These old-fashioned oatmeal cookies are soft the first day you bake them, and stay soft for longer. A combination of butter and shortening adds both buttery flavor and a tender texture. Plus, the honey helps keep the cookies soft for several days. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stying: Torie Cox Be sure to use softened butter (not melted) for optimal dough consistency. For best results,chill or let the dough restas directed before scooping....

Making homemade soft pretzels is a fun and delicious activity for the whole family. Serve with mustard, cheese, or any favorite dipping sauces. This recipe for homemade soft pretzels is far easier than you might imagine. Credit:Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall A dip in gently boiling water with addedbaking sodagives the pretzels their characteristic flavor and texture. Lastly, the pretzels are baked to finish cooking and get a beautiful brown glow....

Gardeners know that one of the most important parts of their job is getting their hands dirty. Thats because soil and mulch are the foundations of a healthy garden. Clay, sand, peat, or loam? We can help you choose the right matrix for each of your plants. Explore Caring For Your Garden

If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation. We found the best purses, wallets, jewelry, and shoes for gifting this holiday season. Plus, its currently over $200 off. Credit:Southern Living Subtle threads of tinsel are woven into the fabric, giving it a delicate shimmer. Its made from pebbled leather and is available in several colors, including bold raspberry and classic ivory. Or, remove the connecting strap to use the two compartments separately....

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. One reviewer said there isnt a better pan on the market. When you’re done using the pan, simply hand-wash it to preserve its quality. Credit: Courtesy of Amazon BUY IT:$29.95 (orig. you could even use it over open flames on the grill. However, while cast iron is heavy, the lightweight 8-inch carbon steel pan only weighs about 2 pounds. Credit: Courtesy of Amazon...

Unsavory odors in the home can indicate more than just a stinky smell. Many “bad” smells are indications of larger issues at play. If you think you could be smelling a gas leak, promptly vacate the premises. Credit:Getty Images/AaronAmat Once you’re a safe distance from the house, call the gas company for assistance. You could have a clogged pipe, a dry P-trap, or larger-scale sewage issues. You may need to contact a plumber, depending on the severity of the problem....

I’m supposed to be colorful." “You drink out of a brown paper bag and suddenly everybody’s your friend.” Sophia: You drink out of a brown paper bag and suddenly everybody’s your friend. Credit: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images “Why wouldn’t you? You’re both naked.” Blanche: Mel makes me feel young and beautiful and special. Credit: Alice S. Hall/NBC/Getty Images When we’re together we laugh a lot. Sophia: Why wouldn’t you?...

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The beans, pinto only, are tender, smoky, and creamy. This dish was likely born of necessity. It fed farmers in the Southern Appalachian mountain range for generations. Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood It was shared, family to family, before a recipe was ever committed to paper. What Is In Soup Beans? It starts withpinto beans. Credit:Greg DuPree; Food Stylist: Ali Ramee; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood...

French-style soupe au pistou is a vegetable soup that’s as unfussy as it is elegant. Baldwin called this alfresco dining spot his “Welcome Table” in reference to the traditional spiritual. Baldwin ate, chatted, and then vanished. Credit:Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle It may have originated in Italy and is clearly a close cousin of that countrysminestrone. Transfer to a small bowl; stir in cheese and salt....

A streusel topping is the perfect crunchy finish to a sour cream apple pie. I make this pie when I am missing her. I never felt my copies of the pie were as good as hers. Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley I love that its her handwriting on therecipe cardthat I still use to this day. Beverly Thompson of Willis, Texas Why Add Sour Cream To Apple Pie?...

Classic sour cream coffee cake is great for a weekend brunch, showers and teas, and book clubs. Learn how to make sour cream coffee cake, and then claim it as it your own. Why Is It Called a Coffee Cake? Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox Despite the name, there is no actual coffee in coffee cake. At least not typically. Instead, this key in of buttery cake is meant to be enjoyedwithcoffee....

For sour cream mashed potatoes, swap the buttermilk for thicker, richer sour cream. It is luxurious enough forholiday meals, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re not serving a crowd, feel free tocut the recipe in halffor a smaller family. Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox Learn how to make sour cream mashed potatoes. What Are the Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes? Yukon Golds are known for their rich, buttery flavor and waxy texture, which complements this recipe nicely....