Text
                    Eat Up
Summer
Long days,
no-cook dinners
& nonstop fun

Just Picked

Dig into
farmers market
season

Hit the Road

Find out
which national
park is
calling you

J ULY/AUGUST 2024 BH G.COM


ON A REAL VACATION GO ON, TAKE A HIKE. GO GO EXPLORE
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CONTENTS JULY/AUGUST 2024 ● VOLUME 102 ● NUMBER 7 & 8 42 2 BHG July/August 2024 Hedges help create a place for privacy and play in a Seattle backyard. 8 Editor’s Letter 10 Off the Page 12 Dream: Inspiration of the Month 90 Cookbook 100 Workbook 112 Stylemaker Life in Color 64 Endless Summer An 1894 cottage on the Jersey Shore marries classic charm with modern ease. 74 Take the Heat Out of the Kitchen Easy recipes and smart strategies to make summer cooking a little more chill. O N T H E C O V E R photo C A R S O N D O W N I N G styling C H A R L I E W O R T H I N G T O N 82 The Family That Grows Together Under the same roof for the first time in decades, a family finds new connection in the garden. PHOTO: MIRANDA ESTES In Every Issue
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CONTENTS VOLUM E 102 ● NU MB ER 7 & 8 64 Celebrate What we’re loving this month. 16 Just Add Water Inspiration for a refreshing July 4th. Shop 26 On Trend: Shells J U LY/AU GU ST 2 024 ● Our latest finds in a timeless seaside motif. 28 Here’s the Scoop Do 30 30 Down to an Art A spirited art collection—and plenty of pink—uplifts a Georgia home. 26 38 It’s Go Time Tips for happy traveling with your pet. 40 Upside-Down Cake Our stone fruit rendition of a beloved dessert. 42 Green Retreat A couple transform their urban backyard into a verdant escape. 48 Summer on a Stick State fair-inspired sweet and savory foods. 50 I Did It! A gardener grows a soaring rosecovered archway. 54 5-Ingredient No-Cook Summer Sides Make the most of flavorful peak-season produce. Thrive 40 Feel good, look good, live well. 102 Pick Your Park Personality Whatever your travel vibe, there’s a national park for you to explore this year. 74 4 BHG July/August 2024 106 Glowy Skin from the Inside Out The best foods to eat for healthy skin. 110 In the Know PHOTOS: (HYDRANGEA) TAMARA_KULIKOVA/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES, (POWDER ROOM) EMILY FOLLOWILL, (GARDEN) CAITLIN ATKINSON, (SCONCE) KELSEY HANSEN, (CEVICHE) CARSON DOWNING, (PLUMS) JOSEF MOHYLA/GETTY IMAGES FOR SERVICE ON YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, INCLUDING CHANGE OF ADDRESS, WRITE TO: BETTER HOMES & GARDENS CUSTOMER SERVICE, P.O. BOX 37449, BOONE, IA 50037-0449. PLEASE ENCLOSE YOUR ADDRESS LABEL FROM A RECENT ISSUE. OR VISIT US AT BHG.COM/MYACCOUNT. Five BHG lab-tested ice cream makers.
Get your free wall-anchoring kit today! For more home safety ideas, visit IKEA-USA.com/SaferHomes
Make Shopping a Breeze Chicken Pot Pie Your Dog’s Gourmet Grocery List ™ STEPHEN ORR DAREN MAZZUCCA Vice President, Editor in Chief Sr. Vice President, Group Publisher Creative Director JENNIFER D. MADARA Executive Editor OMA BLAISE FORD Managing Editor GREG KAYKO Vice President/Publisher DONNA LINDSKOG Executive Director, Marketing LAURA FRY HOME, GARDEN & STYLE BLUE Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Home Editor AMY PANOS Style & Design Director JESSICA THOMAS West Coast Editor, Gardens MIRANDA CROWELL East Coast Editor, Home MONIKA BIEGLER EYERS Senior Home Editor KATHY BARNES Senior Market Editor LAUREN BENGTSON Editorial Apprentice CLAIRE HOPPE Test Garden Manager SANDRA J. GERDES FOOD & ENTERTAINING Food Editor JAN MILLER Editor KATLYN MONCADA Assistant Editor ERIN HOOKER LIFESTYLE BLUE Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner ADVERTISING SALES NEW YORK Brand Directors LISA ISOLDI, MARIA JAKUBEK, JENNIFER KALAT, DEBORAH MARESCA Sales Director CHRISTINA FARRINGTON Associate Account Executive HAYLEY SOLOMON Assistants DONNA LACHANCE, JILL O’TOOLE CHICAGO Brand Directors MICHELLE BUTLER-MINGEY, VICKIE SANDBERG-MCNAY, SARAH WITTOSCH LOS ANGELES Brand Director CHERYL SPEISER TRAVEL National Manager KATY HILDMAN Health & Features Director AMY BRIGHTFIELD MARKETING ART Marketing Director JUSTINE RUSSO Marketing Coordinator BRITTA MEIER Design Director STEPHANIE HUNTER Deputy Art Directors LORI STURDIVANT, JARRET EINCK Associate Art Director MAGGIE GOLDSMITH Senior Graphic Designer LIBBY PETERSEN ADMINISTRATION & PRODUCTION Copy Chief ANGELA K. RENKOSKI Senior Copy Editors ERIKA BJORKLUND, MADELAINE JEROUSEK-SMITH, MARTHA COLOFF LONG Production Editor CINDY MURPHY Editorial Business Manager HOLLY PRUETT Photo Coordinator JAKE ROUDABUSH PRODUCTION Production Director JOHN BEARD Senior Production Manager LIBBY EHMKE ALYSIA BORSA President, Lifestyle MÉLANIE BERLIET SVP & Group General Manager, Home & Design Chief Revenue Officer BRIAN KIGHTLINGER VP, Strategic Partnerships ANDREA ROGAN VP, Lifestyle Marketing KRISTIN GUINAN BHG.COM BLUE Nudges Jerky Cuts VP & General Manager EMILY MANCHESTER Editorial Director SHEENA CHIHAK, RD Associate Editorial Director, News LAUREN PHILLIPS Associate Editorial Director, Evergreen CAITLIN SOLE Senior Editor, Food & Recipes SARAH MARTENS Senior Editor, Garden VIVEKA NEVELN Visuals Editor CASEY OTO Editor, Home EMILY VANSCHMUS Associate Editor