When sunny skies dot the fall forecast, I mix up a batch of pizza dough so it can rise while I hit the forest preserve bicycle trails. At home, I take the chill off by cranking up a hot oven outfitted with a pizza stone. Check out the many dough ingredients and prepared crust options…
Cooler Autumn Days Prove Ideal for Perfecting Homemade Pizza Skills
Taking the kids: To Kauai
Have you ever reached the end of the road? Literally. We’re nearly there at the Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai’s pristine North Shore, famous for the drop-dead gorgeous Na Pali Coast. We’ve crossed several one-lane bridges and passed the tiny town of Hanalei with its mix of surf shops, shave ice stands, food trucks and restaurants. It’s…
Increase Household Water Pressure in Minutes
Christine lives in Sylvania, Ohio. She reads this column weekly and shared the following: “In the newspaper today you said you’re addressing topics that can save homeowners money. In my community many have water pressure issues, myself included.” She then gave me a full report about her particular water-pressure problems. Often, when readers get in…
These Mississippi River Towns Offer Real Surprises
As the plane taking me home rose and banked to the west, it crossed the Mississippi River. Just a few days before, this striking landscape held little meaning. Now, looking down, I recognized the great span of bridges connecting the Illinois towns of Rock Island and Moline with Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa — known collectively…
It’s Officially Chili Season!
Ground beef is an easy base for chili, as it doesn’t require any preparation such as chopping or slicing beforehand — just put it in the pot and go! This convenience comes at a price, however, as ground meat can give up a lot of moisture as it cooks and becomes dry and pebbly. But…
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, the Ultimate Comfort Food
Mashed potatoes are one of my top comfort foods, and I love an ultra-smooth, creamy version laden with butter and cream or milk. They’re also a blank canvas when I feel like changing it up a bit, and one of the easiest additions is some sour cream. The thick, tangy dairy is a natural in…
Fall Risotto Is Creamy and Satisfying
For every season, there is a risotto. Rich red wine and mushroom risotto in winter, fresh peas nestled in the toothsome rice in spring. At the height of summer, red ripe tomatoes can sub in for risotto’s broth. In the fall, I make a pale, shimmery green, risotto sporting fresh broccoli and sweet shallots for…
Make Your Asphalt Shingles Last 50 Years
A week ago, I made a decision to ratchet up my ability to save readers as much money as possible in these very challenging financial times. Inflation is raging. In my opinion, it’s going to get worse. Use the URL I provide at the end of this column to tell me what issue you’re having….
Taking the Kids: And Creating Memories on Less Than Exotic Trips
“Get up, Mom!” my daughter commanded. We were nearing the end of an exhausting and iconic 14-mile hike from Crested Butte, Colorado, to Aspen, up and down the famous Maroon Bells, navigating steep terrain, rock scree and rain. I’d slipped crossing a stream and started crying. “You are going to finish this hike with a…
Fluffy Biscuits With Juicy Peaches and Airy Whipped Cream Give That Summer Feeling Any Time
Missing summer already? The good news is you can enjoy peach shortcakes any time! Start with frozen peaches and you’re on your way to making a delicious treat with a summery vibe. Quick Whipped Tip If you’re making your own whipped cream, it is important not to over-whip the cream. But what happens if you…
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2025
- April 2025
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- September 2013
- July 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- December 1
-
Meta