How many times have you attempted to make a "simple" recipe and ended up using all the pots and tools you have in your kitchen? There are so many recipes out there that look simple enough to make or even promise to be no-fuss, but then you're left with a pile of dishes that take you just as long to clean as it took you to cook. The Onion has taken notice of this annoyance, and created a video that I think just about everyone will relate to.

Here at Kitchn we have just as little time as anyone else to get a good, wholesome meal on the table that everyone will love. One-pot meals and sheet pan suppers are a great way to get lots of things done with very little hands-on work. These dinner standbys, however, get turned into a fussier affair thanks to the little things. Do you have to cook something on the stove and then transfer it to the oven in a different dish? Or as the video suggests, do you have to pre-sautée some garlic or roast potatoes with a different spice?

This video from The Onion that was posted to their Facebook perfectly describes my sentiments to many other quick weeknight meal recipes. I'm also dying to know where she kept a whole salmon in her fridge!

Want some truly one-pot or one pan dinners to add to your weeknight or weekend arsenal? Check out some of my favorite recipes below.

One-Pot Recipes

Sheet Pan Dinners

For the last 20 years, we've watched the same classic holiday commercial for M&Ms. You know the one I'm talking about, where Red and Yellow sneak downstairs to put red and green M&Ms besides the milk and cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. But, to their surprise, the duo stands face-to-face with the jolly man. Both Santa and Red M&M are so shocked that one another is "real" that they both faint and fall flat on the floor.

But what happens to Yellow, who's simply standing there dumbfounded with a bowl of the candy-coated chocolates? We've never known. That is, until now.

This week, the candy brand finally released a sequel to what's arguably its most watched ad of all time. In the 90-second spot, we watch as Yellow decides to step in for Santa and save Christmas — of course not without his fair share of bumps and hurdles along the way. Like kicking presents off the sleigh onto doorsteps and on top of cars, setting off alarms and tipping over trampolines.

The worst fail is at North Pole Mission Control, where the elves realize a tad too late that Yellow has delivered all the wrong gifts to everyone, giving a massive family-size toaster to a tween and a pair of shiny pink pumps to an elderly man. One little girl even asks her parents, "Who's Tommy?" after reading the gift tag. As the rest of the neighborhood wakes up, they begin finding each other and exchanging presents to the right recipient, putting people in a cheery mood and, as M&Ms says, discover "the true meaning of the holidays."

It's a hilarious and feel-good clip that you really don't want to miss — especially when you feel like reminiscing about Christmases past.

What do you think of the ad? Let us know in the comments!

We here at Kitchn believe that the very best gifts are of the edible sort, so today we're sharing all our favorites — and we mean all! There are soft gingerbread cookies to send in the mail and rosé gummies to share with your BFF. New moms will be thankful for a big jar of DIY instant mac and cheese, and anyone would be happy to find some vanilla-scented nut clusters under the tree.

Cookies & Bars

If you're planning on mailing sweet treats this holiday season, bar cookies and sturdy biscotti travel well and hold up beautifully.

Candies

The gift of something sweet has a special way of bringing a smile to anyone's face.

Brittle and Chocolate Bark

Whether it's topped with chopped peppermint candies, pretty rose petals, or cookie pieces, chocolate bark is easy to make and the most excellent gift for any chocolate-lover in your life.

Other Sweet Treats

Packaged up in a nice jar with pretty ribbon, flavored sugars and sauces make a wonderful hostess gift. They're also easy to make in big batches.

Nuts and Popcorn

You can't go wrong with the gift of snacks, whether you go savory, sweet, or a combo of both. Nuts and popcorn are also a great choice when your list of gift recipients runs long.

Granola

Granola is one of my favorite foods to gift. There are so many different variations out there that I know I can find one that's just right for everyone on my list.

Other Savory Gifts

For anyone who's not really into sweets, these thoughtful items are simple yet fun and creative.

Infusions, Cocktail Mixers, and Other Drinks

Surprise your cocktail-enthusiast friend with a fun homemade twist for her bar cart.

Your turn — what are your favorite homemade and edible holiday gifts?

It'd sure be nice if you could just say, "Alexa, do all the things for me," right? While she can't go to work for you or peel a bag of potatoes, Alexa can lend a helping hand with mostly everything in the home — especially in the kitchen.