BRYCE JONES Social Media Editor GINGER PERRA Associate Social Media Editor PAIGE DORN Editorial Assistant HALEE MILLER CONTRIBUTING EDITORS West Coast Sarah Alba, Jennifer Blaise Kramer, Karen Reinecke, Johanna Silver, Nan Sterman, Liz Strong Southwest Lauren Ramirez Midwest Jennifer Berno DeCleene, Ella Field, Kelly Ryan Kegans Northeast Stacy Kunstel, Karin Lidbeck-Brent, Tovah Martin, Anna Molvik, Charlotte Safavi Southeast Andrea Caughey, Paige Porter Fischer, Sandra Mohlmann, Lisa Mowry, Marty Ross 6 BHG July/August 2024 © Copyright Meredith Operations Corporation 2024 Please Recycle This Magazine For help with your subscription or billing, call 800/374-4244. Our subscribers list is occasionally made available to carefully selected firms whose products may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive information from these companies by mail or by phone, please let us know. Send your request along with your mailing label to Magazine Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. For syndication or international licensing requests, email syndication.generic@dotdashmdp.com. For reprint and reuse permission, email mmc.permissions@dotdashmdp.com. Better Homes & Gardens Licensing Partners
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EDITOR’S LETTER onto our lawns. A bright green, well-clipped, well-edged front yard shows you are a respectable member of the neighborhood, that you keep your house in good order, pay your taxes, and help your community. It is both a symbol and a cliché of the American Dream. On the other hand, let a lawn get a bit wild—maybe too long or dotted with dandelions or clover—and the HOA might send you a citation. In some communities, ripping out your lawn and replacing it with a water-wise gravel garden or a mix of flower or vegetable beds could upset some neighbors and make them wonder if you’ve gone rogue (at best) or a little mad (at worst). It takes a lot to keep grass in a state of perfection: Chemicals and mowing are part of a menu many Americans deploy on their yards regularly. But we make a mistake when we think of our turf in isolation. It is, of course, part of our property, but it also is connected to our environment. Anything we add to our lawn ends up going somewhere. Storms wash excess fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides into the gutter then to the storm drain, then to a river, then to a lake or an ocean. Runoff nitrogen or phosphorus can turn ponds and lakes green with toxic cyanobacteria or blue-green algae and can create giant low-oxygen spots in oceans. To combat this, some states have banned phosphorus in home fertilizers. Using organic fertilizers can help because they are slower to release and break down in the soil. But their overuse can be a problem as well. To get the right balance, look for products with NPK (nitrogen/phosphorus/ potassium) numbers around 10 or lower listed on the package. Also consider allowing a little imperfection into your grass. These days, people are questioning pristine turf, with clover lawns trending on platforms like TikTok as new homeowners look for ways to be more environmentally responsible. Many are eschewing lawns altogether in the hotter, drier parts of the country. The Great American Lawn? LET TERS + COMMENTS BHGEditor@dotdashmdp.com SUBSCRIP TION HELP BHG.com/MyAccount or email us at BHGcustserv@ cdsfulfi llment.com or call 800/374-4244 8 BHG July/August 2024 I’ve had small lawns at the three houses I’ve owned in my life in the Northeast and Midwest. All of them have been imperfect and organically “maintained.” I put that word in quotes because my personal lawn philosophy has always been laissez-faire. Herbicides? No. Weeds? Yes. I only hand-pull the really big ones like thistle, burdock, and as many of the dandelions as I can keep up with. Water? Only during dry spells. Fertilizer? Sometimes, but only if the grass seems unhappy, and even then, only with compost or low-NPK products with zero phosphorus. Pesticides? Never—I don’t want to kill the critters traveling on their merry way around and through my property. Why do I do this or not do that? Because my current lawn in Cape Cod sits in a very fragile ecosystem, which I am learning more about every day. Each input I use in my garden has the potential to percolate down through our sandy soil, not only to my well and drinking water but also to the underlying aquifer whose water fills the nearby freshwater kettle ponds. As well as the nearby streams, which, during storms, flow into the salt marshes and the ocean and bay. I love this dynamically idiosyncratic landscape very much—a thousand times more than I love my lawn. That’s why I can live with a few dandelions, clover patches, and yellowed bare spots. The beauty of nature is all about imperfections. And if I want my lawn to be part of the natural world, then I’m going to let it be what it wants to be. Who am I trying to impress anyway? I’ll bet if you look around your ecosystem, you’ll notice natural features you love and STEPHEN ORR, want to protect. Change can Editor in Chief start right in your front yard. instagram @steporr PHOTO: CARSON DOWNING; HAIR STYLIST: IVY BOYD W E LOA D A LO T O F E M O T I O N A L B AG G AG E

