Six months ago, I stopped buying jam and solved a fresh fruit waste problem that has plagued my kitchen since I had children. No, I did not go cold turkey on my jam and biscuit pleasures. Instead I made a weekly ritual of putting last week's fruit to its best end by making a single jar of fruit jam.

We often thinking of jam making as a long, arduous process that requires our full attention. The single jar of jam is just the opposite — something you can prep and put on the stovetop while you put the groceries away or make lunches for the week.

The Single Jar of Jam: A Solution for Wasted Fruit

Here's how my journey into the single jar of fruit jam began: Every week my daughter would ask for a quart of strawberries from the grocery store, and every week, she'd eat a few berries and I'd find the berries, shrinking, sullen in the back of the fridge during my Friday fridge clear-out session. One week, jam ran out at the same time these berries were pulled from the fridge, so I set my sights on a single jar of jam.

Then, each week I found pleasure in throwing whatever reasonable fruit was wasting away in the fridge into the jam pot. And because the resulting jar of jam was petite in size, I found we easily ate it within the week and could start the ritual all over again.

Read more: A Single Jar of Refrigerator Jam

How to Make a Jar of Jam in Less than 30 Minutes

• Chop or mash the fruit. Rinse the fruit and chop larger fruit into small pieces. Combine the fruit with the sugar in a small pot and mash the fruit with a wooden spoon. This helps the fruit release some juices and begins the jam process.
• Bring the jam to a boil. Bring the jam to a boil, but once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and keep a steady simmer. This will allow you to cook the jam without scorching while you putter around the kitchen, making lunches or cleaning.
• Cook the jam until thickened. Continue to cook and stir the pot of jam as it thickens and becomes jammy. It will take about 20 minutes for the jam to reach the desired thickness. Then you can move it to the jar for refrigerator storage.

Storing and Serving Your Jam

Because this jam isn't canned, it must be stored in the fridge or freezer. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks (although I've never had it last that long) or freeze for one month and defrost in fridge overnight before using.

I've got a lot of eating to do in these last few days of summer. I haven't had a hot dog, a corn dog, and or even a lobster roll yet. Even writing this, I have to wonder what have I been eating this summer? (The answer is toast, watermelon, and rosé.) No matter, because I'm going public with what's in store for this belly the next few days.

With Labor Day weekend on the horizon, I've assembled a dream list of things to eat over the holiday weekend. Grilled corn, a gluten-free cobbler (because I'm obsessed with the topping), and sticky-sweet, herbal lemongrass chicken thighs are on my list. Oh, and there's a creamy Brie and tomato pasta sauce that I need to whip up too. Join me, won't you, in eating my way through this list.

This summer I discovered my love of the charcoal grill, and the number-one request from my family is grilled corn. I've made it so many times and yet I still keep coming back to this recipe to double check my method, and it hasn't led me astray. I love it when the air starts to smell like sweet popcorn as the sugar in the corn begins to caramelize. It's truly the scent of summer.

Bread, steak, and spicy arugula, all wrapped up in a Dijon vinaigrette — what more could you want from a late-summer meal? This recipe calls for cooking the steak in a cast iron pan, but nothing beats grilling it for that signature smoky flare.

There's a local Vietnamese restaurant where I live that my family almost always goes to when we decide to go out to eat, and usually it's in the name of their sweet and sticky lemongrass-scented chicken. It's sort of mind-blowing how easy it is to make this chicken at home, and it makes any noodle salad, grain bowl, or green salad instantly better.

I've been lusting after this sauce from Geraldine since she posted it on her Instagram earlier this summer. Thankfully she was happy to let us share it on the site. I've got a wheel of Brie and a best friend with a bumper crop of tomatoes, and I can hear this number calling my name for a lazy Sunday lunch.

Honestly, I gasped when I first saw this image of tomato butter, and still continue to feel such summer love when I see it. Now as lover of toast, this butter is basically a dream come true, but this umami bomb brings a degree of sophistication to buttered noodles, grilled meats, and cornmeal pancakes that just can't be beat. It's a keeper from one summer to the next.

This recipe is such a gem because it does what a good recipe does best: It makes the cook feel accomplished and the eater feel satisfied. The sweet and salty rub makes it a general crowd-pleaser; it's what to make when you need to have a sorta-fancy main dish instead of the regular burgers and dogs situation.

Oh baby, this caramel sauce is all about the one-ingredient upgrade and in this instance it's from the milky, tangy, sharpness of buttermilk. There's no going back after making this number. Your milkshakes and ice cream sundaes wouldn't be the same without it.

