The transition to fall flavors is usually ushered in on a nutmeg-y cloud of pumpkin spice. But if you don’t worship at the altar of fall’s most notorious drink, yet still want to feel like your cooking has shifted seasons, let this collection of fall-forward recipes be your guide.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/fresh-recipes-to-help-you-jump-into-the-flavors-of-fall-236705′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
From Apartment Therapy → Real Life Advice: Everything I Now Know About Refacing Kitchen Cabinets
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-give-your-kitchen-cabinets-a-facelift-236666′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
I believe there are two types of kitchen tools: the obvious essentials, like tongs, wooden spoons, and spatulas, and the less-obvious suspects. These are the silent helpers you might not think of, but they have the power to make a big difference when it comes to cooking.
Here are three helpful tools your kitchen just might be missing.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/3-helpful-tools-your-kitchen-is-missing-234836′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Entertaining at home has gotten a lot more complicated in my house lately. And while I love my sweet baby girl to pieces and would gladly snuggle her all evening long, there are times when I need a meal with friends — without toddlers or babies to wrangle — for my emotional well-being.
So I recently attempted a night when I did both and invited friends over for an after-bedtime dinner party. The result? I realized that entertaining doesn’t have to be a big deal to be fun and delicious. And prepping for a dinner party can actually be fast — as in, it takes just an hour!
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/the-after-bedtime-dinner-party-a-one-hour-menu-and-game-plan-235189′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
From Apartment Therapy → Get Your Wellness and Wallet Back on Track this Fall by Eating at Home
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/6-tips-to-help-you-get-back-in-the-kitchen-this-fall-236665′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Over the summer, my husband and I took turns taking our son to out for dinner one a week night to give him a break from (I mean, not to point fingers or anything) the occasionally yelling/food-flinging dinnertime antics of The Interloper, a.k.a. his younger sister. On one of my evenings, he pointed to the top of one of the many mirror-covered walls at the restaurant with the menu scrawled over it and said “What’s a Baked Alaska?” 
“Well, son,” I began because let’s not even pretend I don’t live for this kind of stuff, “It’s a dessert in which ice cream is wrapped in cake and then covered in a marshmallow-y frosting that’s toasted and then they light it on fire…” “CAN WE GET ONE OF THOSE?” Look, I don’t know what stuff you’re made of, but I consider telling a 6 year-old that ice cream wrapped in cake, frosting and fire exists but not for them is cruel and unusual punishment. And so we ordered it and I tried to warn him that they might not do the fire thing and maybe it won’t be as cool as I made it sound and then this happened. <a href="Over the summer, my husband and I took turns taking our son to out for dinner one a week night to give him a break from (I mean, not to point fingers or anything) the occasionally yelling/food-flinging dinnertime antics of The Interloper, a.k.a. his younger sister. On one of my evenings, he pointed to the top of one of the many mirror-covered walls at the restaurant with the menu scrawled over it and said “What’s a Baked Alaska?” “Well, son,” I began because let’s not even pretend I don’t live for this kind of stuff, “It’s a dessert in which ice cream is wrapped in cake and then covered in a marshmallow-y frosting that’s toasted and then they light it on fire…” “CAN WE GET ONE OF THOSE?” Look, I don’t know what stuff you’re made of, but I consider telling a 6 year-old that ice cream wrapped in cake, frosting and fire exists but not for them is cruel and unusual punishment. And so we ordered it and I tried to warn him that they might not do the fire thing and maybe it won’t be as cool as I made it sound and then this happened. READ THE REST
This is the kind of dinner that’s meant for cool fall evenings. Sweet, spicy pork chops are nestled in caramelized sweet potatoes and red onion, making for a complete meal worthy of a casual dinner party or a cozy Sunday night dinner at home.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-maple-ginger-pork-and-sweet-potatoes-234141′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
(Image credit: Bridget Pizzo)
20 Cooks, 20 Knives: This month, we’re taking a close look at a chef’s most important tool: her knife. We asked 20 cooks, amateurs and professionals, to share their favorite knives and the stories behind them. While chef’s knives are are featured prominently, no two are exactly alike, and there are also a few surprises.
Profession: CEO, Coolhaus
City: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram: @coolhaus
Named one of Forbes 30 Under 30, Natasha’s architecture-meets-gourmet-ice-cream-sandwiches concept, Coolhaus, has become a hit phenomenon. Together with her partner, Freya, she isn’t afraid to concoct savory flavors such as Fried Chicken and Waffles, Fast Food, and even Peking Duck. And while a knife isn’t the first thing you think of when you think of ice cream, she does have one that she turns to again and again.
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/my-favorite-knife-coolhaus-ceo-natasha-case-234900′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
From Apartment Therapy → 5 Breakfast Making Machines That Really, Actually Exist
<p><a href=’http://www.thekitchn.com/these-5-outrageous-breakfast-making-machines-exist-236225′><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
(Image credit: Maria Siriano)
Ceramic knives may look like fancy plastic utensils, but your produce and fingers know otherwise — these blades are sharp! And the good news is, they keep that edge for a very long time. The bad news? These tools can’t take the same type of abuse as their stainless steel counterparts. They’re more brittle and more likely to chip or break if you don’t treat them with special care. Here are five tips for taking care of these fierce but fragile blades.
