What Is Andouille Sausage? Here’s How to Use It

If you wish Italian sausage had even more kick, this is the pork product for you. But how about more specialized sausages? That said, andouille actually has its roots in France. Credit:Brie Passano Cumin, thyme, sage, and bay leaf are sometimes included as well. Once this mixture is inside a casing, the sausage is double-smoked rather than poached. Sarah Brekke, M.S.,Better Homes & GardensTest Kitchen brand manager helps us break this down....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 169 words · Daniel Moore

What Is Art Deco? How to Incorporate the Lavish Roaring '20s Design Style

Today, Art Deco embodies the spirit of the Jazz Age while still feeling classic and sophisticated. Thats not to say Art Deco was entirely without historical influence. Art Deco really flourished in the 1920s, which is the era most people associate it with. Credit:James Nathan Schroder The Chrysler Buildings spire and stylized bird gargoyles made of steel are an iconic example. Parapets, spires, towers, and geometric cornices create multi-dimensional rooflines....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 238 words · Jessica Montgomery

What Is Balsamic Vinegar? Everything You Need to Know

There are many different types of balsamic vinegarhere’s how to know when you’re buying the real deal. So, what is balsamic vinegar, and what should you look for when buying a bottle? What Is Balsamic Vinegar? Credit:bhofack2/Getty Images What is balsamic vinegar made of? Dark in color, it has a rich flavor thats sweet and a little tangy at the same time. For a balsamic vinegar to be called traditional, it must be produced according to strict regulations....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Rose Miller

What Is Batik? Learn How to Use This Traditional Textile in Your Home

This fabric art form dates back centuries. Getty Images / Rizky Panuntun Batik is as much an art form as it is a textile tool. Here, experts share the design and decorating details that set this renowned fabric apart. Credit:Getty Images / Rizky Panuntun What Is Batik? Batik is a traditional art form of decorating fabric using wax and dye. Batik’s artful nature is not only seen but also felt....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Bruce Wright

What Is Bauhaus Architecture? History and Legacy of the Modern Style

Practical and minimalist, the Bauhaus influence is still seen today. Although it was around for less than 15 years, the Bauhaus revolutionized how we think about design. The Bauhaus founders wanted to create better buildings that harnessed the newest building methods and technologies, says Kerl. Credit:Getty Images / Hiroshi Higuchi Many of the students and instructors left the country, dispersing the Bauhaus approach around the globe. In these new prefs, Bauhaus evolved....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 342 words · James Kline

What Is Beadboard? 30+ Ways to Use It in Your Home

Nathan Schroder Photography Beadboard is an easy way to add charm and character on a budget. It adds depth and texture to any space, and the layered look mixes with all design styles. Since the panels are relatively inexpensive, it’s a popular choice for upgrading a space. Credit:Nathan Schroder Photography What is Beadboard? Its longtime popularity can be attributed to its visual appeal, durability, and affordability. “The classic paneling serves those who seek not just beauty, but longevity in their home design....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 601 words · Raymond Jordan

What Is Biophilic Design? 5 Ways to Incorporate This Style

Heres how to bring the outdoors inside for a restful, restorative home. For our hunter-gatherer ancestors, nature was the source of food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities. What Is Biophilic Design? Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography LLC In design, it means creating asense of harmonybetween your home and the world outside. To introduce this nature-focused design trend to your space, consider these ideas for biophilic design. How to Incorporate Biophilic Design Biophilic design is easy to implement in your decor....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · Thomas Tapia DDS

What Is Borax? Plus 15 Ways to Clean with It

When used correctly, this staple cleaning ingredient can make even the dirtiest spots in your home sparkle. Getty Images / Maksim Tikhonov Borax has been used to clean households for centuries. In more modern times, its best known as alaundry boosterbut it can be utilized for so much more! Credit:Getty Images / Maksim Tikhonov But did you know boraxcan clean more than your clothes? What is Borax? Borax is comprised of the elements boron, sodium, and oxygen....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 330 words · Kimberly Jones

What is Braising Meat? How to Get The Most Tender Meals

What is braising meat? This economical, hands-off cooking method yields impressive results. If you’re a meat-and-potatoes kind of person, braising meat is a pretty important skill to have. Credit:BHG / Michela Buttignol But for anyone new to braising meat, there’s no need to be intimidated. We’re here to help. So what is braising meat? Credit: Blaine Moats The long, slow cook time helps develop flavor and turn even the toughest meat cuts fork-tender....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 216 words · Robert Webb

What Is Brutalist Architecture? Key Design Elements to Know

If you like architectural form that follows practical function, consider the stripped-down style of brutalism. “The Brutalist architectural era has been criticized by many for its stark and imposing aesthetic. The term Brutalist then developed alongside the architectural style in the UK. Credit:Carson Downing The concrete structures were also difficult to renovate and prone to water damage and crumbling over time. In reality, Brutalist structures have proved burdensome to tear down or alter, so many have remained standing....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 409 words · Jennifer Thompson

What Is Burrata—And How Is it Different From Mozzarella? Cheese Experts Explain

Think of it like mozzarellas richer and creamier cousin. But what is burrata, and what makes this creamy white cheese stand out from its fromage friends? We tapped some of the worlds most well-versed mongers to dish. Credit:istetiana / Getty Images What Is Burrata? Its a soft, fresh cheese. When sliced, the creamy interior should flow out. Credit:Grant Webster On the inside, it delivers buttery flavors, reminiscent of a savory ice cream, Holding adds....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · David Gonzalez

What Is Buttermilk? Everything You Need to Know Including Substitutes

We’re also sharing our favorite buttermilk recipes and tips for storing leftover buttermilk for up to 6 months. What Is Buttermilk? In the beginning, buttermilk was merely the liquid left behind after churning cultured butter. Credit:Blaine Moats Todays commercial buttermilk is made by adding lactic acid to pasteurized, homogenized milk. This causes the milk to thicken and sour. Buttermilk is thick and creamy with a mildly acidic taste. What Is Buttermilk Used For?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 252 words · Timothy Miller Jr.

What Is Cassava Flour? Here's How to Use It for Gluten-Free Baking

If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. Also known as yuca, the starchy tropical tuber that’s dried and ground into flour is also Paleo-friendly. Grocery stores are stocked with tons of deliciousgluten-freeoptions these days. Credit: Brie Passano One ingredient you might start seeing in more products is cassava (pronounced like kuh-saa-vuh). But what is cassava flour and what makes it a good gluten-free flour alternative? you might even enjoy the root as a swap for fries....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 203 words · Calvin Boone