These biscuits are reason alone to make this cobbler. They've got a crackly cornmeal crust on top that lives in such stark contrast to the bubbling, juicy fruit below. Every time I take a bite, I'm close to composing a sonnet. Memorize this recipe folks — it's a keeper.

So maybe you're a whipped cream or ice cream person for your summer berry desserts. I get it, so am I, but when a crisp showed up in front of me drizzled in this buttery vanilla sauce, I became an instant convert. We like to talk about adding that one special touch a lot in our recipes, and for me, this recipe in particular expresses what that one twist is all about.

This is a recipe I've been iterating on since I've been making Rice Krispies treats. It's got extra butter that you brown, vanilla, and lots of salt. Biting into one feels like exactly what a Rice Krispies treat was intended to be. I think the extra fat and salt mitigates the sweetness to make this feel, well, elegant. I've been know to add cardamon, a dash of cinnamon, or tip some bourbon into them from time to time. But at that point you're dealing with something more akin to vice krispies!

You've likely been having too much fun all summer to even think about Labor Day weekend. Here's some news: It's this weekend! Like always, it comes as a bit of a shock after another summer that flew by. Whether you're hosting or attending a Labor Day cookout, escaping to the beach, or just planning one last picnic, you deserve something sweet to celebrate the last few days of summer. Here are 20 last-minute recipes that fit the bill.

Fruit-Filled Desserts

Even though Labor Day may signal the unofficial end of summer, seasonal fruit is so abundant right now, there's hope that summer might just keep going for weeks. Enjoy it all while it's extra juicy and sweet and there isn't too much you need to do to it to call it dessert. Simply toss ripe peaches on the grill, assemble a quick berry cobbler, or stick a mix of fruit under the broiler with a dollop of sugar and cream.

No-Bake Treats

It's still hot out, which means you might want to keep the oven off. Luckily no-bake treats, like a quick strawberry trifle or a lemony yogurt tart, are still on the table.

Quick Cakes for a Crowd

If you're feeding a crowd this Labor Day weekend, know that everyone will be happy with cake. These four are easy to assemble and are sure to feed all of your family and friends.

Cookies, Brownies, and Bars

Treats that require nothing but a napkin to eat them are always wins on Labor Day weekend when plans involve picnics, beach and pool hangs, and barbecues. These simple treats pack up well for all of the above.

After making some smaller, manageable repairs and updates upon first moving in, Allie and her husband decided to tackle as full of a kitchen reno as their budget would allow. By mixing in DIY projects along with hiring out a contractor and prioritizing major functional and cosmetic fixes over new appliances, they were able to keep to their budget and walk away with a bright new kitchen.

From Allie: When we moved into the house, the kitchen had brick-colored tile on the backsplash, orange and black speckled granite on the counters, and medium-toned wood colored cabinets. I knew immediately that we would need to renovate this if we planned to stay here for a while, but with our budget we couldn't do everything right away. The first thing I did before we even unpacked our boxes was rip off the backsplash, patch any holes, and paint the walls white. About a year after this, I repainted all the cabinets white as well, which was a big undertaking as our small row home only has limited space to spread out.

Then about three years after moving in, we were finally able to take care of the major parts of the renovation — the counters, flooring, lighting and backsplash tile. We were partially prompted by some unfortunate water damage behind one of the walls, but this was a good reason to get things started sooner than we might have without the damage.

The process seemed long at the time, but looking back was very quick. It took about 1-2 months to finish and we had the work completed by a contractor. They removed everything from the room, but kept most of the cabinets intact as they went back in. We also have not yet replaced appliances, but plan to over time if we stay there longer. The process: dust, dust, and more dust. Just when you feel like there's no way your home will ever look the same again, things turn around, everything starts to come together, and the end is in sight.

Aside from needing to make renovations due to the water damage, we also decided to renovate the kitchen because it is one of the most used rooms in the house. My husband loves to cook, so we knew that if we planned to live there for several more years, we had to take the step to make it our own, a place we could enjoy to spend time together and eventually bring kids into. It was worth every penny that we barely had!

I love my new, bright kitchen! The white counters (quartz, which I highly recommend) and tile feel so fresh! I love that we chose to use open shelving. A lot of people questioned it, saying things would get dusty, but I have not found this to be true at all as we use the dishes up there daily. I like that it is modern but I was able to incorporate some of my antiques to keep it "me". The one thing I might do differently is the slate floors, I really wanted a rectangular shaped slate versus square but this is the only option the manufacturer had and I am learning to live with it! This slate also shows a lot more than I thought it would, so keeping it clean takes a bit more effort.