OFF THE PAGE Entertaining Essentials Gather in style with new summer party picks from the Better Homes & Gardens® collection at Walmart. Glass Beverage Dispenser, $15 Galvanized 2-Tier Serving Tray, $19 SUNNY Florals If you want a garden full of beautiful flowers but don’t want to have to water them constantly in peak summer heat, check out garden editor Miranda Crowell’s selection of top waterwise picks. These 35 colorful blooming plants, including coneflowers, daylilies, French marigolds, and geraniums, thrive in the sun and aren’t water hogs. BHG.com/SummerFlowers Do you have DIY FOMU? Marry Me Pasta Salad The internet is swooning over Marry Me Chicken. Our take on the viral dish is a summery pasta salad of cheesy tortellini, tomatoes, and basil worthy of an “I do.” Our new BHG DIY Trend Report found that 70 percent of DIYers suffer from FOMU, or the fear of messing up. Find out how to beat it and what other trends our study revealed at BHG.com/DIYReport. Bamboo Melamine Dinner Bowl, $3 Stainless Steel Flatware Set for 4, $20 All-in-One Serving Caddy, $15 Check out the full outdoor entertaining collection and more at BHG.com/Walmart. Get Social with Us @mybhg 10 BHG July/August 2024 @betterhomesandgardens @bhg @better.homes.and.gardens @bhg PHOTOS: (FLOWERS) KRITSADA PANICHGUL, (PASTA) CARSON DOWNING Make It Bloom
Romance is in the details Introducing new wedding invitations, designed by Minted artists and curated by the celebrated BRIDES® editorial team. Best is yet to come by Dijain Lien Every design is ready to tailor to tell your love story, your way. 20% off your first order CODE: BRIDES2024 | EXPIRES: 12/31/2024 M I N T E D.C O M / W E D D I N G
Dream Inspiration of the month DOWNTIME 12 We’re raising our expectations of the backyard patio with a multipurpose play space for casual living. BHG July/August 2024
Shade structures and rugs define the living and dining areas. ● Pittsburgh design firm Jennifer Janeway Designs wrapped this elevated exposedaggregate patio with a 2-foot-wide border of stone planting beds then filled them with plants that bring interest all season long. It’s a look that evokes the feeling of a garden room, something Janeway’s clients Bill Hunt (her father) and his wife, Alicia, appreciate. by K AT H Y B A R N E S photos D AV E B R Y C E July/August 2024 BHG 13
The Dream List String lights wrapping branches, uplights under trees, lanterns on posts, and a firepit make the patio eveningready. 1 DINING OUT At the end of a busy day, there’s nothing we want more than a place to unwind. A patio outfitted with creature comforts like cushy all-weather furniture, overhead protection from harsh sun, and barefoot-pleasing rugs blurs the lines between indoors and out. 2 BONUS FEATURE 3 TABLE SERVICE Simplify entertaining with furniture that serves an extra purpose. An inset galvanized trough, the star of the dining table from Woodbridge Furniture, can be filled with ice for beverages or cold dishes. You’ll never carry a cooler to the patio again. Or you could skip the ice and plant the tray with greenery or succulents. Although it might not be the first thing you think of when choosing patio essentials, a buffet will become a workhorse serving piece. One with open shelves allows you to stage your meal when you have company, reducing trips back and forth to the kitchen. n 14 BHG July/August 2024