Here are 10 surprising ways you can put an Alexa-enabled device to work when your hands are deep in a homemade dough, or you're chopping away for Sunday sauce.

1. She can play music.

What does music have to do with kitchen tasks? Truthfully, more than you realize. Music can energize your time in the kitchen, mellow it out, or simply keep you company. Use Alexa to access your favorite tunes while you prep and cook. No need to get your phone dirty or wet when you want to change a track or turn up the volume. Tip: Use a spatula as a microphone while you're at it.

2. She can pick a recipe.

Looking for a great eggplant parm recipe? Or a cozy minestrone? Skip the endless online searching and simply let Alexa do the work. Ask her for a recipe for a specific dish and get to work.

3. She can help you use up leftovers.

Not sure what to do with that random leek left in the fridge? Or that container of couscous? Ask Alexa how to use a specific ingredient and she'll recommend a recipe for it. She'll follow up to check if you'd like more information or more recipes for that ingredient (ratings included).

4. She can make you a shopping list.

As soon as you realize you're at the end of a jar or you just used up that last onion, tell Alexa to add it to your list. The list is then stored on the app in the lists section. Can't remember what's already on it? Just ask her to repeat what's on the list.

5. She can educate you.

Not entirely sure what a watermelon radish is? Perhaps harissa rings a bell but you're wondering where you can buy it? Or maybe it's a house divided between vegetarians and carnivores and you're wondering if Worcestershire is vegetarian-friendly. Need gluten-free recipes? Just ask, and Alexa will teach.

6. She can set a timer.

Do yourself a favor and always set a timer. Not only will this keep you from burning anything in the oven, but it will also ensure your pasta (and many other things!) are cooked just right. Just ask Alexa to set a timer and you won't have to mess up the control panel on your oven.

7. She can do measurement conversions.

Picture this: You're excited for a day of baking and, as you're holding your measuring cups, you realize the recipe is mostly in ounces. Ask Alexa to convert the measurements into cups for you and you won't have to do any of the hard math.

8. She can help with calorie counts.

We all do it once in a while. Whether for health reasons, weight loss, or whatever your need, Alexa can help with counting your calories. Just ask how many calories are in a cup of Greek yogurt or a chicken breast, for example.

9. She can help you sub ingredients.

If you find yourself lacking an ingredient or three, ask Alexa to pull up Ingredient Sub, a handy tool that helps you figure out what you can use instead.

10. She can help you clean up.

Okay, she won't actually do the dishes (rude!), but she can help you determine the best way to store an ingredient. Should those leftover lemon wedges go in the fridge? Just ask her.

How else do you use Alexa in the kitchen?

Every year, my husband and I throw a cookie party over the holidays. It's actually a long-standing family tradition — my sister and I used to do it together, when we lived at home, and now do it separately in our own homes. Typically, I take off the day before the big event and spend hours baking (my sister prefers to do her baking in batches and freeze the cookies). And you'd think that after throwing this party for more than 15 years, I'd have the baking down, but the truth is that every year I burn at least one batch of cookies.

I guess that's why I write about cleaning, not baking? Luckily, I've figured out the best steps to clear the air after a burned batch.

While freshly baked cookies smell amazing, burnt ones smell terrible, and the smell can really permeate every corner of your home. Fortunately, my years of subpar baking have taught me an important skill: how to get rid of burnt cookie smells.

How To Get Rid of Burnt Cookie Smells

What You Need

• Vent fan or stand-alone fan
• Dish soap
• Scrubby sponge
• Surface cleaner & cloth
• Pot
• Vinegar, lemon, apple cider or wine, oranges, cinnamon, and/or cloves
• Febreze, baking soda, or other odor eliminator for fabrics

