This homemade no-cook playdough is quick and easy to make from simple pantry ingredients and is very inexpensive. Making your own playdough costs a fraction of store-bought versions. It comes together in minutes and can keep children engaged for hours, making it a great low-cost activity. Because this recipe uses common edible ingredients, it is … Read more

After surviving college and more than a decade of professional graphic design work, my trusty Epson 1280 finally gave out last summer. I was disappointed — we’d pulled many late nights together, and I loved printing 11″ x 17″ layouts. Still, a decade of heavy use is remarkable for any printer. Epson offered an upgrade … Read more

In 2011 a reader pointed out that Kraft Foods changed the recipe for Good Seasons Italian Dressing by adding wheat, removing its gluten-free status. Unfortunately, ingredient changes like this still occur and serve as an important reminder: always read ingredient labels, even on products you buy regularly. Manufacturers frequently adjust formulations. When a company makes … Read more

If you’re looking for a simple, creative craft, this small project is inexpensive, easy and fun to make using basic supplies. No sewing required. I usually only attempt crafts that have a clear place in my home, otherwise they end up in a drawer or the trash. A few Sundays ago, after finishing a bottle … Read more

5 from 1 vote Chow Mein This chow mein is a classic, comforting Chinese-style noodle dish that’s simple to make and packed with savory flavor. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for a quick holiday meal or an everyday dinner. Servings: 3 servings Prep: 10 minutes mins Cook: 10 minutes mins Total: 20 minutes mins Equipment … Read more

These easy gingerbread cookies are soft, chewy, and perfect for the holidays. This no‑chill recipe takes far less time than traditional gingerbread, and they’re finished with a fluffy cream cheese frosting. I love gingerbread — nothing evokes the holidays like the aroma of warm ginger and molasses coming from the oven. These cookies belong on … Read more

Danish pastry with raspberry filling is an easy, quick pastry you can make using refrigerated crescent roll dough. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dessert. Using crescent roll dough shortens preparation time while still producing a flaky, sweet pastry topped with a sugar glaze. What is Danish pastry? A traditional Danish pastry is … Read more

Food Fights Battles in the Kitchen This week, Andrew and Molly dive into the DC Capital Food Fight and the world of televised cooking competitions. They discuss the highs and lows of food-centered contests, the drama that fuels viewer interest, and how those events shape chefs’ careers. Molly also sits down with Erika Landin, MasterChef’s … Read more

Orange Glazed Carrots are an easy, flavorful side dish of buttery, marmalade-coated carrots with pecans, fresh ginger and a hint of cinnamon. For many years I wasn’t a big fan of cooked carrots, though I enjoyed them in casseroles or with pot roast and sometimes roasted in the oven. Recently I tried this orange-glazed version … Read more

Chicken vegetable soup is a warming comfort food, perfect for chilly days. This version keeps the rich, homey flavors but lightens things up with plenty of fresh vegetables and lean protein. This recipe is versatile and pairs well with many other soups you might enjoy. It’s quick to prepare, Whole30-friendly when you use compliant broth … Read more