Allie's words of wisdom: I think the biggest, and probably most common, advice when taking on a project like this is to always plan to spend more money than you originally estimated or think you will spend. Things always pop up when walls are ripped down or flooring taken up and additional costs and repairs can pile up. Never max out your budget before you start, especially when working with an old house like mine!

Also I am really glad we were able to keep this project to a low budget by reusing our cabinets and not replacing appliances right away. Even though I would have loved to make everything brand new, it is usually unrealistic for most people, so figuring out ways to reuse old things or find a good deal is key, and adding in a few DIYS between what the contractor is doing helps, too! For example, in our kitchen, we picked out the open-shelving wood from a local sawmill and my Dad helped us sand it down and stain it to get all ready for the contractor to handle.

Last advice: plan to eat a lot of take out or cereal and possibly have your refrigerator in your living room (it was right next to our couch, arms reach to grab a drink, not too bad!).

Thank you, Allie! You can see more on Allie's blog Home With You Living.

A couple of years ago, I started to have beef with beef. Even though it had been a staple in my diet from the time I was a little kid, it was getting harder and harder to feel good about eating it. Not only was I concerned about hormones and antibiotics in cheap, mass-produced meat (which led to seeking out grass-fed, organic alternatives), or the poor living conditions of these animals (which led to seeking out locally farmed, grass-fed, organic alternatives), I was surprised to learn that our collective consumption of beef was hurting the environment more than our driving habits.

Whoa! Cows are hurting us more than cars? Beef was beginning to feel so not worth it.

Like my old TV friend Oprah (via Maya Angelou) always says, "When you know better, you do better." So I tried doing better. I began to substitute chicken, turkey, and pork for beef in favorite recipes, and trying out that trendy "Meatless Monday" idea I kept hearing about. As a family, we were definitely consuming less beef, but I still kept a supply on hand for our weekly Friday nacho night. Nachos are a big deal to me, and perfectly seasoned ground beef always seemed like a necessary part of my nacho-induced, post-work-week nirvana.

Get inspired: 10 Budget-Friendly Dinners for Meatless Monday

And then my husband and I ate at Vedge, a popular vegan restaurant in Philadelphia, last year and it totally blew our minds. We're not vegetarians or vegans, but this food rivaled anything we've tasted anywhere ever. When I heard the owner/chefs Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby interviewed on a podcast not long after dining at their restaurant, they said something that changed the way I'll feel about beef (and meat in general) forever: Basically they said that meat doesn't necessarily taste good on its own, it's what we do to meat that tastes good. You can apply those same principles to vegetables. This idea intrigued me and also made a lot of sense — especially after what I'd tasted (I still dream about the parsnip soup and charred seitan.)

Listen now: Vegan Chefs Show How to Make Even a Carrot the Centerpiece of a Meal on NPR

So we challenged ourselves as a family to give up beef entirely. It was good for the environment, it was good for our bodies, and it probably wouldn't be as hard as we thought, thanks to my new epiphany. Everybody was on board (including two teenage sons), and I began subbing in vegetarian meals where we'd normally eat beef.

Two things happened: First, we never missed the regular beef dishes we'd been eating forever, and second, we discovered so many new vegetarian dishes we loved like shakshuka with feta, crusty baked cauliflower and farro, and spicy tofu. Gradually, chicken, turkey and pork became less frequent in our diet, too. I went from a person who built meals and menus around meat, to a person who built meals and menus around flavors. (That's what my TV friend Oprah calls an "Aha! Moment.")

One note: We aren't rigid about our no-beef lifestyle. We decided that if we're really hankering for a burger, we get a burger. If we're at a function where only beef is being served, there's no need to cause our host stress. Or when our favorite local restaurant offers a dry-aged steak that is to die for, it seems wrong not to get it. (The meat is local, grass-fed, farm-raised, and a small fortune — a nice deterrent for over-consumption.) In June, for Father's Day, I even cooked a four-pound brisket, the first beef I'd purchased from the grocery store in over nine months. It was delicious, but to be honest, we were all drawn to the side dishes — pasta salad, coleslaw, oven fries – much more than the meat.

And our Friday night nachos? We still eat them, but now I sauté diced portobello mushroom caps and sliced leeks with taco seasoning. I'm not going to lie, my beef nachos were really good, but my vegetarian nachos are amazing. (Or, as Oprah would say, AHHH-MAAAAZ-IIING!)

Welcome to Kitchn's new series My Favorite Healthy Recipes, where we show you how real people around the country (and even world) eat "healthy," however they choose to define that for themselves. Maybe you'll even find a few recipes to add to your own meal plan.

Name: Courtney
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Age: 30
Occupation: English teacher
Number of people in household: 2 (me and my partner)

What Does Healthy Mean to You?