Instructions

1. Set up a fan: Get some air circulating! Open the windows, turn on the vent fan, and bring in a fan to get the smoky air out and fresh air in. Open the oven to let the smoky air escape.
2. Toss the burnt cookies: Throw the burnt cookies into the garbage, and take the garbage out. All those burnt cookies will continue to add to the burnt cookie smell as long as they're in your kitchen!
3. Wash your cookie sheet: Clean your cookie sheet with your regular dish soap and scrubby sponge to remove any remaining burnt bits.
4. Wipe down your counters: Spray your countertops with your preferred surface cleaner and wipe them down to remove any burnt particles that may have settled. (They're there, even though you can't see them!) Give the area around the oven (the cabinets and burners) a swipe, too.
5. Make a quick DIY air freshener: Boil something that smells good to start replacing the scent that's wafting in your kitchen. The easiest thing is to pour some vinegar into water and boil that, but it's slightly more pleasant to slice up lemons and boil them in water to get citrusy steam circulating (leave it boiling for about half an hour). If you're feeling extra-festive, consider it an excuse to start mulling some apple cider or wine with oranges, cinnamon, and cloves to drink later.
6. Freshen up upholstery: If the smell has spread to other rooms, tackle your fabric surfaces, as they're most likely to absorb odors. Spray on an odor eliminator like Febreze or sprinkle baking soda onto surfaces, let it sit for half an hour, and then vacuum it up.

If you thought boozy Dole Whip was the best thing to hit Disney's whimsical menu, then you may want to sit down for this news. To welcome the new season, the most magical place on earth has just dropped not one, but three spiked cocoas just in time for the holidays.

Arriving at Dockside Diner and Fairfax Fare at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida, the brand new, boozed-up hot chocolates are part of the park's Flurry of Fun celebration. They include a rich hot chocolate martini made with whipped cream-flavored vodka, a decadent black-cherry bourbon hot chocolate, and a sweet-and-savory Bailey's salted caramel cocoa.

Each drink can be ordered individually for about $9, or as a flight (three smaller versions) for about $11. But honestly, where's the fun in ordering just one? Especially when there's also a Peppermint White Russian, a Winterberry Cooler, and the Let It Glow concoction (a mix of vodka, blue-raspberry carbonated slush, and a glowing ice cube) at nearby eateries and bars around Echo Lake.

While you're there, you can also score red velvet whoopie pies — in the shape of a mini tree! — and gingerbread cookie pops with Mickey ears, of course. All of these treats are so festive, they'll get even your grinchy-est family members into the holiday spirit.

What's your favorite way to drink hot chocolate during the holiday season? Let us know in the comments!

The best holiday gifts are the ones that people would never think to buy for themselves. Or maybe they have thought of the idea, but couldn't justify spending the money. This is where you come in!

The gifts on this list are in no way necessary to own, but they sure are nice to have.

1. Cheese Knife and Fork Set, $45 at Opinel: This set is like a turkey carver but for cheese. Fun, right? You can even get it engraved for an extra $6.
2. Plat Culinary Tote, $68 at Àplat: Help your BFF get her casseroles to cookbook club in style (and in one piece) with this canvas carrier.
3. Plywood Tablet Stand, $19 at Brook Farm General Store: Know someone who likes to follow recipes on her iPad while she cooks? This simple piece of plywood will make her efforts much easier.
4. White and Speckled Ring Dish + Gold, $22 at The Object Enthusiast: Give this earthenware dish to your married friends and they'll have a place to keep their rings while they wash dishes. That circle is real 22-karat gold, of course.
5. Skillet Grip, $24 at Jay Teske Leather Co.: For the cook who is totally obsessed with her cast iron skillet, this leather grip slides right over hot handles for easy (and safe!) transporting from oven to table.
6. Spoon Rest, $20 at Rachael Pots: We're big fans of using a spoon rest in the kitchen. A small plate will work just fine, but surely someone in your life deserves the real thing.
7. Sponge Tray, $32 at Human Crafted: For the person who's been sending you articles all year about how gross sponges can be. This concrete tray is naturally absorbent and the perfect place for sponges to rest between washing sessions.
8. Rosa Meal Planner Notepad, $15 at Rifle Paper Co.: Sure, your aunt could use a random scrap of paper (or even her phone) to meal plan, but she'd have more fun doing it with this flowery, 52-page notepad.
9. Dressed-Up Dustpan, $29 at Uncommon Goods: The sleekest dustpan we've ever seen. Whoever the lucky recipient is will be all swept up with excitement.
10. Yellow Triangle Mitt & Potholder Set, from $26 at Minted: Our favorite stationery and table linen site (seriously, have you seen their napkins and placemats?) is now making potholders. Honestly, we'd even wear these as gloves outside!

