The Dos and Don'ts of Caring For Wooden Cutting Boards


Updated 02/02/12 7:56 PM · Posted by · 7 comments

Wooden Cutting Board Care

Although some people prefer plastic cutting boards because they can be put in the dishwasher, I've always loved large wooden chopping blocks. Perhaps it's because I have fond memories of my father chopping on his custom-made wood cutting board, but there's something that's rustic and cool about old-school boards. Since I'm the proud owner of a giant (and incredibly heavy) new wooden cutting Read more

Tips to Rid Your Kitchen of Germs and Creepy Crawlies


Updated 10/14/11 11:51 AM · Posted by · 0 comments

How to Keep the Kitchen Germ-Free

In order to keep you and your family well fed and healthy, a clean kitchen is essential. Here are some tips to keep your kitchen germ- and bug-free. Wash your hands before preparing and eating meals and snacks. I know you know this already, but it's just a little reminder. Clean commonly touched surfaces in your kitchen. Use disinfectant spray or wipes on sink faucets, refrigerator handles, Read more

Spring Clean Your Refrigerator!


Updated 03/24/11 9:47 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

How to Spring Clean Your Refrigerator

Like most of you, I'm Spring cleaning my kitchen this year. I'd already organized my freezer, but there was one behemoth project I'd yet to tackle: my fridge. It'd been at least a year since my last deep cleaning, and the dirty job was weighing on me with dread. But last weekend I was finally up to the task, and while it wasn't pretty, I'm so glad I did it! Planning on cleaning out your own Read more

How to Deep-Clean Your Freezer


Updated 03/23/11 9:51 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

How to Clean Your Freezer

After a long, busy, and insanely rainy Winter, I'm ready to do something I've been putting off for more than a couple of months: Spring clean my kitchen. To make the daunting task more manageable, I've broken it down into smaller projects: organizing my pantry, making my cabinets neater, and now, deep-cleaning my freezer. Hoping to do the same to yours this season? Keep clicking for my favorite Read more

The Easiest Way to Clean a Blender


Updated 06/04/11 10:05 AM · Posted by · 5 comments

How to Clean a Blender

If you're obsessed with making on-the-go smoothies like some of us, chances are that countertop blender will be in heavy cleaning rotation. But don't worry, these kitchen electrics are among the easiest of cooking appliances to clean. I have my mother, a longtime Vitamix devotee, to thank for this tip: the quickest way to clean a blender is to add water and then blend it! Fill your blender a Read more

5 Tips to Stop Stress Eating


Updated 04/17/12 4:46 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

How to Stop Stress Eating

When you're feeling a little down in the dumps, chowing down on a heaping helping of comfort may seem like a quick fix, but you're only doing your body injustice. Stress eating is a real issue that affects our ability to lose weight and keep it off. Before checking out all that's happening in your fridge or the party in your pantry, read these five tips to help you stop stress eating and start Read more

Buyer's Guide: 3 Can't-Miss Chef's Knives


Updated 04/06/12 4:46 PM · Posted by · 1 comment

Best Chef's Knives to Buy

Serious chefs invest in serious knives. You'll discover that a high-quality knife cuts down on your chopping time, is less harsh on your joints, and creates precise, swoon-worthy slices. To avoid buying overpriced junk, here are a few rules you should abide by when purchasing a chef's knife. Ultimately, it's all about your hands and what feels right. Find a local store that carries the knife and Read more

How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets


Updated 03/25/11 8:44 AM · Posted by · 16 comments

How to Organize Kitchen Cabinets

It's Spring Cleaning Week here at YumSugar! We're urging you to reconsider those foods you've had in storage forever, and get to cleaning your fridge as well as your freezer. But that's not all: whether you're planning a big apartment move, or simply in need of a kitchen overhaul, it's time to reconsider how you want to organize the kitchen. Here's how I manage to systematically arrange Read more

The 5 Spring Cleaning Tasks That Matter Most


Updated 04/02/12 8:43 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

How to Start Spring Cleaning

Not sure how to get started on Spring cleaning? LearnVest shares the cleaning tasks you should tackle first. The phrase “Spring cleaning” evokes images of turning the house inside out, scouring every corner, and banishing every last particle of dust. But let’s be real: it’s hard to find the time for scouring, much less banishing. And your time is valuable. Keeping that in mind, we’ve Read more

Don't Forget to Check the Date on Pantry Items


Updated 05/09/11 9:47 AM · Posted by · 1 comment

Reminder to Check the Expiration Date on Pantry Items

Over the weekend, I went to make a dish that involved tarragon-infused olive oil. I had some in the cupboard, but couldn't remember the last time I used it. A quick glance at the date shocked me; it had expired in 2009! At that very moment, I decided to check the dates on the items in the cupboard. It was surprising how many oils and sauces had expired — all of the ones in the picture! It was Read more