I would love to be the kind of person who says that being healthy to me means "doing what my body tells me to do," but that's just not me. At 30, I'm grudgingly admitting to myself that what my body actually wants is a diet of caramel popcorn, hamburgers, and cinnamon buns. It can't be trusted to make the decisions. When I let myself have one cookie or one square of chocolate, my willpower goes out the window with the first bite.

So for me, the reality of healthy eating does mean restriction. I have a family history of PCOS and I've found through trial and error that I feel more energized when I stick to low-carb and low-sugar foods. I try not to be too militant about it because it's not a very fun way for me to live. Instead, I'll have weeks where I am super strict with making healthy choices if I know I have a vacation coming up, or I'll do healthy weekdays to allow myself free rein on the weekend. But my partner is Italian (so much delicious pizza and pasta) and I live in an extremely food- and drink-centered city, so it can be a struggle a lot of the time.

Figuring out how to stick with the habit of eating healthfully is a process, and one I'm still working on. What helps, though, is tricking my body into thinking I'm eating junk when really I've chosen healthy alternatives.

What Are Your Favorite "Healthy" Recipes?

If I'm organized enough to make some breakfasts ahead of time, I make these Paleo banana pancakes. The sweetness from the bananas makes syrup unnecessary, so I'll usually have a stack on their own or with some plain Greek yogurt. It's a nice treat on a cold weekday morning, and since they freeze well this dish usually requires no more than three minutes to prepare.

This recipe is absolutely ingenious. It's just a pan of roasted broccoli with nacho ingredients dolloped generously on top, but it is completely deceptive in its healthiness and really makes you feel like you're indulging. I usually add some lean ground chicken or turkey with taco spices to up the protein factor.

I was apprehensive about serving this recipe to my Italian partner because he doesn't love low-carb substitutions, and this is a variation on a cuisine he takes very seriously. But I shouldn't have worried — he scraped the pan clean the first time I made this recipe. I serve it with a big, fresh green salad garnished with herbs from our backyard. Thanks to the intense flavors of the chicken, that's all we need for a full and complete dinner.

I got this idea from Kitchn many years ago and I still make this drink regularly when I feel like a weekday pick-me-up without actually indulging in alcohol (in fact, I have a glass beside me as I type this). A friend gifted us a SodaStream and I pick up different flavors of bitters when we travel (my favorites are a trio of flavors we bought at Chelsea Market in New York), which makes this drink easy, cheap, and fun to experiment with.

Thanks so much for sharing your favorite healthy recipes, Courtney! Want to share what healthy means to you? See how here.

If you're a frequent shopper of the Starbucks online store, then I have some bad news for you. The coffee franchise's e-store — which sells everything from mugs, coffee brewers, and espresso makers to coffee, tea, and beverage syrups — is closing its doors forever as of October 1.

But it's not all bad news: The shutdown means there will be an unprecedented clearance sale online.

Starbucks merchandise will be discounted up to 50 percent off until the first of October. Discounted items include stainless steel Fair Isle Tumblers, glass Soma water bottles, the Red Quilted Double Wall Traveler, and coffee-making equipment. The company will reportedly update availability while inventory lasts.

Here are some of our favorite picks from the sale.

Why is Starbucks parting ways with its online store? A spokesperson told Business Insider that the company is working on "amplifying Starbucks as a must-visit destination. Continued integration of these digital and mobile customer connections into our store experience is among the highest priorities for us, and to enhance that focus we've looked for ways to simplify our current efforts."

As for what's next, the spokesperson told Business Insider the company will be prioritizing "commercial partnerships" with digital companies.

"These partnerships, we believe, will enable us to leverage our brand, our global retail footprint, and the customer base in order to extend our reach," CEO Kevin Johnson said in a call with investors last month.

If you're a renter, there may be a lot you don't like about your current kitchen, but you don't necessarily have the resources (or permission!) to changes things up. Your options? You either live with things as-is or you get creative and craft a space that works for you, makes the most of what you have, and doesn't break any of your landlord's rules.

Want to do the latter? Check out how these 10 renters made the most of their kitchens.

1. They add storage wherever they can.

To make their 225-square-foot New York City apartment more livable, Courtney Duffey and her carpenter boyfriend DIY'd this toe kick drawer. You may need to get permission from your landlord before you do this, but it's hard to imagine a landlord who will say no to extra storage.

2. They colorblock their cabinets.

If you have old cabinets, your landlord will probably be pretty cool with letting you paint them. Instead of a standard paint job, Philip transformed the wood cabinetry in his Boston apartment with a coat of inky black paint "dipped" halfway up the length of the doors.