Does this cold weather already have you feeling dark and gloomy? Wish you could stay inside and cook up all kinds of soups, stews, and wintery menus until the sun comes out? We hate to break it to you, but it's not even technically winter yet! Luckily, we do have a solution to help you warm up: Grab a blanket and take a look through these cozy kitchens.

1. A thrifty and retro kitchen

Filled with thrift store finds and pendants that were gifts from friends, this Australian kitchen has lots of stories to tell. The earthy palette and brick-clad island lend to the room's warmth. Plus, plaid is basically the coziest pattern of all!

2. A rustic farmhouse kitchen with fireplace

This dog has the right idea — that's where we'd be too, if we were allowed in this kitchen by David Michael Miller. We're not sure what we love the most: the fireplace, the table, the exposed beams, or all of the above.

3. A giant, welcoming kitchen

Normally, we'd associate the word "cozy" with a smaller, more intimate kitchen. But designer Summer Thornton's use of warm woods, gold and brass hardware, and the logs over the nearby fireplace manages to keep this large space feeling down to earth — and downright welcoming.

4. A not-so-tiny kitchen in a tiny home

Once you've seen the kitchen that Portland designer Jessica Helgerson created for her family's former tiny home on Sauvie Island, you'll never forget it. The 540-square-foot house has a super fascinating history that dates back to the early 1940s, and the shiplap surfaces and wood-paneled backsplash keep the kitchen unique and full of character. Plus, there's an old-school fireplace to keep toes toasty throughout the winter months.

5. A gray and colorful kitchen

Open shelving. Colorful ceramics. Hanging copper pots. A Farmhouse sink. Charcoal cabinetry. Greenery. The kitchen inside this London flat definitely reaches cozy status. One of the owners is a travel writer and stylist, and the home displays mementos she's found along the way, helping to give the flat its charming appeal. (Side note, never underestimate the power of artwork in a kitchen.)

6. A pretty, pink retreat

Say what you will about millennial pink — we love it. Jersey Ice Cream Co. designed this scrumptious kitchen with Skye McAlpine of From My Dining Table and washed the walls in a sweet pink hue. With open shelving overflowing with jars of three million types of flour, you just know something good is being baked here. Between that, the pretty palette, and vintage furnishings, this is a perfect spot to hide from winter and sip hot chocolate.

7. A winter white kitchen

Designer Elizabeth Ingram is known for her restaurant work, so it's no surprise that even a private kitchen would be a feast for the eyes. The gleaming white backdrop lends a modern take on a dreamy winter wonderland, and the island feels like the perfect spot to gather for a drink in the comfort of your own home after playing in the snow. (That's a normal day for all of us, right?)

8. A comfy cottage kitchen

This cute and snug kitchen has tons of rustic charm, and even though there's a cabinet in the fireplace, rendering it unusable, the presence of the mantel still gets the job done.

9. Cozy kitchen renovation inspiration

Adrianna Adarme of A Cozy Kitchen wrote a book called The Year of Cozy, so a roundup of cozy kitchens wouldn't quite be complete without including something from her. She is currently renovating her own kitchen, and while the one pictured here isn't the end result, it's one of her go-to inspirational pics from Devol Kitchens. And we can see why — the pale sage green color and log ceiling beams have cozy written all over them.

10. A cozy kitchen that's also moody

In this kitchen by Meghan Pflug for One Kings Lane, an antique terracotta sink provides a beautiful contrast against a modern stainless dishwasher. The cabinet and wall color add to the moodiness while the rug keeps things soft underfoot.

Which one makes you want to stay in your PJs?

Technology used to be a word mainly used in the TV room, but lately smart tech has found its way into every room in the house — especially the kitchen. Now you can find programmable coffee machines and refrigerators that remind you that you need to buy milk.

It's all pretty cool — and really great if you're shopping for someone who can't get her fill of high-tech gadgets. Check out this list of awesome presents to make your loved one's kitchen (and brain) even smarter than ever.

