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How To

How to Throw a Cocktail Party Like You’ve Been Doing It for Years

Dim the lights, start the music, and most importantly: Don’t forget to hydrate.

Everything You Need for Perfectly Crispy Bacon in the Oven

Easy, mess-free path to your Goldilocks bacon starts with the oven. 

How to Thaw a Turkey Depending on How Much Time You Have

There’s the fast way, the better way—and one method that doesn’t require thawing at all.

Should You Make Homemade Vanilla Extract?

We talked to the experts.

How to Dry-Brine Turkey for the Juiciest Bird Ever

This super-easy, not-at-all messy brining method will deliver the juiciest Thanksgiving bird.

The Best Way to Keep Guacamole From Turning Brown

Does storing guacamole with the avocado pit actually keep it green?

6 Easy Ways to Keep Apples From Turning Brown

Stop a browning apple in its tracks with these easy tips.

Boost the Flavor of Your Cocktails With Oleo Saccharum

Bartenders love this classic 2-ingredient citrusy syrup.

How to Blanch Green Beans for Perfectly Snappy-But-Tender Veg

For crisp, never-squeaky green beans, start with this one step.

A Better Simple Syrup Recipe

What’s the trick to the best simple syrup? Never heat it up.

How to Make Brown Butter, the One-Ingredient Sauce That Makes Everything Better

Plus, how to substitute brown butter for melted butter in virtually any recipe.

The Best Ways to Soften Butter, According to a Baking Pro

From the overnight rest to three quick tricks, these methods for softening butter will get you baking—or even just buttering toast—whenever you’re ready.

How to Make Self-Rising Flour

Follow these steps for making self-rising flour at home—just make sure that it’s not self-raising flour that you want first, since, surprise: they’re not quite the same thing.

The Two-Ingredient Guide to Making Your Own Brown Sugar

Run out of brown sugar? Did your stash harden to an unusable brick? Never fear: You can make your own brown sugar in the blink of an eye.

The Best Way to Boil Eggs for Soft Yolks, Firm Yolks, or Any Yolk In-Between

Our foolproof method yields perfectly boiled eggs every time.

You Don’t Actually Have to Soak Beans Overnight

Armed with several pounds of pintos, we set out to debunk some of the most common bean myths, including the oft-asked question: do you actually have to soak beans?

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar—And the Absolute Best Ways to Use It

This magic pixie dust brings sweet-spiced flavor to everything it touches.

A Visual Guide to 13 Extremely Handy Knife Cuts

Follow this guide to chop, mince, and dice your way around the kitchen with confidence.

This One-Skillet Chicken and Biscuits Is a Lifesaver

The best parts of chicken pot pie join forces with stress-free drop biscuits in this easy dish.

If You Have 3 Ingredients and a Skillet, You Can Make Arepas

These warm, toasty cornmeal pockets can be slathered with butter, stuffed with scrambled eggs, or sandwiched around sliced avocado and cheese.