1 cup shortening 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla ½ teaspoon almond extract 1 16 ounce package powdered sugar (about 4 cups) 3 tablespoon milk Yellow Cake ¾ cup butter 3 eggs 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 ¾ cup sugar 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla 1 ¼ cup milk Classic Chocolate Cake ¾ cup butter 3 eggs 2 cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 cup sugar 2 teaspoon vanilla 1 ½ cup milk

For a space that’s used on a daily basis, that’s too bad: Garage lighting can work wonders to help provide safe passage from outside to inside and highlight landscape features as well as improve usability for amenities such as workbenches and outdoor storage. Here are ways to update your old garage lighting. Outdoor Garage Lighting Ideas 1. Add a sconce or two to illuminate a garage entry door. Even if your main point of entry and exit is the garage door, a sconce to one side of a traditional door will help with safe passage....

Soft Peaks Any fat (egg yolk, butter, oil) will inhibit egg whites from whipping properly. Clean all equipment with vinegar to neutralize any residual fat on their surfaces. Place egg whites in glass or metal bowl (do not use plastic). For the best results, separate your eggs while they’re cold. Then let the whites sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed or with a rotary beater until they form peaks with tips that curl over when the beaters are lifted....

What Is Vanilla, Exactly? Derived from an orchid plant, vanilla beans have been put to use in recipes since the 17th century. It works as a natural flavor enhancer and helps amplify the flavors it’s paired with, somewhat like salt. (You might notice chocolate cakes with vanilla taste even chocolatier.) Imitation vanilla flavor is often on the supermarket shelf right next to pure vanilla extract, as well as a few other options....

Caring for Filbert Filbert is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil and full sun to part shade. As a woodland native, it tolerates part shade well—particularly morning sun followed by afternoon shade. Plant filbert in spring, and water plants weekly for the first two months after planting. Continue watering during long dry periods during the first growing season. Plants rarely need supplemental water after the first growing season. Keep an eye out for vigorous stems (called suckers) extending from the roots of Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick....

Flowering kale is right at home in garden-bed plantings, too. Use it as a statement plant near entryways or patios. This frilly, colorful plant will amplify interest in early- and late-season gardens when perennials are slow to emerge in spring, and annuals and perennials are languishing at the end of the growing season in fall. Flowering kale grows slowly, so purchase large plants if you plan to enjoy them for just a few weeks in spring or fall....

Find your color match. Do It Yourself: See how to wallpaper a room. Do It Yourself: See the best way to paint furniture.

1 ½ cup sugar ⅓ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cup milk 2 teaspoon vanilla 1 ½ cup unsalted butter, cut up and softened Candied Carrot Ribbons 2 medium carrots 2 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon water

Learn more about growing sedum. Learn more about growing California poppy. Learn more about growing iris. Learn more about growing rosemary. Learn more about growing coreopsis. Test Garden Tip: Be sure to install edging if your mailbox garden is next to turf. Edging will keep the grass from creeping in around your perennials. Learn more about growing clematis. Learn more about growing yarrow. Learn more about salvia. Learn more about lavender....