1. Echo Show, $230: Alexa used to just talk to us. Now she comes with a screen, which can be used to play videos, track a shopping list, read recipes, and more.
2. FoodSaver System, $66: The FoodSaver you remember from those incessant infomercials has gotten a facelift, taking up less countertop space while still employing the same technology that vacuum-seals foods to keep them fresh.
3. Woods USB Plug Wall Tap, $12: Anyone who spends a ton of time in the kitchen will love this outlet adapter. It can charge an iPad and send juice to a stand mixer at the same time!
4. Nest Thermostat, $246: With the oven and stovetop going at once, kitchens can heat up quickly. The Nest Thermostat gives home cooks the ability to control the temperature with a phone or a voice command to an Alexa-enabled device.
5. ChefSteps Joule Sous Vide, $196: If your techy friend isn't already trying sous-vide cooking, she should be! And she should do it with this machine. It's small, sleek, and WiFi-enabled, pairing with a companion app that displays exactly how the food is doing. She'll get perfect results every time.
6. Wemo Mini Smart Plug, $30: For anyone who dreams of having a smart home but doesn't have the cash to completely rewire everything, this plug turns any appliance into a smart device.
7. iRobot Roomba, $300: Even the most fastidious chefs drop things on the floor while cooking, so the iRobot Roomba will be a welcome partner in the kitchen, automatically sucking up wayward bits and pieces and eliminating the need for post-dinner sweeping.
8. Sonos PLAYBAR, $699: Chip in with some other family members to get your sister this sound system, which pairs with Alexa to allow for hands-free commands. Just get a verbal agreement that she'll let you play your favorite song every time you visit.
9. Digital Measuring Cup & Scale, $26: The precise baker in your life will love this digital measuring cup and scale. It provides a digital read-out to ensure perfect measurements every time.
10. FitBit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker, $90: Cooking is hard work, and now your friend can prove it with this clip-on activity tracker. She can show how many steps she took, how far she walked, and how many calories she burned just trying to get dinner on the table.
11. Amazon Dash Wand with Alexa, $20: That friend who is constantly running out of important staples? She needs one of these wands to help her reorder stuff simply by scanning the barcode of whatever she needs.
12. Breville Smart Toaster Oven, $250: The mother of all countertop toaster ovens, this one has 10 preset functions that do everything from toasting to slow cooking.
13. Simple Human Sensor Trash Can, $150: A trash can might not seem like a great gift, but it is when it's from the covetable Simple Human brand. This little guy senses movement to automatically open the lid (and looks super handsome in the kitchen).
14. TileMate, $24: Bluetooth-enabled and tiny, the TileMate is a wireless tracker to make sure your mom never loses her iPad ever again. (Even though you know she almost always leaves it in the kitchen.)
15. Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden, $60: Gardening obsessives who hate to hang up their trowel during the winter months will love this indoor herb garden. Built-in technology monitors the soil content to ensure the plants get the right nutrients, and the device self-waters, so even those without a green thumb can grow plants successfully.
16. Awair Air Quality Monitor, $199: This device tracks toxins, dust, and CO2 levels, and even the temperature or the humidity. And it provides tips on how to make the air in the house even healthier.
17. Crock-Pot Smart Slow Cooker, $100: For anyone who loves the idea of a slow cooker but is nervous about leaving an appliance plugged in all day while the house is empty, this smart slow cooker is the perfect gift because it can be adjusted — or turned off entirely — through an app.
18. 8-Quart Instant Pot, $130: Believe it or not, there are still plenty of people who don't have an Instant Pot. Don't be friends with those people — or just get them their very own seven-in-one miracle machine.
19. OXO Glass Electric Kettle, $80: Cordless and beautifully designed, this kettle from OXO boils water quickly and is begging to be gifted to any and all tea-lovers.
20. Hiku Shopping Button, $44: Essentially an alternate version of the Amazon Dash Button, this Hiku Shopping Button allows users to scan barcodes and give voice commands to reorder groceries in a snap. It even has a magnet to keep it handy on the fridge.
21. Brita Infinity Smart Water Pitcher, $74: This Brita pitcher is like past versions, with one essential upgrade — it's WiFi-enabled and automatically reorders replacement filters whenever they're needed.
22. Thermos Hydration Bottle, $52: For your friend who always resolves to drink more water and never actually does. This Thermos bottle has a smart lid that actually keeps track of consumption and gives real-time read-outs on its companion app.
23. Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker, $45: Who doesn't want to wake up and know that coffee is already being brewed? This coffee maker can be programmed to make perfect coffee (bold and regular) at any time.
24. Fujifilm INSTAX Smart Phone Printer, $150: If your friend is obsessed with taking pictures of her food, she needs this sleek printer, which churns out high-quality copies for her to hang on her fridge.
25. Philips 60W Equivalent Dimmable LED Smart Bulb, $50 for four: Here's a bright idea — give this pack of smart light bulbs to the cook who's always complaining it's too dark in her kitchen. These can be paired with the Hue Bridge (sold separately) and can then be controlled remotely.

