bedroom. 2. Denim Blue and Bright Orange The kitchen is one of the main gathering spots of the house, so it warrants a color scheme the entire family can live with....

3 passion fruit ¼ cup whipping cream 1 teaspoon sugar Prepare and bake custards as above. Cool, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Serve as directed.

10 medium Bartlett or Comice Pears (about 4 pounds 6 ounces) 2 750 milliliter bottle light bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or 6-1/4 cups cranberry juice 1 ¼ cup sugar ½ cup fresh cranberries Vanilla Cake 2 large eggs ¾ cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla ½ cup milk 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Hazelnut Cream 8 ounce mascarpone cheese 1 cup whipping cream 2 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted...

The information below will walk you through a number of tile installation projects, such as installing backerboard, cutting tile, and marking layout lines. Heed our expert advice to help ensure your next tiling project is a success. Tile Project Planning Tips If you are starting a ceramic project for the first time, practice each step before applying it to your floor, wall, or countertop. Create a practice station with a couple of pieces of backerboard....

How Many Cups in a Can of Pumpkin, Really? Fifteen ounces of canned pumpkin is just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces would be 2 cups). By comparison, a 3-pound pie pumpkin will likely give you enough puree for a recipe that calls for a can of pumpkin. After cooking and draining a pumpkin, this is about what to expect from a typical cooking pumpkin transformed into fresh pumpkin puree:...

What You’ll Need 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 toolHammerNailRubber malletStir stickPaint bucket Step 1: Remove Lid Use a 3-in-1 or 5-in-1 tool to gently open the paint can. Place it in-between the lid and the lip of the can and slowly pull down on the tool’s handle. The lid should release itself easily. It’s common for homeowners to use a screwdriver for this, but we do not recommend that. The screwdriver is strong and will bend and distort the lid shape, making re-sealing the paint can difficult....

Consider the Finish and Material When choosing new baseboards, consider the finish. Whether it will be painted, stained, or left natural determines the material selection. Wood is the traditional choice, but it’s not your only option. If you’re planning to paint the trim, manufactured materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plastic moldings (including urethanes and other synthetics) are good-looking, budget-conscious alternatives. To save money when staining, select wood based on the appearance of the grain, and stain it to your personal preference....

How to Paint Shutters Before you begin, give your shutters a good scrub with a degreaser or all-purpose cleaner. This will help remove dirt and allow new paint to better adhere to your shutters. Supplies Needed Drop clothShuttersDrill#10x3-inch drywall or all-purpose screws2 sawhorsesSpray paint Step-by-Step Directions Before you begin painting shutters, check for chipping or peeling paint. If your shutters are in good condition, you can skip priming. If not, sand, wipe with a tack cloth, and prime your shutters before spray painting....

How to Select Fresh Fish Before you buy any seafood, our Test Kitchen relies on recommendations from Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. Another way to make sure the fish is top quality is by seeking out a knowledgeable fishmonger that can speak to the origin and variety you’re buying. When you’ve arrived at the store or fish market, here are some ways to tell if your fish is fresh. Check the Label Determining the freshness of fish starts with what’s on the package....

Colorful Combinations Because of the popularity of pollinator plants, availability has surged, and many varieties of bee balm are readily available. Typically the bloom’s colors fall between warm reds and cool lavenders. They begin unfolding in early summer, and many varieties continue to bloom well into the fall. To encourage constant blooms, deadhead old blossoms. Bee Balm Care Must-Knows One of the most important things to know about bee balms is that they are vigorous plants....

The meaning of the “pink” moniker is two-fold: The flowers are often pink (though they come in other colors, too), and the edges of the petals have a fringed look, as if someone trimmed them with pinking shears. The blossoms of some varieties, like Dianthus superbus, feature a very long, exaggerated fringe, like streamers flying off each petal. Before you start planting, be aware that some varieties of dianthus aren’t safe for pets....

Colorful Combinations Fiber optic grass retains its verdant green color all season long. It adds soft texture to containers and garden borders and requires little maintenance as long as it remains moist. On the tips of its leaves, fiber optic grass develops small seeds and flowers. These tiny flowers are cone-shaped and begin white or silver, eventually turning tan or brown. The plants bloom year-round in warm climates. It is a delicate perennial and grown as an annual in colder climates....

One of the best ways to use heliotrope is in containers. This way, the plants can be moved around so their sweet fragrance can be enjoyed often. Heliotrope is also great to plant in groups to maximize its fragrance, as it can be subtle at times. All parts of heliotrope plants are toxic to humans and animals. Where to Plant Heliotrope Plant heliotrope in organically rich, well-draining soil or potting mix in a garden bed or containers....

How Fruits and Vegetables Become Contaminated Although most consumers understand that meat needs to be properly handled to prevent food-borne illnesses, some do not realize that fruits and vegetables may also cause illness if not handled and stored properly. In fact, contaminated fruits and vegetables can be the culprit in large outbreaks of food-borne illness (an issue the FDA is working to resolve). Some of the ways that fruits and vegetables can become contaminated include:...

How to Safely Reheat Leftovers First, cool and refrigerate your leftovers to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below within two hours to prevent bacterial growth. The safe temperature for reheating leftovers is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s a good idea to keep a food thermometer handy to make sure you destroy any harmful bacteria. You can heat leftovers to this safe temperature using whatever appliance you want: stovetop, microwave, oven, toaster oven, or air fryer....