CEL E B R A T E An Independence Day party that bursts with cool ideas. We love how the heads of spider mums look almost like fireworks. Just Add Water Quench your thirst for a fun and festive Fourth of July with these water-inspired ideas. 16 BHG July/August 2024 With a swimming pool-blue tablecloth and floating centerpiece, this table will help everyone feel chill. The cloth is an easy DIY using powdered dye and ice, which leaves behind a watery pattern as it melts. Float flower heads and star-shape candles in your 9×13" glass pan for an effortless centerpiece. Even the enamel splatterware dishes match the theme. Watch a video on ice dyeing at BHG.com/IceDye and see page 100 for how-tos on all the projects featured here. by A M Y PA N O S photos K E L S E Y H A N S E N produced by S U Z O N N E S T I R L I N G & J E S S I C A T H O M A S

CEL E B R A T E Star-shape stickers act as reverse stencils. You paint the blue rectangle right over them, then peel them off when dry. S TA R S A ND S T R IPE S F OR E V ER Basic watercolor paints and a yard of canvas or denim fabric are used to create this breezy impressionistic version of the American flag. It’s a fun family project you can make in whatever size you like. The rules of flag display decorum apply to this painted one too. Take care not to leave it out in the dark or bad weather and don’t let it touch the ground. 18 BHG July/August 2024 Besides July 4, several other days of the year call for letting Old Glory fly. See BHG.com/American Flag for a list.
GET CRACKIN’ WITH PROTEIN POWER.
CEL E B R A T E Out of the Blue Mother Nature gives us plenty of purple flowers but not many that are truly blue. No worries—you can dye them yourself using liquid food coloring. It can take a couple of days for the dye to soak in, though, so do think ahead. PAT R IO T IC P O SIE S Showy blooms burst out of their container in this splashy arrangement made with grocery store flowers. The beauty is in the mix of multiple fluffy shapes and shades of the main colors—red and pink, blue and purple. We used white spider mums, red carnations and gerbera daisies, and blue delphiniums. For the lighter blue flowers, we dyed white carnations and daisies using food coloring (see above right). To build a loose, lively arrangement, start with the largest flower heads, then fill in with smaller ones and baby’s breath. 20 BHG July/August 2024
202 Reynolds Consumer C C. © 2024 Products, LLC.
CEL E B R A T E ROUND A ND ROUND These DIY watercolor fans have major party decor power. String them together with bakers twine to make a garland, hang them overhead, or run them down the center of the table. They’re made from banner paper that’s been painted and splattered with watercolors. 22 BHG July/August 2024

