Today's geek tip comes from the queens of craft at Martha Stewart. While we've often come across inexpensive cable managers, we're not opposed to using found objects (like socks, perhaps) to keep our cords in line. The crafty divas at Martha Stewart, however, took things a step beyond by using pipe insulation instead. This super-cheap material can be found at your local hardware store and makes a Read more

While you want Thanksgiving tipples to be memorable and festive, make sure to keep them accessible enough for the whole family (including your less-than-experimental sister-in-law). One way I like to approach this is by placing a contemporary twist on an otherwise standby cocktail. Much like a pear essence cosmopolitan mellows out the cosmo, here, ginger and maple syrup add a Winter twist to the Read more

Everyone has culinary issues and one that I'm constantly working on is my fear of dough. Pizza dough, bread dough, pasta dough, pie dough — I'm totally intimidated by it all. However, last Summer, in an attempt to face my (irrational) fear, I started making pies. Peach pie, blueberry pie, cherry pie, raspberry pie. With each pie I made, it became a little easier. It's been months since I made a Read more

The January issue of Martha Stewart Living has an amazing article on roast chicken. Since roast chicken is one of the most comforting meals, I've been experimenting with the enticing recipes. There's five fabulous variations, but my favorite is the one seen here for garlic-butter rubbed chicken with roasted oranges and red onions. The technique and ingredients are simple, but the resulting Read more

Can't fathom sipping an iced cocktail as the temperature continues dipping? Then settle in with a batch of steamy buttered rum instead — it'll warm you to the core, even in bone-chillingly cold climes. This recipe for hot buttered rum is the best I've ever had, in part because it calls for a spiced butter as its base. This recipe also incorporates ground ginger, grated orange zest, and a fresh Read more

Champagne cocktails are a wonderful way to kick off Thanksgiving; we've experimented with all kinds, from cranberry sparklers to pomegranate-elderflower fizzes. This unusual cocktail caught my attention because, unlike other cocktails, it's a sparkler that doesn't call for Champagne. Instead, it makes use of cognac sparkling apple cider — and what could be more seasonal than that? The result Read more

Although gnocchi is a perennial Italian favorite, it's one of those dishes that truly complements the flavors associated with Fall. It pairs wonderfully with savory ingredients like wild mushrooms and sage — and unexpectedly well with sweet spice additions such as cinnamon sugar, too. Even if you've never done it before, don't be intimidated by making gnocchi at home. If you don't want to roll Read more

Besides an assortment of savory bites and lots of meatballs, another thing I consumed in massive quantities at the Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival was cookies. On Saturday morning, I gathered with eager kids and their attentive parents for an event entitled Milk and Cookies hosted by Martha Stewart. Over 15 of New York's top bakeries and pastry chefs set up tables with every Read more

Follow up on last night's classic veal number by making an equally sumptuous Italian specialty. Use leftover steaks, pounded thin, to make a variation of the renowned dish known as veal marsala. Rather than following a traditional recipe, which calls for marsala wine, flour, and cream, try a lighter, more contemporary version with sherry. The fortified wine, when combined with mushrooms and a Read more

Whenever the mercury rises, I find myself craving delicate, no-cook seafood dishes — the less filling, the better. My favorite thing to do right now is to sear tuna on the grill, not until it's cooked through, but just enough for its exterior to be licked with a bit of a crusty char. That way, it's still tender, succulent, and refreshing. For added flavor, I'd suggest brushing the fish with a Read more