Store-bought vanilla extract is expensive; homemade vanilla extract is easy.

Daniel Duane goes panning for golden walnut nuggets.

CHOW Food Editor Aïda Mollenkamp has learned from experience that metal-on-metal can work wonders. This defrosting method is controversial-it's not how the USDA would have you do it-so choose small cuts of meat that can defrost within two hours. In any case, use this method at your own risk.

It's a function of the coffee-to-milk ratio.

Food Editor Aïda Mollenkamp submerges food using a Ziploc bag.

Proper temperature, proper humidity, proper light

Cutting off those little pieces is a waste.

A sponge is an instrument of cleanliness. Don't let bacteria fester.

Daniel Duane offers his advice on avoiding a common kitchen disaster

Baking recipes often call for softened butter, but if you put it in the microwave you risk butter soup. Leaving it out at room temp is fine if you've got lots of time. But when your butter is cold and hard and you want it to be warm and soft, just pound it