For sauce:

1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1 tablespoon cold water 2 cup chicken stock 1 green onion, cut up 2 thin slices ginger 1 clove garlic, smashed 1 ½ teaspoon oyster sauce 1 teaspoon reduced-sodium soy sauce ½ teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry Dough 3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup hot water 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Dipping Sauce ½ cup black vinegar or rice vinegar ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoon Asian chili paste (sambal oelek) or Sriracha sauce (optional) 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil...

To Store: Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Cocoa-Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl beat 1, 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup butter, softened, and 2 teaspoons vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 5 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to reach spreading consistency. Makes 3 1/2 cups.

Erin shares organizational tips on her blog, Sunny Side Up, along with her personal home-building story. Working closely with an architect, she created her family’s dream layout that includes a mudroom and office by the kitchen (to stop clutter from entering) and a window-lined dining nook off the kitchen that’s out of the way of the home’s main traffic flow. Today, almost every cabinet interior reveals Erin’s orderly touch. (The exception?...

8 frankfurters or smoked chicken, kielbasa, or bratwurst sausage links 8 frankfurter buns, split *Tip: For grilled corn kernels, remove husks and silks from 2 fresh ears of corn. Brush corn lightly with vegetable oil or coat with nonstick cooking spray. For a charcoal or gas grill, place corn on the rack of a covered grill directly over medium heat. Grill for 15 to 18 minutes or until corn is crisp-tender and charred, turning frequently....