CEL E B R A T E L E AV E R OOM F OR DE S SER T A birthday party for America (we’re 248 this year!) calls for cake. Liquid strawberry gelatin poured over a still-warm white cake creates a watercolor look, but the real showstopper is the frosting. We upgraded the usual whipped cream to a confection made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream (recipe on page 97). Serve the cake chilled and with fresh fruit for a sweet ending to the holiday. n 24 BHG July/August 2024 BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources PHOTO: CARSON DOWNING We salute the humble Jell-O poke cake, that colorful, nostalgic treat born in the ’70s. It’s simple to make and looks festive.

1 Embroidered linen in Coral or Blue. Coquilles Cocktail Napkins, $48/4; chefanie.com 2 2 Handmade in Italy. Sand Dollar Ceramic Platter, $42; hudsongracesf.com 1 3 Fair trade, eco-friendly, and handwoven in Colombia. Trim available in 19 colors. Seashell Woven Placemat, $29; macondoforever.com 4 Durable bamboo, picnic- and patiofriendly. Natural Reusable Bamboo Shell Plates, $58/6; merimeri.com On Trend 3 4 STYLING: JARRET EINCK This timeless seaside motif never really goes out of style, but as with beachcombing, there are always new discoveries. Our latest finds look especially fresh in woven rattan, sustainable bamboo, and high-shine brass.
Mosaic-inspired wallpaper with a subtle raised texture. Sandbar, $198 (27"×27'); serenaandlily.com shop 6 5 Natural rattan with a sturdy wire construction. Woven Rattan Shell Basket (12"×7¼"×4¾"), $158; brookeandlou.com 5 6 An easy way to elevate your favorite summer sips. Seashell Brass Drink Stirrers, $40/4; anacuahouse.com 7 The whimsical ruffled frame is made to look like weathered coral. Atoll Rectangular Mirror (36"×26"), $349; ballarddesigns.com 8 8 The fluted vase in a commanding size is just as dramatic without flowers inside. Shell-Shaped Vase (9¾"×11¾"), $35; hm.com 7 9 Shell Toile Paper Cocktail Napkins in Coral and Blue, $6/20; casparionline.com 10 Mini blue seashells add a playful touch to simple white sheets. Beach Shells Blue Sheet Set, from $40 for twin; southerntide.com 11 The sophisticated shape and high-shine fi nish instantly elevate a desk or side table. Shell Table Lamp, $99; urbanoutfitters.com 10 12 9 Versatile fluted glasses with subtle embossed shells. Versailles Tumbler, $65/6; larochere-na.com Keep these napkins out on your bar or countertop for a touch of resortinspired style. 13 11 A vintageinspired candle sconce in trendy lacquered brass. Shell Brass Wall Sconce, $103; maisonflaneur.com ■ 12 by L A U R E N B E N G T S O N photos K E L S E Y H A N S E N 13 July/August 2024 BHG 27
shop Here’s the Scoop Meet Your Match The BHG testing lab put 20 ice cream makers to the test, evaluating ease of use, cleanability, design, and—most important—the frozen treat’s taste. These five topped our list. BEST MANUAL Donvier Manual Ice Cream Maker, $100; amazon.com ● BEST OVERALL Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 This sleek machine has 11 programmed settings to create different frozen desserts and drinks, including sorbet and milkshakes. It allows you to swirl in toppings and churns a 2-pint batch of ice cream in just 5 minutes. Plus, all parts are dishwasher-safe. $250; ninjakitchen.com BEST SMALL Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, $70; cuisinart.com BEST ATTACHMENT KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment, $100; kitchenaid.com BEST SPLURGE Breville The Smart Scoop, $500; breville.com ■ Hover your phone camera here for our full buying guide. 28 BHG July/August 2024 by C L A I R E H O P P E photos J A S O N D O N N E L LY
Blanket Fort Dinosaur Dad Vanilla Milk Cream The best things in life start with the simplest ingredients.
COLOR PLAY Interior designers Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning carried a thread of pink throughout Sonia Jain’s home. In the living room, the rosy hue appears on drapes, and the flurry of sofa pillows—especially the wool chartreuse with mustard undertones—intentionally mismatches it. by K AT H R Y N O ’ S H E A- E VA N S photos E M I LY F O L L O W I L L