Boos cutting boards are the best in the biz, in part because the Illinois-based company has a 125-plus-year legacy to lean on and also because of their superior craftsmanship. It's why Boos cutting boards are preferred by professional chefs and savvy home cooks alike.

Luckily for you (and anyone on your holiday shopping list), this 24x18-inch maple reversible cutting board is on sale right now for just $70 (an incredibly good deal if you're familiar with how much Boos boards usually cost).

We featured a smaller one in one of our holiday gift guides and we will continue to do so until everyone we know has one — because these boards really are the best. Not only is this handsome guy on sale and reversible, but wooden cutting boards are also just better overall (they're more sanitary, eco-friendly, and easier on knife blades).

Read more: What's the Best Kind of Cutting Board: Plastic, Wood, or Bamboo?

Get one for your own kitchen and anyone on your list. It's extra fun to put under a tree because people will wonder if you bought them a pizza.

Boos cutting boards are the best in the biz, in part because the Illinois-based company has a 125-plus-year legacy to lean on and also because of their superior craftsmanship. It's why Boos cutting boards are preferred by professional chefs and savvy home cooks alike.

Luckily for you (and anyone on your holiday shopping list), this 24x18-inch maple reversible cutting board is on sale right now for just $70 (an incredibly good deal if you're familiar with how much Boos boards usually cost).

We featured a smaller one in one of our holiday gift guides and we will continue to do so until everyone we know has one — because these boards really are the best. Not only is this handsome guy on sale and reversible, but wooden cutting boards are also just better overall (they're more sanitary, eco-friendly, and easier on knife blades).

Read more: What's the Best Kind of Cutting Board: Plastic, Wood, or Bamboo?

Get one for your own kitchen and anyone on your list. It's extra fun to put under a tree because people will wonder if you bought them a pizza.

Itty bitty means you can eat more than a few of these brownie bites and no one will take a second glance. That's exactly the kind of treat we like to feature on our cookie plates and holiday dessert spreads. These are especially awesome because they also happen to be gluten-free, thanks to the exclusive use of almond flour. Almond flour makes treats extra fudgy and moist, like your favorite flourless cake, but in perfect two-bite portions.

Flourless Brownie Bites for the Holiday Season and Beyond

These brownie bites are something to make now and remember in the year to come, as they fit so many situations beyond the holiday season. They're a welcome addition to just about any party or gathering. And thanks to their one-bowl, easy-to-throw-together status, they even fit the bill on that random night midweek when you just desperately need something chocolatey.

And yet, they still do feel special enough to be an elite member of the holiday cookie plate — especially when they're dressed in festive muffin cups and dusted with powdered sugar.

I'm all about storing things based on how I use them. For example, I keep all of my coffee and tea things together, my cooking oils and vinegars on the same shelf, and my baking items all grouped together. I have always been pretty impressed with myself — and then I found one simple hack that made me feel a little silly. It was so simple and yet, I had never thought of it or seen it before.

Here's a hint: It involves temporary hooks and canisters.

The hack: Use an adhesive hook to hang a measuring cup from the back of your canisters. I love this idea for a few reasons.

1. It's convenient!

Most of us use our measuring cups for the same thing over and over — the one-cup measurer for flour, or the half-cup for oatmeal, for example. I've found I use my 1/3 cup size almost exclusively for making rice. So it just makes sense to store the cup with the ingredient you most often use it for; this way it's always handy.

And when it comes time to use that measuring cup for something else, it's easier to remember where it is by association, versus rummaging through a drawer to find out where it's wandered off to.

2. It's less germ-y.

When I was growing up, my mom always kept a measuring cup inside her flour canister. While we could always find it, you could pretty much only use it for flour, and your hands always got all flour-y when you reached in there. This solves that problem and reduces the risk of you spreading germs as you reach into your jar to pull out the measuring cup, too.

