Skirted furniture is fashionable again. (Plus, curvy is in.) You could also just add a slipcover to update a couch or chair you already own. Credit:Richard Leo Johnson Start in the bedroom. Since most beds can accommodate a skirt, it’s the easiest furniture item to tackle. Similarly to a slipcover, simply put it over your existing bed frame to create a whole new atmosphere. Credit:Julie Soefer

Who said salsa couldn’t be sweet? This strawberry rhubarb salsa is the perfect appetizer for your next dinner party to impress your friends. Serve with cinnamon pita chips and treat yourself to a pre-dinner dessert! Credit: Andy Lyons Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Ladle hot salsa into hot, sterilized half-pint canning jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims; adjust lids. Process filled jars in a boiling-water canner for 15 minutes (start timing when water returns to boiling)....

A fluffy, decadent addition to any dessert and beyond. If you’re wonderinghow to make whipped cream, look no further. Its versatility allows you to create delicious desserts in no time. Credit: Carson Downing With this strawberry whipped cream version, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Metal equipment would actually work better for any whipped cream recipe. If youre mixing by hand, use a wired whisk and a metal bowl....

Normally reserved for pie, strawberry and rhubarb team up in this summery jam. Ingredients 3cupsstrawberries 1cupfinely chopped rhubarb 5cupssugar 12tsp.finely shredded lemon peel 34cupwater 1(1.75-oz. )pkg.regular powdered fruit pectin Directions In a large bowl, crush berries using a potato masher. Credit: Scott Little Measure 1 1/2 cups crushed berries. Stir rhubarb into the 1 1/2 cups crushed berries. Add sugar and lemon peel; stir to combine. Allow to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally....

Sure you’ve stuffed chicken and turkeys, but have you ever stuffed a full ham? Now’s the time! Sliced citrus, garlic, and fresh herbs steam in flavor as the spiral sliced ham bakes. Credit: Jacob Fox Line a shallow roasting pan with foil. Between the slices of one 8- to 10-lb. Transfer ham, flat side down, to prepared pan. Bake 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until browned and heated through (140F)....

Learn how to (and when you could) substitute oil for shortening when baking. It’s a familiar scene for many home chefs. You land on the ideal, delicious-sounding recipe perfect for your occasion. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul You grab all the cooking orbaking toolsyou need, then start rounding up ingredients. Perhaps this exact situation is what inspired you to search “Can I substitute oil for shortening?” and land right here. Fat is an element that lends a tender texture and boosts flavor....

If you’re looking to eat less sugar, this sugar-free jam is a great start! Packed with blueberries and strawberries, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast or inside a sanwich. Use a potato masher to crush the berries. Credit: Blaine Moats Continue adding blueberries and the strawberries and crushing until you have 6 cups crushed berries. Stir in the water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Gradually stir in pectin. Bring berry mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly....

These bacon-wrapped smoked sausages will disappear from your party spread in a flash. Whichever bacon you use, however, see to it the slices are cut thin. Ingredients Nonstick cooking spray 1(16-oz. Credit: Blaine Moats Press the end of the bacon piece to seal or secure it with a wooden toothpick. Coat the Sausages Place brown sugar in a large plastic storage bag. Add several bacon-wrapped sausages to bag and seal....

Drizzle this veggie-packed summer pasta salad with homemade red wine vinaigrette for a fresh and flavorful chilled salad. Trade the mozzarella for cheddar or gouda, and opt for kale instead of arugula or spinach. Additionally, swap the basil for fresh thyme. Credit: Blaine Moats For winter, use broccoli and cauliflower florets instead of green beans and summer squash. Swap Monterey Jack cheese for the mozzarella and fresh oregano and dill for the basil....

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Swap in any of these easy substitutes. We’ve also got some healthy margarine substitutes. It’s no secret that our Test Kitchen loves agood cookieorpound cakerecipe loaded with a buttery flavor. Credit: Peter Krumhardt But what about margarine? For this reason, cooking oils such as vegetable or canola are not recommended substitutes for margarine. For 1 cup margarine, substitute 1 cup butter or 1 cup shorteningplus 14 teaspoon salt. In most recipes, oil is substituted for margarine at a 3:4 ratio....

Almond butter adds a nutty richness, while honey andcoconut sugarprovide a wholesome sweetness. Once you try these nutritious and satisfying brownies, you’re sure to be hooked. Place sweet potato in a steamer basket in a saucepan. Credit: Andy Lyons Add water to saucepan to just below basket. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Steam, covered, 18 minutes or until very tender. Press sweet potato through a ricer, or mash with a potato masher....

Sweet potato fritters are a crispy and delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal. Serve withyogurt dipon the side for dunking and prepare to watch them disappear in a flash. Drain and cool slightly. Credit: Jason Donnelly In a food processor combine sweet potatoes, egg, brown sugar, and butter. Cover and process until smooth. In small bowl stir together flour, bread crumbs, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to sweet potato mixture....