![this is the image of a squirrel](jpg/image.fill.size_204x204.v1699833482.jpg)
Amanda Blum
Freelance writer
Amanda writes about smart home technology and gardening.
MORE BY Amanda
The Meater 2 Wireless Thermometer Could Use a Signal Boost
Good looks, bad connection.
![Fennel gratin](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1702326410.jpg)
![Fennel gratin](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1702326410.jpg)
Your Next Great Potato Dish Is Fennel
This fennel gratin is creamy, cheesy, and so luxurious.
![A person putting on a green apron](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1702326984.png)
![A person putting on a green apron](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1702326984.png)
25 Delicious Gift Ideas for New Cooks
Here's what someone who's recently become interested in cooking actually wants.
![waxed amaryllis bulb against green tissue paper](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701973481.jpg)
![waxed amaryllis bulb against green tissue paper](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701973481.jpg)
You Can Easily Wax Your Own Flower Bulbs This Winter
Waxed bulbs appeal to me for a lot of reasons, but mostly because they are almost entirely hands off.
Nanoleaf's String Lights Are Worth It for Your Christmas Tree
If you're looking for graceful, sweeping gradients of light, Nanoleaf makes it really easy to achieve.
![Sous vide brisket](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701900577.png)
![Sous vide brisket](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701900577.png)
This Medium-rare Brisket Is a Sous Vide Miracle
After ten minutes of prep, this recipe is hands-off for a 50-hour bath.
These Smart Holiday Lights Are Designed to Stay up All Year Long
A great investment, if you can handle the clunky app.
Three Ways to DIY a Last-minute Menorah
In case you can't find yours or it's your first year on your own, here are three ways to fulfill the lighting of candles.
![Image of brisket during prep](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701752422.jpg)
![Image of brisket during prep](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701752422.jpg)
This Braised Red Wine Brisket Is the Perfect December Meal
It's too cold to barbeque, but this brisket will develop a gorgeous bark and a delicious glaze of red wine, cherries, and pomegranate.
![Applesauce next to the pot it was just made in](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701753112.jpg)
![Applesauce next to the pot it was just made in](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701753112.jpg)
You Should Make This Elevated Applesauce Immediately
You don't have to be a kid to appreciate this sauce.
The Combustion Predictive Thermometer Has Eight Sensors to Formulate a Cooking Time
Predictive AI has a way to go, but the ability to use this wireless thermometer everywhere and monitor from the couch is delightful.
The Gardening Tasks You Should Do Now to Get Ready for Spring
There's still tons to do outside, but at least this month, it's mostly optional.
![red flannel lakes](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701379729.jpg)
![red flannel lakes](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701379729.jpg)
How to Make Extra Crispy Red Flannel Latkes
While not straying too far from the original, a little color makes these latkes a little sweeter and earthier.
![picture of shrimp and roast beef appetizers](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701315213.jpg)
![picture of shrimp and roast beef appetizers](jpg/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701315213.jpg)
These Fancy Appetizers Are Dead Simple to Make
These appetizers take no time, have only a few ingredients, aren’t expensive, and will leave an impression.
The Smart Envi Heater Is Shockingly Efficient in Small Spaces
Using only 500 watts, it quietly heats an entire room with useful smart features and a fantastic user interface.
![bowl of turkey and mushroom risotto](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701096688.png)
![bowl of turkey and mushroom risotto](png/hero-image.fill.size_245x138.v1701096688.png)
Make This Risotto With Your Thanksgiving Leftovers
Risotto is much harder to screw up than regular rice—and it's the perfect creamy, luxurious vehicle for leftover turkey.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map Just Changed
Overnight, I went from growing zone 8b to 9a.
The Best Black Friday Deals on Kitchen Tools
There's never been a better time to grab a KitchenAid mixer or an air fryer.
The Best Black Friday Deals on Home Security Cameras
If you've been on the fence about ordering a security camera system, these deals are going to be hard to ignore.
The Best Black Friday Deals on Smart Heaters and Air Conditioners
The efficiency of newer heaters and A/Cs is impressive. Being able to add them to your smart home is even better.