Thread stage (230 to 233 degrees F): When a teaspoon is dipped into the hot mixture, then removed, the candy falls off the spoon in a 2-inch-long, fine thin thread. Soft-ball stage (234 to 240 degrees F): When the ball of candy is removed from the cold water, the candy instantly flattens and runs over your finger. Firm-ball stage (244 to 248 degrees F): When the ball of candy is removed from the cold water, it is firm enough to hold its shape, but quickly flattens....

Coralbells Care Coralbells are extremely easy to grow, as long as they aren’t kept too wet. Many species are native to rocky cliffs and places that have very good drainage, so they don’t like sitting in water. Depending on the variety, some coralbells can perform well in either sun or shade, while others may burn in too much sun. Check the requirements of specific varieties before planting in full sun. Coralbells also grow well in clay soils....

Upright and Creeping Types Low-growing, spreading varieties of cotoneaster work well as woody groundcovers. Such plants typically feature stems that arch, cascade, and even grow horizontally. When these stems touch the ground, they often root. This characteristic helps cotoneaster form dense colonies with an ability to choke out weeds. Less common upright types of cotoneaster feature all the same characteristics but can be trained as hedges. Many of these species are evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates, which means they can create long-lasting attractive screens....

**Test Kitchen Tip: To add a slightly different flavor to these cranberry-nut cookies, use orange- or raspberry-flavor dried cranberries. To Store: Place cookies in layers separated by pieces of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw cookies, if frozen, before serving.

Remodeling Floor Plan for a Kitchen If you’re planning a remodel of your kitchen—the heart of the home—it’s probably because you want a larger space with more flexibility. For example, you may want to entertain guests, have a place to do projects or homework with children, or gather for a family meal. It will be easier to take out the recycling or bring in the groceries if the kitchen is accessible from the outside....

In late winter (ahead of spring growth) prune this short-lived accent plant back nearly to its woody base. This will tidy up its appearance and encourage new growth. Although not mandatory, you may want to shear this plant back a bit after its big spring bloom to boost new flower development. Difficult-to-Find Perennial This North American desert native can be tough to find. Check with public gardens and university gardens to inquire about local sources....

1 mango, seeded, peeled, and chopped ¾ cup butter, softened Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Garlic 1 pound sweet potatoes 2 tablespoon olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Dana Angelo White earned a bachelor of science degree in sports medicine from Quinnipiac University, and then went on to earn her master’s degree in nutrition education from Columbia University. She possesses a dual certification as an athletic trainer and a registered dietician. As a result, she not only writes recipes and nutritional plans for athletes and lifestyle magazines, but also provides rehabilitation programs for college and professional sports programs....

12 ounce semisweet chocolate pieces (2 cups) ½ cup butter 1 8 ounce container dairy sour cream 4 ½ cup sifted powdered sugar (about 1 pound)

2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup shortening 7 tablespoon cold water

“Every window and door was covered with heavy swags, jabots, draperies,” designer Corey Damen Jenkins says. “The house was overweight. So I put it on a diet.” Although this home was built in the 1990s, it celebrates Colonial Revival details, including eye-catching dormers and porch columns. The homeowners had visions of the miraculous transformation to come. Readers of Traditional Home, they had seen what Jenkins did with a house similar to theirs in Michigan, and they flew the Detroit-based designer to New Canaan to flex his decorative muscle....

Four-time James Beard Award winnerWriter for Bon Appétit and Food & WineAuthor of Baking Chez Moi, Baking with Julia, and Dorie’s CookiesFormer columnist for The New York TimesNewsletter writer of xoxo Dorie