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You pronounce “chiffonade” like shif-uh-nahd or shif-uh-neyd; both are acceptable. Cutting an herb or leafy greens into a chiffonade is not only attractive but helps release flavor. The technique also makes quick work of chopping. You’ll most commonly see chiffonade called for when using basil, but you can also use it for salads and other dishes. How to Chiffonade The only tools you’ll need to chiffonade basil or any other leafy green ingredients are a chef’s knife and a cutting board....

“It’s a time for remembering loved ones and welcoming back their spirits,” says Pati Jinich, cookbook author and host of the PBS television series Pati’s Mexican Table. The holiday began in Mexico but is now celebrated all over the world by people with ties to Mexican culture. The premise of the holiday is simple: to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed away. Learn all about Day of the Dead, the traditions, how its observed, and how to decorate for Day of the Dead....

Marketers have been known to push the concept that bigger is always better, which helps explain the misconception that higher thread count always equals higher quality. This isn’t to say that thread count doesn’t matter entirely—but there’s a threshold. In the early 2000s, manufacturers took multiple threads and weaved them together so they could market the sheets as having double the thread count they actually did, says Parima Ijaz, founder of Pure Parima, as a way to make more money....

1 16 ounce package powdered sugar (4-1/4 cups) 3 tablespoon meringue powder ½ teaspoon cream of tartar ½ cup warm water 1 teaspoon vanilla **Tip: Meringue powder is a mixture of pasteurized dried egg whites, sugar, and edible gums. Look for it in the baking aisle of your supermarket or at a specialty food store.

The Chinese empress tree’s gift for growing at lightning speeds (for a tree) is actually a curse. They have become very invasive in the United States. They’re even classified as a noxious weed in Connecticut, where sales of this species are banned. Just one tree can take over an entire garden in a few years and choke out other plants around it by cutting off sunlight and sucking up resources like water and nutrients....

When you bite into a grape warmed from the sun and bursting with flavor, store-bought bags will never again compare. To grow your own grapes successfully, you need to know which variety to select, based on your region and how you want to use them. Use this guide to get all the details, including tips on planting, growing conditions, harvesting, and pruning. Growing Grapes from the Vine Grapes will grow in almost any part of the country (Zones 5-9), but you need to choose a variety that suits your local climate conditions....

If you’ve ever hesitated to plant a magnolia tree because you’ve wondered how to grow one, or whether you can even grow one at all, rest assured—you can, and with very little effort. Though most of the 200-plus species prefer tropical and subtropical climates, there are cultivars adapted to nearly every growing zone. With sizes ranging from shrubs to dwarf trees, to trees that are up to 100 feet tall, there’s a magnolia tree that will work for almost every landscape....

Of course, the most important part is choosing the right book for your crew. Then, you’ll need to name a time and place to meet. (Just be sure you give everyone enough time to finish the book!) When it’s your turn to host, make our easy appetizer and drink recipes and prepare a few talking points for the group before your guests arrive. Whether you chat about the book over appetizers, drinks, or brunch, we’re sharing our best hosting tips for making your book club a success....

Check out these barn doors with style. Secure the mounting board to the wall with a power drill and interior screws. Before drilling, use a stud finder to make sure you’re drilling into the wall studs. This will ensure the strongest attachment for your door hardware. Before you install the track, you need to measure the door height. Starting at the floor, use a tape measure to record the height of the doorway, then add 1-3/4 inches....

A swale or French drain channels the water away from the site to an area where it won’t cause problems. You can divert water to another spot on your own property, but, not to the neighbor’s yard, so if you can’t divert the water to a good location, you’ll have to run a French drain to a dry well. A dry well collects water and allows it to seep slowly into the surrounding soil....

Long vertical poles secured with concrete footings are an easy way to support twinkling string lights and are sturdy enough to stay up for the entire summer season. A little carpentry work and a few basic supplies are all that are required, and this DIY project can be done in one day. See how we did it below, and check out our expert advice to hang string lights correctly the first time....

Although there are rabbit-resistant plants, you don’t have to exclusively fill your garden with plants they’ll ignore. Read on to learn how to protect plants from rabbits and send your long-eared visitors (whether jackrabbits or cottontails) looking elsewhere for lunch. Fencing The most reliable way to protect your vegetable garden from rabbits is with fencing. Putting up a fence takes some time and effort, but once it’s done, you’ll have a permanent barrier....

If you’ve never learned how to make cobbler before, this is an excellent opportunity to utilize your favorite fresh seasonal fruits (frozen fruit works, too!) and create a warm, delicious dessert masterpiece. Get your ice cream ready—you’ll want a giant scoop to go with your fresh-from-the-oven seasonal cobbler. How to Make Cobbler To get started, you’ll pick a great fruit cobbler recipe (we’ve got some tasty recommendations), then follow our Test Kitchen’s easy process to make a sweet cobbler filling and crust....

2 pounds fresh or frozen firm-flesh whitefish fillets, such as cod, red snapper, halibut, tilapia, or catfishCabbage mixture (see recipe, below)Twelve 6-inch corn tortillas, warmed according to package directions 1. How to Cook the Fish A great fish taco starts with well-prepared fish. Regardless of the method you choose, first thaw the fish, if frozen. Rinse the fish under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Deep-frying the fish is the most authentic method, but there are easier, less messy ways to go....

Make a whole set of bats in an afternoon, and pair the oversize creatures with an assortment of our popular giant spiders for the ultimate Halloween display. How to Make Oversized Halloween Bats Supplies Needed Black plastic hangers (6 per bat)Heavy duty black trash bagsZip ties, 3-inch sizeZip ties, 8-inch sizePipe foam insulation, ¾-inch size cut down to 12-inch piecesWire cuttersScissorsBlack electrical tapeBlack faux furHot glue Follow these easy how-to instructions to make your own oversized Halloween bat decor....

How to Make Pancakes Without Eggs Most classic pancake recipes like our easy recipe (pictured above) require at least one egg in the batter. When you want to make homemade pancakes without eggs, here are some of your best bets. Aquafaba If you’ve never heard of it, aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas that magically whips up just like egg whites. According to our Test Kitchen, aquafaba is one of the best universal substitutes for eggs in pancakes....

When it comes to sticky rice, most people will first ask how to make rice sticky. But that’s actually the wrong question to start with. While you can make rice sticky by overcooking it with too much water, that’s not actually how to make sticky rice. That’s not even how to make sticky rice for sushi, which is an entirely different type of rice. What Is Sticky Rice? Sticky rice is actually its own variety, just as long-grain or brown rice fall in wholly different rice categories....