3. They bounce around the light.

In Maggie and Lucas' Manhattan apartment, the two creatively minded professionals hung a mirror over a mini work station. Even though they have two decently sized windows in the kitchen, the mirror helps to reflect the light. Why? The more light, the bigger a space will feel.

4. They buy a moveable island.

Blogger Lee Tilghman outfitted the kitchen of her Los Angeles apartment with a small butcher block island. It wasn't exactly a perfect fit for the kitchen, but the two tiers add storage and the wheels allow for it to be rolled out of the space when company comes.

5. They steal space from other rooms.

When Danielle moved into her Montreal apartment, she couldn't help but be slightly embarrassed by her small, old kitchenette. Now, though, we're totally jealous of it. She brilliantly stole some space from the adjacent room to extend her countertop and create a bigger work area.

6. They hang a pot rack.

With limited cabinet space, California renter Kym Pesola took her pot-and-pan collection to new heights with a hanging pot rack over her butcher block counter. Get a pot rack that hangs from the wall instead of the ceiling if you're worried about patching the holes when you leave.

7. They build their own pantry.

Blogger Michelle Lopez and her partner Erlend (along with their cat, Penny), call a cozy 750-square-foot apartment in Brooklyn their home. An avid baker, Michelle needed a spot to store all her equipment and ingredients. The solution? Three tiers of exposed shelving housing all her pantry staples.

8. They hang bright art.

Design-savvy North Carolina renter Kate Sykes added a dose of color and charm to her all-white kitchen with a piece of ruby-red art over her sink. While the kitchen isn't necessarily the first place you'd think of for your favorite screen prints, it is one of the highest-trafficked areas in your home — so why not? It's especially fun if you don't have a window over your sink and you want something to look at while you do the dishes.

9. They use their cabinets as a bookshelf.

New York couple Tucker and Adam utilized the top of cabinets in their open-concept kitchen as a storage space for some of their massive book collection. The look is practical and charming.

10. They pile in the plants.

The quickest way to make an apartment feel like home is to add a slew of greenery. It brings instant life to any space — especially a kitchen, as evidenced by the bright and lively Chicago apartment of Joe and Kim Klomes.

Are you a renter? What sort of brilliant storage or decorating ideas have you come up with for your kitchen?

I am all about taking cooking shortcuts in the kitchen. There are a lot of websites out there that will tell you that you should take your time in the kitchen, or that grocery shortcuts means you're not really "cooking," but when it's Wednesday night and it's late and I'm hungry, there's nothing that makes me feel like a smarter cook than relying on shortcuts to help me make dinner faster (and with less stress).

I have no shame in buying pre-cut butternut squash during the fall, or store-bought salsa for my breakfast tacos. I love that I don't have to bust out my stand mixer to make fresh whipped cream (use a Mason jar!) or that the fastest way to peel a mango is with a drinking glass. But there's one kitchen shortcut that I refuse to give into — one shortcut that I truly think will not benefit you or your cooking in the slightest — and that's store-bought minced garlic.

Listen, I get it, prepping garlic — especially when you only need one clove — can seem like a total waste of time. First you have to peel back all the layers, which can be totally frustrating, and then you have to run your chef's knife up and down the clove like a mad woman. The minced garlic can be sticky on the knife and your hands, and just ugh.

But here's the thing: There really is no substitute for the fresh stuff. Freshly minced garlic has a totally different flavor than the stuff that comes in the jar. It's the difference between a dish that's bright and flavorful and has a kick to it, and something that just, well, lacks in all of the above. The stuff in a jar always looks so sad and lifeless whenever I spot it in a kitchen fridge. Instead of being bright white, it's usually this sad yellow color. It had so much potential! So much life to give! It's not worth the two minutes you might save. You're honestly better off just not adding minced garlic at all to a dish than to use the stuff in a jar.

Do you mince your own garlic or do you rely on the store-bought stuff? Let us know in the comments!

Your dish rack is perhaps the most utilitarian thing you have in your kitchen. It's not particularly pretty, but it's functional and prevents you from having to spend time drying dishes, pots, and pans after you've already spent time washing them.

Simply put: Nobody is over the moon about their dish rack. Unless, of course, they have the Cadillac of dish racks — this one from Home Basics (which is on sale on Amazon right now for nearly 30 percent off).

Featuring two tiers, you can fit way more dishes in the rack without having them become a jumbled mess (which can lead to breakage). The top tier has dedicated dividers for plates, while the bottom tier is open — perfect for pots, pans, or bowls. Either side has slots for cups and glasses and a bin for utensils.

Available in white, black, and red, having this guy in your kitchen might just get you excited to wash dishes. Might.

