And does it~really~matter if you swap one for the other? The flavorand sometimes internal texture and appearanceis a dead giveaway for each duo except for the last one. So what is a shallot, anyway? Credit:Getty Images / Renphoto And how is it different from an onion? Getty Images / Renphoto What Is a Shallot? Shallots (Allium ascalonicum), likeonions, garlic, and chives,aremembers of the allium family. Credit:Getty Images / MassanPH Getty Images / MassanPH...

Its a key part of the American Dream, but do you know exactly what a single-family home is? See how experts define these sought-after structures. The answers arent so straightforward. Credit: Edward Everett (Rett) Peek Jr What is a Single-Family Home? When it comes to the question of what is a single-family home, the key word is single. Think one or soloand picture that idyllic, standalone house with a private yard and driveway....

Here’s why you might want to upgrade your basic plugs with the latest technology. Getty Images / Supersmario While the demand for smart homes is rising, cost is still a barrier. A smart plug is a great example. Credit:Getty Images / Supersmario This innovative unit transforms any standard outlet into a smart outlet. Here is a guide to smart plugs and ways to use them. What Is a Smart Plug? For example, with a smart plug, you canswitch lights on and offfrom wherever you are....

Use this classic piece of furniture to add style and storage. So what’s the difference between a sofa table and a console? While today, the two items are often interchangeable, their original purpose differs slightly. Credit:Greg Scheidemann How Big Is a Sofa Table? To choose the right size sofa table, you will need to measure your sofa first. Sofa tables come in various standard lengths, anywhere from 24 to 60 inches....

Looking to warm up just one room in the house? Try a space heater to keep enclosed spaces toasty all winter long. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images A space heater is a gear used for heating rooms and enclosed spaces. Credit:Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images It can be used indoors or outside, but most require an outlet nearby as an energy source. Most space heaters are electric, but some outdoor models use natural gas or propane....

Know the advantages and disadvantages before buying a spec home. Buying a home can be a headache. Its no wonder many buyers opt for a spec home instead. Credit: Kritsada Panichgul So what are spec homes, and are they the perfect solution for everyone? What Is a Spec House? A spec house is a term short for a speculative house. Spec House vs. Custom Build House Spec homes usually have some key features....

Learn all about spider cricketsalso known as camel or cave cricketsand how to get them out of your house. If youve never seen a spider cricket before, consider yourself lucky. As its name suggests, this long-legged insect resembles a cricket with a bit of spider thrown in. Credit:MattiaATH / Getty Images MattiaATH / Getty Images Facts About Spider Crickets So what is a spider cricket anyway? And do they cause any harm to you or your home?...

Learn what sets split-level homes apartand what this floor plan can mean for the sellability of your house. Most common in the Midwest, split-level homes were an extremely popular house layout about 60 years ago. “They have staggered floor levels connected by shorter staircases. Credit: Brie Williams Oftentimes they have a drive under at or below gradeyard leveland bedrooms above the garage.” Here’s what you should consider if you’re looking to purchase a split-level home....

Looking to buy your first home? Youve likely heard the advice that theres not a ton of pressure when you first enter the housing market. After all, youre just looking for a starter home, right? Credit: Julie Soefer Your pick wont be the place you live forever, so why stress too much about it? Maybe so, maybe not, is what experts say about the modern house-buying cycle. In some markets, that could be a one- or two-bedroom apartment condo....

Steam ovens can be full steam, convection, or a combination. Learn how this handy kitchen appliance works. This jot down of oven uses water vapor to bake, steam, or reheat food. Credit:Getty Images / LightFieldStudios Unlike traditional ovens and microwaves, steam ovens retain food moisture and nutrients. Billed as a gentler andhealthier cooking method, it is enjoying an uptick in popularity. Learn more about the different types of steam ovens, how they work, and their pros and cons....

Everything you oughta know about the hot home wellness feature. Steam is humankind’s oldest therapy, dating to the Greek and Roman times. What Is a Steam Shower? Credit:Peter Rymwid / Designer: Sharon Sherman / Courtesy of MrSteam A steam shower by definition is simply a fully enclosed space that delivers steam, says Orellana. Steam showers rely on a steam generator located outside the shower to produce steam. Steam showers can fit into nearly anytraditional showerif enclosed, insulated, and sealed, says Orellana....

Protect your home by preventing basement flooding with a sump pump. However, some areas are more prone to flooding than others, especially during spring when snow melts. A sump pump also protects the home in case of flooding. Credit:Getty Images / IcemanJ Use this guide to learn about sump pumps and determine if you need one for your home. What Is a Sump Pump? A sump pump is an appliance that pumps water out of a home....

The virtual session taught me how to make the most amazing truffle pasta (more on that later). What Is a Truffle? Unlike more common mushroom varieties, truffles grow entirely underground. Credit: Adobe Stock/larionovao Europe produces the most valuable truffles, though truffles can be cultivated and grown around the world. Truffle mushrooms (and other types) are a source of fiber and known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that they can help lower cholesterol and help regulate blood sugar....