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So what is sponge cake, exactly? Think of it as the happy medium between richer chiffon or butter cakes (because sponge cakes contain little or no butter or oil) and uber-light angel food cakes. If you’re curious about how to make sponge cake, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we have your complete guide on how to make light and airy sponge cake from scratch. Since flavors and the ingredients can vary, sponge cake recipe step-by-steps can too....

Step 1: Mix the Dough Corn tortillas start with masa harina, which is corn tortilla flour made from sun-dried corn kernels. You can find it at a Mexican grocer or in the Mexican ingredients aisle of your grocery store. Flour tortillas usually start with all-purpose flour. For corn tortillas, place 2 cups of masa harina in a medium mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix the masa harina with enough water to make a firm but moist dough that is a nice rolling consistency—kind of like children’s modeling clay....

Flowering varieties add extra color and sweet fragrances. Depending on where you live and the conditions in your yard, different shrubs can add evergreen texture, groundcover on a slope, and even more privacy by blocking street noise. They also help protect the soil from erosion and support wildlife with food and shelter. Here’s a look at various important characteristics to consider to pick out the best shrubs for your yard....

2 sheets frozen puff pastry (17.3-ounce package) 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon water 1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup all purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups half and half 4 large egg yolks, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract 1/3 cup whipping cream Related Video

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As newlyweds with dreams larger than their budget, Deserae and Derek initially scoured yard sales and auctions for furnishings and salvage. Today the couple prefer to haunt their favorite antiques shops and shows—most less than an hour’s drive from home—and online sources such as Craigslist, eBay, and One Kings Lane. Rustic pieces, including armoires, hutches, and tables (many painted and distressed by Deserae), mingle easily with flirty white-slipcovered furnishings, ornate mirrors, and seagrass rugs....

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Surprisingly, laundry isn’t such a dreaded chore when you make it easy to throw in a load, and you have smart laundry processes to curb the mess, eliminate frustrations, and get clean clothes back to their proper places. Workable Folding Surface Add convenient folding space by topping a front-loading washer and dryer with a countertop. Cut a 96-inch butcher-block countertop to fit your space. To ease laundry chores, look for a washer with handy features like a dispenser that puts in just the right amount of detergent, Wi-Fi connection to start a load remotely, and technology to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria....

Potting mixes designed specifically for cacti and succulents are easy to find but many of these mixes don’t actually contain any soil at all. To help you find the best soil for succulents we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind the size of the package, intended use, and whether or not it’s an organic blend. We also consulted Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms, and Angelica Elliott, assistant director of public horticulture with Desert Botanical Garden, for additional insight....

According to Simon Medcalf, the Managing Director of Guardian Security & Fire Home Security Services, the most important components of a home security system, in order of importance, are an intruder alarm of around 100 decibels to startle a trespasser, a camera system, and door/window contact sensors. In addition, security expert Chris McGoey recommends having clear and visible alarm lawn signs or alarm decals on the windows as these alone are often enough to discourage criminals from entering your home....

“The advantage of a rice cooker is perfectly cooked rice that you don’t have to watch. It is a total set-it-and-forget approach to rice. Once the rice is cooked it stays warm so it is one less thing to worry about when preparing a meal,” says Natalie Lee, chef and owner of Mikki and Al’s Noshery. To find the best rice cookers we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind dimensions, capacity, care, and the number of settings....

“The pros of removable wallpaper are just as it states…it’s removable!” says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors. “It’s not a major commitment if you get bored easily. Removable paper should not damage your walls in the event you decide to try another pattern or simply paint the wall. It’s also a great option for renters whose leases state that they cannot paint or make permanent changes to their properties....

How to Make Store-Bought Frosting Better by Whipping It The thick, creamy stuff in the can is delicious as-is, but this canned frosting hack also allows you to spread that glorious frosting even easier. I used some creamy chocolate canned frosting, but this trick works with whatever favorite flavor you have on hand. How easy is that? The light and fluffy results are due to beating air into the frosting. It’s the perfect budget-friendly dessert hack for achieving those home baking projects....

If you’re in the Midwest, there’s one unique farm that needs to be on your road trip list this summer: Cherry Point Farm & Market in Shelby, Michigan, has a beautiful, fragrant lavender labyrinth you can walk through with an elaborate herb garden at its center. Founded by the Bull family in 1949, Cherry Point is one of the oldest operating farms and markets in Oceana County in Western Michigan....

Sign us up. Learn more about what the Mediterranean diet is, exactly, how and why it has such a strong impact on wellbeing, recipe ideas, and a sample Mediterranean diet meal plan to help you get started. What Is the Mediterranean Diet? “The Mediterranean diet is a nutritionally balanced eating pattern or style, rather than what we may typically think of when we hear the word ‘diet,’" says Michelle Hyman, a registered dietitian at Simple Solutions Weight Loss....

The tradition dates almost as far back as the holiday itself, and its story is fascinating. It turns out it wasn’t always about performing tricks for the neighbors or carrying around a pumpkin-shaped bucket to collect handfuls of Reese’s Cups and Hershey’s bars. In fact, the phrase “trick-or-treat” wasn’t coined until fairly recently. Before you get into costume and head out with your family this Halloween, read up on the history of this iconic celebration....

A medium-sized variety that grows fruits around 15 pounds, ‘New England Cheddar’ gets its name from its appearance: The pumpkin’s shape resembles a cheese wheel. Despite its “cheesy” name, you can use this pumpkin variety in your favorite pumpkin pie or quick bread recipe. In addition to being a tasty eating variety, ‘Porcelain Doll’ has a unique pink color with deep ribs, so it also looks pretty on a front porch with other fall decorations....

Before running out to your nearest home store or placing an online order, consider repurposing or making organizers out of items you already own. Not only will it save you on a potentially unnecessary expense, but it’s also eco-friendly. Check out the following DIY closet organizer ideas you can create on a dime. 1. Install a Wall-Mounted Rack Create a mini garment rack without taking up any floor space by crafting together pipe fittings....

How to Get Gum Out of Clothes There are several effective strategies for how to remove gum from clothes, but they all start the same way. As you begin to remove gum from clothes, pick off as much gum as you are able and pretest any chemical solution or heat process on a seam or other area that won’t be seen when the garment is worn. Avoid using any removal techniques that involve substances, such as hairspray, that might stain, fade, or damage the fabric....

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