3. You're clearing up drawer space!

I find measuring cups particularly annoying to store in a drawer because they are an awkward shape and don't nest totally flat. At least, mine don't, and they're always sliding around getting their handles caught on something. If you hang your measuring cups on canisters instead, you're clearing precious drawer space for other small utensils and gadgets.

4. It's not permanent.

If you find you want to change up what you store in a canister, you can simply remove the hook and put it somewhere else.

5. It doesn't take up much space.

Considering that any baking canisters I've seen with integrated measuring cups seem to have bulky hanging mechanisms to keep them up there, this method is pretty streamlined.

Had you already thought of this? Will you try it? Tell us in the comments below!

Rich, tender challah bread is a treat on any day, but the distinctive braiding of the loaf might be something you're not quite ready to tackle. Instead, try these pull-apart challah rolls that are tender, rich with eggs, and baked in a regular baking dish.

Don't be deceived by their pretty appearance; there's actually no braiding involved when forming the rolls. In fact, if you can tie a knot, you can make these soft and pillowy rolls!

Keep It Cozy

Warmth is the key to getting a good rise on challah dough, so start with water that's the right temperature, and find a warm place in the house for the dough to rise. If your house veers on the cold side like mine, here's a tip: Heat a mug of water in the microwave for two to three minutes so that the inside of the microwave is nice and steamy, then place the bowl of dough inside. It does the trick every time!

If you're craving cheesy, carby goodness, you've come to the right place. This easy rotini with chicken cooks up in one pot and it's served with crispy bacon on top. Yeah, you're gonna want to make this tonight.

Since everything is made in the same skillet, you'll need to do some strategic cooking, starting with crisping up the bacon in the pan. After you set the crispy bacon aside, you can sauté some garlic right in that heavenly bacon grease before adding the chicken broth, milk, diced chicken (the author suggests rotisserie, but if you have some cooked chicken breast to use up, this is the perfect place to do it), dry pasta, a package of ranch seasoning, and salt and pepper.

You'll bring everything to a boil and cook until the pasta is perfectly al dente. And if that creamy sauce isn't enough, you then top the whole skillet with cheddar cheese and let it get nice and melted before sprinkling on the bacon and some fresh parsley.

Bring the whole skillet to the table and let everyone ooh and aah as you scoop out portions onto their plates. Serve with a simple green salad and dinner is done!

This may be the merriest time of year (the gifts, the parties, the family!), but it can also be the most stressful (the gifts, the parties, the family!). So, in between holiday shopping and cookie-baking sessions, why not take some time to plan your next vacation? The planning and the anticipation, it turns out, are likely to boost your happiness for up to eight weeks (i.e., just long enough to get you through the holiday season).

But where should you go? You could let the stars dictate your next vacation, or you could let us clue you into 10 European cities that you can actually afford.

1. Seville, Spain

The much-romanticized tales of Spain's flamenco dancers and bullfighters are alive and well in centuries-old Seville. Here, narrow streets host bustling, open-air markets meant for bartering, and countless tapas bars let you eat cheap all day, every day. Try the local delicacy, rabo el toro (bull's tail) — and then rest up for a night out during afternoon siesta.

An extremely walkable city, you won't need to dish out cash for cabs, and hotels rarely break $100 all year long; in fact, most well-rated rooms are ticketed at just $60 or $70 per night.

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest blends modern conveniences with ancient architecture, giving it the most unique mix of neoclassical, baroque, and art nouveau styles in Europe. And because Hungary doesn't pop up on travelers' lists as much, you can take full advantage of sites like Castle Hill or one of over 100 thermal springs without the crowds. Hop on the city's metro transit service, which is both reliable and cheap, and makes eating your way through the diverse restaurants and street carts — from traditional Hungarian to Mexican to authentic French — a cinch.

3. Cologne, Germany

Because of its position along the Rhine river, Cologne feels like you're in two countries at once: Germany and Switzerland. A number of self-guided outdoor activities means you won't be digging into your pockets during your stay: Stepping into the Gothic cathedral that survived WWII is a must, as is enjoying a pint (or three) of Kolsch beer and padding your belly with bratwurst at the eateries nestled inside every brewery.