If you're a fan of a clean, streamlined aesthetic, and you haven't heard of Muji, prepare to suddenly want to buy a lot of things. Founded in 1980 in Japan, the brand sells a variety of goods, from clothing and accessories to organizational gear and furniture. The name, which translates as "no-brand quality goods," is the perfect description of the brand — the materials are top-notch and the products are timeless and simplistic (but still super stylish). And the best part? The price points are reasonable, meaning you can pick up a ton of goodies for your home without breaking the bank.

Before you start browsing around the site (something you'll want to do for sure!), check out some of our top picks of kitchen goodies.

1. Denim Cotton Shoulder Strap Apron, $39: You'll look like a professional chef in this over-the-shoulder denim apron, which could have come right out of an edgy Brooklyn kitchen. We just have one question: Is it okay to wear it as a dress?
2. Heatproof Square Dishware, $24: Muji has stacks and stacks of all-white dinnerware and serving pieces. We love the clean, sleek lines of this simple baker.
3. Linen Pot Holder, $11: This oh-so-pretty oatmeal linen pot holder is a great way to protect your table from hot dishes while still keeping up appearances for company.
4. Ceramic Grater, $18: A textured ceramic grater is an easy (finger-safe!) way to grate bulbs of garlic or pieces of garlic. Plus, in a pretty eggshell blue, this one won't look too shabby sitting out on your countertop when not in use.
5. Glass, $3: This glass can hold a little more than nine ounces, making it perfect for cocktails, water, or fresh juice.
6. Acrylic Water Pot, $12: Infuse your water with lemon, cucumber, or a slew of berries in this acrylic pitcher, which comes with a built-in strainer.
7. Acacia Bowl, $28: Not only is this bowl beautiful, but it's also much less expensive than other acacia bowls on the market.
8. Reversible Portable Organizer in Blue Stripe, $15: This oversized bag, which boasts individual pockets and a reversible interior, is ideal for a Saturday trip to the farmers market or a picnic in the park.
9. Oak Table, $620: In a gorgeous light wood, this streamlined dining table will fit into small apartments or a cozy breakfast nook.
10. Pop-Up Toaster, $95: Even Muji's toaster is a sleek piece of art. Here's one small appliance we wouldn't mind leaving out on the counter.

What are you eyeing?

If you're into green cleaning like me, you probably think of vinegar as a magical elixir that will easily and cheaply clean anything in your home. Not quite. Don't despair, vinegar is still a home care star, but there are a few places where you shouldn't be using the tangy stuff.

Hardwood floors

Sealed hardwood should only be cleaned with either soap and water or dry dusted to polish them up. Vinegar will erode the sealant and cause your floors to look dingy, not shiny and clean.

Granite countertops

Acids don't mix with natural stones like granite, marble and soapstone. It can cause pitting and make them lose their shine so stick to a regular old weak soap and water solution to wipe off grease and grime.

Washing machine or dishwasher

Using vinegar in a wash cycle is common advice, but it's a gamble. Vinegar may get the metal parts of your appliances sparkling, but apparently it's murder on the rubber hoses and connectors that make your machines function. So what should you use instead? According to this Garden Web forum, liquid fabric softener is the surprising answer but we haven't tried this one so test at your own risk.

Kitchen knives

If your expensive knife blades are made of carbon steel then they shouldn't be exposed to an acid like vinegar but instead cleaned with soap and water and oiled to prevent rust. Note: some people want to encourage a patina on their blades as protection (read more about that at Sur la Table) and specifically use vinegar to cause the black color to emerge, but if you want to keep your knife like new, acids are to be avoided.

Are you still loving vinegar or have you experienced a vinegar fail? Tell us!

Re-edited from a post originally published 7.29.2015 - TW

The only thing better than a slow cooker chicken dinner is one that's cooked on a bed of tender red potatoes, then tossed with a buttery lemon sauce that's punched up with briny capers. This piccata will win your heart not only for its bold layers of flavor, but also for how simple it is to pull together.

A Slow Cooker Meal for the Weekend

There are some set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meals where we can go to sleep or dash out the door to work, and let it simmer away for upwards of eight to 10 hours. Chicken, though, doesn't care for quite so much time in the slow cooker. This meal comes together in about four hours, making it an especially good choice for weekend slow cooking. It's the kind of dinner I lean on when I don't want to turn on the stove or don't have the time to cook a hands-on meal, but want a meal that's comforting and nourishing.

