My reputation as a baker would be on the line if this news ever got out: I have fear of pie crusts. Not eating it, mind you, but making it. And it’s really put a crimp (uh, sorry) in my repertoire because it limits me to cookies, cakes, quick breads and bars. I’ll still clip pie recipes from magazines and newspapers, and peel off labels from cans in the hope that one day my fear can be conquered. I confess to making the occasional pie, but only thanks to those perfectly shaped, pre-rolled discs available in the dairy case. For a long time, I avoided buying even those, thinking, How hard can it be, really, to make pie crust from scratch? It’s a little flour, a little butter, a little water…or is it lard? Vegetable shortening? A combination? Pastry flour or all-purpose? And what about additives, like sugar, orange zest, ground almonds, baking powder, cream cheese, and yes, even vinegar and vodka? Then there’s the hand mixing (and I mean with your hands) vs. food processor vs. pastry blender method.

Best-ever. Easiest. No-fail. Flakiest. Easy as pie. Grandma’s Favorite.

Read more »

Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can help guests feel more comfortable during their stay with these 6 easy tips.

1. Make sure to have coffee on hand. The Coffee Stack organizer keeps your pods organized so your guests can easily find java when they need it.

2. The Fold-out Ottoman quickly converts to a comfortable bed for your guests and is perfect for those small spaces. Fold it up and tuck it away during the day.

3. Provide a variety of reading material for your guests. The Reader’s Nightstand keeps books and magazines organized next to the guest bed. There’s even room on top for a clock and some bottled water.

4. Make sure to provide extra toiletries and towels for your guests. The space-saving Duo Shower Curtain Rod holds your shower curtain on one side, while guests can hang their towels on the other to dry.

5. If you need extra space for meals, the Round Table Extender turns your square table that normally seats four and turns it into a round table that seats up to eight!

6. Don’t forget about those extra touches, like leaving a surprise ornament by the bedside or decorating the guest room with a lighted willow branch. Little touches can make the room seem extra cozy.

When it comes to preparing that perfect Thanksgiving meal, timing can be everything! Here are 6 simple tips to help you plan ahead.

Printable Grocery List

1. List List List. Plan your menu ahead of time and write a list of everything that needs to be bought at the store. Look through and organize your recipes and see what items can be prepared simultaneously.
2. Chop and dice ahead. Vegetables can be chopped and cheese can be grated in advance. Store them in the fridge and make sure to label them according to each recipe.
3. Think “potluck.” Hold a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner and assign a dish to each one of your guests.
4. Prepare sauces ahead. Pies and cranberry sauces can be prepared a couple of days in advance. Just make sure not to forget about them!
5. Dress your turkey early. Rinse, pat, salt and prepare the turkey as much as possible before it’s ready to cook in the oven.
6. Skip the basting. Some say that basting a turkey is not worth the hassle, because it just runs off the skin. If you’re short on time, lightly coat the skin with olive or vegetable oil before putting the turkey in the oven. It will help seal in the natural juices—and give it that fresh out-of-the-oven look.

Summer’s around the corner, and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Here are some quick ideas to help you create that perfect party.

1) Host a potluck-themed event and prepare foods in advance, as much as possible. It will save time and work!

2) Clean your yard and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Place blankets on the grass for kids.

3) Grill skewers: Grilled vegetables make a great side dish, are easy to prepare ahead of time, and take a few minutes to cook.

4) Keep your guests cool! Consider a portable fan to keep outside during hot summer days.

5) Set out a few yard games to play so your guests have some fun activities to choose from.

6) Create an inviting atmosphere with lights for nighttime. Consider natural bug repellant candles to keep the insects away.

7) Add some color to your table with vibrant dishware. Top it off with an eye-catching centerpiece. Fill up a glass bowl with colorful fruits, such as bright lemons and limes, or fill glass jars with fresh-cut flowers.

Don’t forget to relax with your guests and enjoy all your efforts!

When it comes to preparing and planning that perfect menu on Thanksgiving Day, timing can be everything! Here are some simple tips to help you plan ahead.

Start fresh. Clean out your fridge before the holidays to make room for any delicious leftovers.

List List List. Plan your menu ahead of time and write a list of everything that needs to be bought at the store. Look through and organize your recipes and see what items can be prepared simultaneously.
Note: you may want to stock up on some items a week ahead of time, such as potatoes, vegetables, cream and butter.

Chop and dice ahead. Vegetables can be chopped and cheese can be grated in advance. Store them in the fridge and make sure to label them according to each recipe.

Think “potluck.” Hold a potluck-style Thanksgiving dinner and assign a dish to each one of your guests.

Prepare sauces ahead. Pies and cranberry sauces can be prepared a couple of days in advance. Just make sure not to forget about them!

Dress your turkey early. Rinse, pat, salt and prepare the turkey as much as possible before it’s ready to cook in the oven.

Serve soup. A warm fall soup can be prepared beforehand. Many soups taste even better the next day.

Use a slow cooker. To help save time from stuffing a turkey, you can cook the stuffing in your slow cooker. Remember to dry your breadcrumbs overnight.

Ice on the Go. For those last minute outings, several fast food restaurants sell bags of ice, even through their drive-through service. Make sure to be mindful of holiday hours.

Order pre-sliced. If all else fails and you’re not in the mood to cook, some places offer pre-sliced ham or turkey. Make sure to call ahead of time. You can also buy a pre-cooked turkey from the grocery store.

Skip the basting. Some say that basting a turkey is not worth the hassle, because it just runs off the skin. If you’re short on time, lightly coat the skin with olive or vegetable oil before putting the turkey in the oven. It will help seal in the natural juices—and give it that fresh out-of-the-oven look.

Make a “special” dish. Find out ahead of time if anyone on your guest list has special diet needs. For those vegetarians, for instance, pre-plan a dish or two that might not require meat or chicken broth.

Kitchen Helpers form Solutions:

	87258 Speed Prep Slicer Slice your vegetables a day ahead with the Speed Prep Slicer
	83926 BeaterBlade+ It blends ingredients more efficiently and scrapes down the bowl so you don’t have to
	87333 Rolling Cookie Cutter A fast pass over the dough, and your cutting is done!

Our free printable Recipe Cards Keep your recipes organized

Resolution: Get organized.
Advice for sticking to it: We feel more relaxed when our surroundings are neat and orderly! Cut through closet clutter by applying a “two-year” rule: if you haven’t worn it in two years, you probably never will. Don’t let the mail stack up – sort through each day when it arrives. Look for unused storage spaces under furniture and behind doors. Schedule time each week or month to clear away clutter.

More ideas: An organized closet is possible!

Featured product: Stack pots and pans without scratches!

Resolution: Learn something new.
Advice for sticking to it: You can teach old dogs new tricks! An active brain is a healthy brain, and keeping it challenged is a good way to keep your memory sharp and fight the effects of aging. Instead of turning on the TV, pick up a crossword puzzle. Check out classes offered by a local craft store and learn a new hobby, or take a non-credit course in a foreign language.

More ideas: Beating the winter blues

Featured product: 83 neurobic exercises to help prevent memory loss and increase mental fitness!

Resolution: Spend more time with family and friends.
Advice for sticking to it: Despite all the resources designed to give us more time, we seem to have less than ever! Stay connected with your loved ones by having dinner together as often as possible. Set aside one night a week as “family night” to play a board game, pop some corn and watch a movie, or visit a local park. Make an effort to have regular one-on-one time with kids, grandkids and friends.

More ideas: 5 ways to stay close across the miles

Featured product: Get email without a computer!