1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup shortening 4 tablespoon cold water

1 cup powdered sugar 3 teaspoon milk

Party Mix Drops: Prepare as directed, except substitute one 8-ounce package Turtle or Peanut Butter party mix, such as Chex Mix® brand,for the cereal, marshmallows, nuts, and cranberries, and substitute 10 ounces chocolate-flavored candy coating for the vanilla-flavored candy coating. Makes 36 drops.

Whether you’re remodeling an existing porch or building a new porch, it’s important to consider the safety of your porch railing idea first. Railings are generally required for porches raised more than 30 inches off the ground, but you might still want to install a railing on a lower porch for extra safety or aesthetic reasons. In most cases, the top of the handrail should be at least 36 inches from the porch floor, and the material should be sturdy enough to support people leaning against it....

It imparts a fiery sweetness to foods when used as a garnish or when added to baked goods and sauces. For a sweet-hot treat, it can be dipped in melted bittersweet chocolate, allowed to dry, and served as part of a dessert tray. Look for crystallized ginger in the baking aisle or near the herbs and spices in your local supermarket. Don’t buy pieces that are hard, stuck together, or missing their sugar coating; these signs indicate the ginger is either old or of poor quality....

½ cup cider vinegar ¼ cup light mayonnaise 4 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill ¼ teaspoon salt 2 large English cucumbers ½ of a red onion, cut into slivers

Our Favorite Accent Walls Bonus: Easy Ways to Decorate with Botanicals Bathroom Color Scheme That Really Work

Desert Mallow Companion Plants Complement the upright nature of desert mallow with the rounded form of feathery cassia. Also drought-tolerant, Santa Rosa Island sage has striking magenta blooms all summer. Create a warm-color garden by pairing desert mallow with golden-yellow flowering yarrow.

Editor’s Tip: Add elegance to your project with furniture-style casters. Simply attach to bun feet painted black for drama. Fabric: Cut into a circle 6-1/2 inches wider all around than the round plywood base.Muslin: Cut into a circle 6-1/2 inches wider all around than the round plywood base.Quilt batting: Cut 2 layers to the size of the plywood base.Upholstery batting: Cut 2 layers to the size of the plywood base....

A survey of 2,000 people, conducted by marketing research firm OnePoll on behalf of Bosch home appliances, tries to make a connection between the two. Among respondents who said they drink six or more glasses of water a day, 41% strongly agree that they’re “very happy,” while just 12% of those who drink less than one glass of water a day say the same. People who drink the most water identified more readily with being hopeful, with 40% of those who drink six or more glasses of water daily strongly agreeing that they’re optimistic....

Freelance writer and editorExperienced food writer

¼ cup cream of tartar 2 tablespoon baking soda

1 pound white chocolate with cocoa butter, chopped 1 ¾ cup butter, softened 2 teaspoon vanilla 7 cup powdered sugar Milk

Faux flowers can be expensive, but this project doesn’t have to be—watch year-round for sales on faux florals at your local craft store, and look for large bunches rather than individual flowers, as they tend to be cheaper in bundles. You can always trim them down as you go. We’ll show you how to use faux peonies, ribbon, and a wire wreath form to create something you’ll want to put up year after year....

½ cup rolled oats ½ cup packed brown sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup butter