Ideas & Tips — Kitchen

Labor Day may have come and gone, but don't get too depressed — we still have a few more weeks before summer is officially over. In the meantime, cook up some healthy and delicious meals making good use of plentiful late-season produce. Before you know it, we'll be making the hearty fall stews and casseroles that are perfect for fall but, for now, enjoy the bounty of tomatoes and summer squash.   Corn soup: Cooking Light tells us that corn is at its peak from May through September, so now is a great time to cook with fresh ears from your local farmers...

The farm-to-table trend is booming among home cooks and entertainers, according to Los Angeles news outlet KTLA. As Americans have become more conscious of the impact that our shopping choices have on the world around us, many have begun to buy locally grown, fresh and organic food. This is better for the environment, it supports farmers and small business owners in our own community and it can also make for a much healthier diet. Here are some tips for hosting your own farm-to-table dinner: Cut processed foods: A true farm-to-table meal won't involve any processed foods, since they tend to...

When the weather warms up, it's time to ditch those hot soups and heavy casseroles and whip up a delicious and light summer salad! Here are some components of an exceptional salad: Color: Making sure your salad has lots of color will make it nutritionally diverse and attractive! Food and recipe site Serious Eats recommends avocado and mango for pops of color. You can also add red, orange or yellow bell peppers, carrots, radishes or any other favorite veggies!  Crunch: Some crunch will add extra dimension and interest, keeping your salad from being bland and boring! Many fresh fruits and vegetables,...

Nothing is lovelier or more durable than stainless steel. Food-safe, aesthetically pleasing and strong, there are many reasons for its enduring popularity in the finest homes. Have you ever wondered how best to care for your stainless steel? You can use a variety of different solutions:  Baking soda: Combine a little baking soda with warm water and you can quickly and inexpensively clean any and all of your stainless steel products. Be sure to use a non-scratching cloth! Dishwasher: Unlike some plastic materials, stainless steel that  has been through a dishwasher is still safe to use because it doesn't contain potentially harmful chemicals...

One of the fastest ways to freshen up your decor is to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside, whether with a potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers. Here are our top tips for welcoming nature into your home:  Bring in potted plants: Potted plants don't have to stay outside on the patio. Real Simple magazine advises choosing a pot with at least one drainage hole in the bottom to avoid over-saturating the plant's roots with water. Buy potting soil from your favorite plant nursery, and remember that succulents and cacti require a unique soil blend. Be sure...