**Tip: For faster shaping, cut rolled dough into 1-inch-wide strips. Hold each strip at both ends. Twist in opposite directions two or three times. Arrange on a greased baking sheet; press ends down. Let rise and bake as directed. Makes 20 breadsticks.

Gluten-Free Flour Substitutes Gluten-free flours aren’t always suitable as an equal all-purpose flour substitute. To avoid disappointing results, use the specific flour in the recipe or make our Gluten-Free Flour Mix that works as an all-purpose flour substitute in any recipe. Almond Flour Made from ground raw almonds, almond flour (or almond meal) provides high protein, fiber, moisture, and a nutty flavor to gluten-free baked goods. Almond flour is higher in fat than white flour, however....

How Fast Do Red Maples Grow? Some trees are slow growers (20-30 years to reach full size) and other types of trees grow fast (10-15 years). The good news is that red maples grow at a relatively fast speed; in the tree world, this equals about 12-18 inches of height a year. However, you’ll have to be patient for it to become a full-size tree because it can take about 25 years before this type of maple tree stops adding more height....

This guide to different styles of houses will help you understand the many variations within the variety of designs. You can also find architecture guides online, at your local library, or in larger bookstores that will help you identify a particular style or design. If you’re renovating, using the original style of your house as a starting point for an exterior makeover is usually the best technique, but, in some cases, mixing styles can energize a design....

1 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup butter ½ cup milk, half-and-half, or light cream 2 teaspoon vanilla, instant coffee crystals, or instant espresso coffee powder To Store: Transfer sauce to an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave on 100 percent power (high) until warm, stirring every 15 seconds.

Choosing a Tree Start your fruit tree planter project in early spring while the trees are still dormant. Bare-root trees work exceptionally well, although potted nursery stock can be used, too. Shop a mail-order company with a good reputation, or use a high-quality nursery. Shop between late January and March for the best selection of bare-root trees.Look for trees that are vigorous, whose wood looks good, and trees that aren’t desiccated, scuffed, bruised, or split....

How to Prep Chicken Wings for Cooking Cooking chicken wings is easy, but before they hit the heat, you’ll need to do a little prep work. Removing the wing tips and cutting the wings in half makes them infinitely easier to eat. Here’s how to do it: Using kitchen scissors ($55, Williams Sonoma) or a sharp knife, carefully cut off the tip of each chicken wing. Discard the tips. Spread the remaining wing portions open....

Where Do Hardiness Zones Come From? The concept of hardiness zones has a nearly 100-year history. Researchers at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University came up with the first map of climate-based zones in the United States in 1927. It had eight zones to help people judge whether particular trees and shrubs would survive the winter in their region. This first black-and-white map was updated at least four more times over the next few decades to include 10 color-coded zones based on more current temperature data at the time....

There are several reasons a door may stick in the doorframe, including loose hardware, a sagging frame, or seized hinges. Humidity is another common cause of sticking doors: The high level of moisture in the air can seep into wood, resulting in a swollen door that does not open or close properly. No matter the cause, learn how to fix a sticking door by following our detailed directions below....

How to Freeze Strawberries The most common way to freeze strawberries is by flash-freezing them whole and unsweetened (aka dry pack method). There are also ways to freeze strawberries with sugar that we’ll get to later. Step 1: Wash and Dry Strawberries Before you freeze strawberries, wash them thoroughly by placing them in a colander and gently rinsing under cool water before removing the stems. If you remove the stems before washing, more water can get in and affect the texture and flavor—no one likes a watery strawberry!...

Steps for Growing Cilantro Indoors from Seed Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a fast-growing, cool-season annual herb that can go from seed to harvest in about three weeks. It usually sets seeds (which are known as coriander) in about a month and a half. Plan to sow new seeds every 2 or 3 weeks to keep up your supply of fresh leaves. Step 1: Use a Container with Drainage Holes Like most herbs, cilantro doesn’t like “wet feet” (in other words, if their roots stay too wet, the plant will rot)....

Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are tender perennials and will grow year-round in USDA Zones 8-11, but you can enjoy them in the spring and summer in any climate. Whether you grow them outdoors or inside, there are a few tips to follow to help your daisies thrive. Make sure you keep water off the leaves (too much wetness makes them more vulnerable to disease), don’t let them get too hot, and cut the flower stems off at the base when the blooms fade....

Garden and Landscape Edging Ideas Types of Edging Brick: Brick is set as soldiers (standing upright and on edge), sailors (flat along the edge), or at an angle. Set brick in a concrete footing for increased stability. Poured concrete: You can color poured concrete during mixing to match or contrast the paving material. You can also give it texture. Plastic and steel: Flexible plastic edging will conform to almost any curve....

Start with a quick survey of your windows—including in the basement and garage and second-story windows that would be easy to reach from the ground. Next, make a list of the windows, noting their type—such as double-hung or casement—and the kind of lock each has. You’ll probably need to replace or at least augment the locks on most of them. Keep fire safety in mind as you consider new locks and fastening devices....

Today, party planners love how easy it is to customize popcorn balls with food coloring, candies, and nuts to suit any holiday or party theme. Read on for tips to make the best popcorn balls you’ve ever tasted. How to Make Fresh or Microwave Popcorn Balls We’ll go through all the steps here to make old-fashioned fresh or microwave popcorn balls at home using this basic recipe. Once you’ve got the classic recipe down, you’ll be able to customize the sweet treats with add-ins, too....

“A lot of the trends we’ve seen this past year are rooted in nostalgia because it’s comforting during these unprecedented times,” says Tiffany Olson, trend expert for the online resale marketplace Mercari. “1970s trends in particular feature cozy and warm elements that people want to bring into their homes.” Over the past year, Mercari has seen huge spikes in demand for many quintessential elements of ’70s design. Searches for rattan and wicker on the site have nearly tripled, while decor featuring macramé, crochet, and fringe details has also surged, Olson says....