A French Trick for a Thicker Sauce

The shining star of piccata is, of course, the signature briny sauce. The flavors blend and build during the hours in the slow cooker, but the sauce remains thin and soupy. To create the velvety sauce we expect from piccata, we're borrowing a French technique called beurre manie. It sounds fancy, but it's nothing more than equal parts flour and softened butter that's rubbed together. When whisked into the bubbling sauce and cooked, it creates a wonderfully thick and lush sauce.

Target already has a cult following of consumers who love the one-stop shop for everything from decor and beauty to clothing and food. Now the food aisle is going to get a lot more alluring to those who are 21 or older. Target is entering the alcoholic beverage market with an exclusive line of wines.

The line, called California Roots, will be on the market September 3 at more than 1100 Target stores around the country. What are they like? Target says "carefully crafted with premium, California-grown grapes," as per the company's press release. The line will feature five variations: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a red blend.

Chardonnay: Target describes this bottle, which pairs with artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread, as "lush tropical fruit flavors and a bright finish will transport you to a warm, sunny day at the farmers market."

Pinot Grigio: Of this Pinot Grigio, Target says "vibrant citrus and tropical fruit flavors let you enjoy the fresh, easygoing feeling of summer any time of the year." Pair it with crisp green salads and fresh fish.

Moscato: Described to have "delicate aromas and creamy peach and melon flavors," this Moscato is best paired with berries.

Cabernet Sauvignon: Recommended to be consumed with rib-eye steak, this bottle is described to feature "juicy cherry flavors, hints of oak, and graceful finish."

Red blend: Boasting "smooth berry and cherry flavors with hints of spice," this red blend is best paired with wild mushroom pasta and grilled vegetables.

True to Target's price point, the wines are affordable — they're $5 a bottle.

"We're out to give our guests even more reasons to love Target — including exclusive products they can't find anywhere else," says Jeff Burt, senior vice president of food and beverage, in a statement.

Lots of people believe in spring cleaning, but I think it's just as important to clean as you head into fall. Why? Because you're phasing out the summer stuff (Popsicle molds, melamine dinnerware, etc.) and getting ready for a nesting period, during which you're more likely to entertain at home, cook heartier meals, and generally be inside more — only to be annoyed by clutter and messes. And if you're lucky, you've spent almost every weekend of the last three months at the beach or pool instead of inside cleaning the house, so the kitchen has probably gotten a little grimy.

But let's be honest — you don't want to waste your last holiday weekend of the summer! With that in mind, here's our efficient plan for getting the kitchen up to date — in just one day.

1. De-junk the fridge.

Especially when you're gone every weekend, old food and mostly used condiments tend to build up in the fridge. Take 30 minutes to declutter the fridge now (you don't have to Kon-Mari it, but you could!), then wipe down the shelves and handles to get it sparkling.

2. Pack up seasonal items.

If your grilling gear, drink koozies, and cooler rarely see the light of post-Labor Day, take the time now to give them a deep clean, dry them off, and pack them up in your seasonal storage area (I'm guessing the basement, garage, or attic?). And give your grill a good clean, too — you'll be grateful come Memorial Day next year!

3. Disinfect your surfaces.

You may regularly wipe down your countertops and stovetop, but now's a good time to disinfect the spots that might not get a regular scrub, like the far corners of the countertops, cabinet doors and knobs, the sink, the faces of your appliances, and inside the refrigerator and microwave.

4. Wash those windows.

The days are getting shorter, so you need every ounce of sunlight you can get! Grab your microfiber cloth and vinegar-water mixture and give them a scrub.

See the steps: How To Wash a Window

5. Deep-clean the rest of your appliances.

Run a vinegar mixture through your dishwasher to remove built-up gunk (or use Lemonade Kool-Aid if you're in a pinch). And yes, you should clean your oven now too. Even if you didn't use it much over the hot, hot summer.

6. Clean the floors.

Give your floors a sweep, then scrub them with your favorite commercial cleaner or a vinegar-water solution. Start by pulling out any appliances you can to get behind them, then tuck them back in and work your way out from the farthest corner to the entryway.

And you're done! Pour yourself a glass of wine and consider ordering takeout for dinner, so you don't undo all the work you just did!

Will you be cleaning this weekend? The whole kitchen or just a few areas here and there?

The sweetest, most flavor-packed tomatoes of summer are hitting the market in full force, and that means one thing: It's caprese time! This summer I'm taking my tomato, basil, and mozzarella love affair beyond the salad bowl into comfort-food territory, and I recommend you join me. With gooey melted cheese, bright summer tomatoes, and sweet basil, this is the ultimate way to indulge in caprese.