The wine valley here is another obvious draw, but you would be remiss if you didn't venture out to the small villages that run along the Fuhlinger, Otto-Maigler, and Escher lakes, which even some of the most wanderlust travelers might not otherwise stumble on.

4. Athens, Greece

Greece's capital is where you'll catch some of the most iconic sites in all of Western Civilization — including the Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympeion, Agora, and the Panathenaic Stadium — for a bargain. When you're hungry, stick to smaller, hole-in-the-wall cafes and bars; any spot near major landmarks or with English menus out front will gouge you.

5. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal's coastal capital was the "it" destination this year, and with good reason — it's got charm aplenty, it's relatively free from the maddening tourist crowds, and it's easy (so, so easy) on the wallet. Flea markets are (ahem) swarming with bargains, a bottle of Vinho Verde will cost you around $3, and accommodations are highly competitive here, constantly slashing their prices to every budget visitors' delight.

Don't miss the pasteis de nata, egg custard tarts that you can find everywhere, but are worth seeking out at Pasteis de Belem or Manteigaria. And, if you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget, we strongly recommend booking an apartment at The Lisboans. To sweeten the deal, your room comes with a refrigerator stocked with staples like yogurt, ham, and cheese, and breakfast of pastries and orange juice is delivered daily.

It takes a bit of effort to get to Puglia, but once you're there you may never want to leave. Imagine: miles of Mediterranean coastline, groves of ancient olive trees, and whitewashed towns carved into hillsides, not to mention some of the most incredible seafood, pasta, and wine in the world.

The best way to experience it is probably to rent a house, shop at the local markets, and prepare yourself a feast with some of the finest ingredients you can imagine. But if you're more of a hotel person, affordable accommodations are plentiful — especially if you're willing to stay a bit inland.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

This Czech city is rising in popularity, but it's still somewhat of a hidden gem and an affordable option in the heart of Europe. The famous Charles Bridge connecting Old Town with Lesser Town is a must, as is the world's largest castle complex, where admission to all of its grounds — including the St. Vitus Cathedral — is free.

Hotels tend to run at a slightly higher price point than other cities on our list, however the access to cheap eats and brews is unbeatable. Sniff out street vendors for the best deals on bramboráky (potato pancakes) and ovocné knedlíky (fresh fruit and curd cheese dumplings) and wash it all down with a pilsner, which was invented here. Just be sure you stick to public transportation and avoid cabs when you can — they're known for overcharging.

8. Krakow, Poland

Krakow is truly one of the best bang-for-your-buck cities in all of Europe. Here, you can find three- and four-star hotels at the price of hostels in heavy-hitting cities like London. Busses and trains are well connected throughout the city and cost just a few dollars per day for unlimited rides, and the food is insanely cheap. To explore on a budget, start at the main square and join one of the many free walking tours to check everything off of your sight-seeing list, including Wawel Castle and the Bunker of Modern Art.

Second breakfast (yes, that's actually a thing) and tea time are quite popular here, so expect to be snacking on obwarzanek (thin, slightly sweet bagels) throughout the day. Plus, you can load up during lunch hours at cafeteria-style eateries (try maczanka, pork loin sandwiches doused in gravy, and oscypek smoked cheese) for just $3, and sit down to more formal dinners that will set you back about $6 per person — or $9 if you're sipping local lagers.

9. St. Petersburg, Russia

This east-meets-west city is home to both classically European public squares and narrow canals and distinctly Russian art and literature. And the exchange rate to the Russian ruble is extremely favorable, so your wallet will stay pretty padded no matter how many blini (sweet, stuffed crepes) you eat.

The only catch is that you need a visa from the Russian embassy or consulate before traveling, which adds about $150 to the cost of your trip; however, with flights and hotels at such low rates, you'll probably still come in under budget.

So you've never heard of Podgorica, but maybe it's about time you did? The capital of Montenegro is not on the tourist hit list — at least not yet — which means you can still find a super-local, off-the-beaten-track experience. For attractions, you've got the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, an Orthodox church with a stunning gold-and-mural-covered ceiling and walls; the cable-stayed, futuristic Millennium Bridge; and the artifact-filled Museum & Galleries of Podgorica. But it's really in the city's restaurants, bars, and cafes that you'll find that unusual urban experience that's so rare these days.

Did your favorite budget European destination make the list?