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Jayme also contributes to a number of publications and websites. She has written and developed craft cocktail content for Better Homes & Gardens, Kitchn, Spoke+Blossom, and Eat Boutique. She has more than 10 years of experience as a craft cocktail and wine writer. In 2016, she won Saveur magazine’s readers’ choice award for “Best Drinks Blog.” Jayme got her bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College. She studied wine fundamentals at the International Sommelier Guild and became a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas....

Buy It: Our Table Dutch Oven ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Sur la Table 7-Ounce Ramekin ($5, Sur la Table) Buy It: Weber Kettle Charcoal Grill ($139, The Home Depot) Buy It: Celebrate It Stars Silicone Ice Cube Tray ($5, Michaels) Test Kitchen Tip: For well-defined layers put each pureed fruit in a plastic sandwich bag, cut off a corner, and squeeze into the molds. Test Kitchen Tip: Chill both flavored custards—the espresso and the vanilla cream—then pour them into the molds side by side for maximum swirls....

Why Keep a Garden Journal? You’ll make smarter plant choices. Whether you’re choosing a flowering tree or a tomato seedling, you want a plant that will thrive in the home you’ll give it. You need a variety that succeeds in your soil, responds well to the available sunlight, and can get all the water it needs to grow. And just like our indoor homes, our garden homes are unique. “Every garden has microclimates,” says Scott Aker, a research horticulturist at the U....

Harvesting Kiwi Kiwifruits take about 5 months after achieving full size to develop the desired taste and texture. Test for maturity by picking one and allowing it to soften at room temperature for a few days before eating it. If it tastes sweet, pick all the fruits and keep them refrigerated. Fruits can stay on the vine as long as there is no threat of frost.

Colorful Combinations In addition to lamb’s ear varieties providing so much tactile joy, the silvery foliage also serves as the perfect backdrop for many other plants. The flower stalks are generally 12-18 inches tall, with small purple, white, red, or pink blooms. The soft hairs on the leaves and stems help prevent plant moisture loss, making it exceptionally drought tolerant. Plus, the hairs help prevent damage from deer and other creatures snacking on the plant, perhaps because the animals don’t enjoy the texture of the leaves....

See more native prairie plants for birds and butterflies here. Little Bluestem Care Must-Knows This ornamental grass is most commonly started from transplants purchased at the garden center. Don’t be surprised by the bedraggled appearance of the container-grown plants. Little bluestem thrives in deep soil and dry environments, and nursery sites rarely provide those conditions. Plant little bluestem in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, where its growth will be spreading and sodlike....

With just a bit of creativity and some handiwork, bargain pieces can end up looking dramatically different. Here, vintage bamboo chairs were painted glossy white to give them an up-to-date feel that looks fresh and clean.

Vegetables Look for plump, crisp, brightly colored vegetables. They should be heavy for their size, a sign that indicates moistness. They should also be free of shriveling, mold, cuts, or other blemishes. Artichokes: Pick firm globes with large, tightly closed leaves. Darkened leaves do not affect the quality. Asparagus: Choose firm, straight stalks with compact, closed tips. Avoid stalks that are either very thin (less than 1/8 inch) or very thick (more than 1/2 inch), because they may be stringy....

Pesto Mashed Potatoes: Prepare as above, except add 2 tablespoons purchased pesto along with the butter.Per 3/4 cup: 212 cal., 11 g total fat (4 g sat. fat),17 mg chol., 402 mg sodium, 25 g carbo., 2 g fiber, 4 g pro.Daily Values: 4% vit. A, 30% vit. C, 2% calcium, 5% iron.Exchange: 1 1/2 Starch 2 Fat Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes: Prepare as above, except add 1/2 cup dairy sour cream with the butter....