The Cheesiest Way to Get Your Fill of Caprese

This summer-inspired comfort food starts with sharp white cheddar in a nod to classic mac and cheese, then ups the ante with an Italian twist. A big handful of shredded mozzarella leaves the luxe sauce extra gooey, while Pecorino brings subtle salty undertones.

This mac and cheese is rich, although it stops short of being overwhelming. It's summer, after all. The juicy, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil are what make caprese so irresistible, and the same is true here. Together they add a layer of bright freshness that keeps this mac and cheese balanced.

Have you ever had a Scotcheroo? The recipe — which calls for Rice Krispies, light corn syrup, sugar, chocolate, and butterscotch chips — was originally printed on the back of a Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal box, and it's been a favorite ever since. The no-bake treat is chewy, crispy, sweet, and salty all at once. While you can't beat the flavor of a true Scotcheroo, this healthier version comes pretty close.

This recipe for Scotcheroos only calls for four main ingredients: maple syrup, brown rice cereal, all-natural unsalted peanut butter, and dairy-free dark chocolate chips. You'll also want some flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top at the end!

The maple syrup replaces the usual sugar and corn syrup, and the brown rice cereal is swapped in for the traditional Rice Krispies. For the peanut butter, look for one with only dry-roasted peanuts listed as an ingredient — avoid those with added oils or sugar. Using dark chocolate chips here also adds a level of complexity and slight bitterness that really seals the deal.

Whether you're serving these as an after-school snack for your kids or for dessert at your next book club meeting, everyone is sure to love this updated take on the classic treat.

Seattle is undoubtedly a city of neighborhoods, from the shady streets of Pioneer Square, to the cozy cafés in Capitol Hill, to the family-friendly brick streets of Ballard, to all the mini neighborhoods in between. It's in those little corners that you'll find the city's most amazing food — the delicious evidence that Seattle's become a cornerstone of the national food scene.

Here are my favorite neighborhoods, and what I can't miss when I'm there.

1. Ballard

Vibe: Super family-friendly, great coffee shops for reading or chatting, cute boutiques.

Since it's close to where I live, I spend part of every day in Ballard, working in cozy coffee shops, eating with friends and family, and getting my day-to-day errands done. I park with a laptop at Caffe Umbria or Anchored Ship, shop along historic Ballard Avenue (don't miss the new Filson store), or huddle over Thai noodles at Pestle Rock. I love browsing at Secret Garden Books and a jewelry boutique called Curtis Steiner.

Read more: This Seattle Neighborhood Will Make You Very Hungry

2. Capitol Hill

Vibe: Hip young things, great music venues and restaurants, Seattle's best gayborhood.

I start with British-inspired stuffed doughnuts at General Porpoise (my advice: go for a fruity filling, like blackberry jam or grapefruit curd). After dusting the sugar off my face in time for lunch, I hit Café Presse, where I usually order a simple salade verte to tide me over while I wait for the roast chicken. I also love dinner at Stateside, where Vietnamese staples are twisted and turned to fabulous effect.

3. Downtown

Vibe: Suits and tourists, great landmarks.

While you'll find most of the city's hotels downtown — for the best views, check out the Thompson Seattle or the Four Seasons, but for a bit less cash, go for the Palladian or the Ace Hotel — it's not a place locals tend to hang out unless they're shopping or hitting Pike Place Market. However, if you want a base that launches you right into sights like the Space Needle, the Museum of Pop Culture ("MoPOP"), Seattle Center, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Monorail, it's where you want to be. My favorites? Donuts any time of day at Top Pot (check out the library upstairs), lunch at Le Pichet, and dinner at Sushi Kashiba (go early).

4. Georgetown

Vibe: Repurposed industrial spaces, edgy galleries, great brunch spots.

Under the giant red "R" you might have seen on your way in from the airport (it's the landmark neon sign over the old Rainier brewery building that announces Georgetown to passersby) you'll find the revamped industrial 'hood that houses two of my brunch favorites: Sisters and Brothers (get the Nashville hot chicken, obviously) and Fonda la Catrina (huevos divorciados, every time). It's fun to wander through the galleries — hit Fantagraphics to browse the graphic novel collection — and have dinner at the Corson Building to celebrate something special.

5. Pioneer Square

Vibe: One of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, historic buildings.

Pioneer Square is where I take visitors when I want to eat and shop for food at the same time. We start at Elm Coffee, where in warm weather I'm a huge fan of the iced espresso and tonic. I love wandering down Occidental Avenue, popping into the London Plane for lunch or just to shop for flowers, dishes, and pie crust, and into Rain Shadow Meats for cuts of sustainably sourced meat I can't buy anywhere else. (And yes, okay, I've been known to look at shoes at Clementines.)

Did I miss anything from your list? Share in the comments!