decorate An affinity for pink and works by female artists inspired the use of color in this Georgia home. M y house was ‘builder-grade gray’ when I moved in,” recalls Sonia Jain. For a lover of full-throttle color, that part was already practically unlivable. Then came the pandemic. “Where I worked, everything was gray—the cubicle, the walls. And I got to a point, because I was basically just going home, and to work, and sometimes the grocery store, where I wanted to see colors!” she says. “I was dead set on wanting my main floor to be white so we could splash color everywhere.” But not all hues in the crayon box are created equal for Sonia. She especially loves pink, a color that’s practically a family heirloom because it was used all over her childhood home. “I grew up in the South, but my parents were raised in India. And when they were building what has been the house they’ve lived in for 30 years, they had help from a designer who said, ‘This is the color of the ’90s,’” she explains of the hue she still gravitates to and loves for the sense of calm and refreshment it provides her. So when Sonia enlisted Atlanta’s GordonDunning Interior Design to assist in achieving her vision, that color rose to the forefront—literally. “There’s a reason we say rose-colored glasses,” says designer Lathem Gordon. “Seeing through a pink lens makes things more yummy and beautiful and happy, because, just like yellows, July/August 2024 BHG 31
decorate ON DISPLAY Floral-print wallpaper lines the backs of the living room’s new bookshelves, left. Artwork, such as the pieces hung on the shelves and propped among books, helps this home library feel approachable and collected. DESIGN TEAM Cate Dunning (left) and Lathem Gordon (center) of GordonDunning Interior Design helped homeowner Sonia Jain design her home around her art collection. “There’s this softness with a little punch and a classic, traditional element with a little fun,” Gordon says. there are a lot of undertones to it and a lot of connotations.” A trove of collected art Sonia had been stashing away in a closet helped hone the palette. “A lot of the spirit and color of the whole house came from the art she had collected,” Gordon says. Sonia gravitates to female artists and likes to hang pieces as if they are in a kind of conversation with each other. Some of the artists are friends in real life, and to Sonia, it’s as if they’re mingling on the walls as well. “There’s just something really lovely 32 BHG July/August 2024 about them hanging together; it reminds me women make a network wherever they are,” Sonia says. The feminine element is a nice counterpoint to a time in history when female artists weren’t championed. “I took an art history class in college,” Sonia says, “and one of our assignments was to write an essay about ‘why there are no great female artists,’ either supporting that thesis or rejecting it.” Clearly, if her walls could speak, they would say great female artists are everywhere. You should be designing around the person who lives there so they look their most beautiful— so they glow from within.” —LATHEM GORDON, interior designer
WONDERLAND WHIM Rather than permanently affix Schumacher Chinois Palais wallpaper to the dining room walls, the designers put the splurge paper in frames, “so theoretically the panels could go with Sonia one day,” Gordon says. The antique herringbone table and the head chairs made in India supply a layer of history to the 2018 home. “The dining room feels like you could be in a whole different world—like Alice through the looking glass,” says Sonia of one of her favorite rooms. “You just went into a magical place.”
decorate PERFECTLY IMPERFECT Handmade in Morocco, zellige tile echoes the aquatic hues of the Janet Hill painting on the range hood. “We love zellige because it adds so much interest and variation of color, texture, depth—all of it,” Gordon says. Mercury glass pendants bring extra glimmer overhead. 34 BHG July/August 2024
Mixes Well
O F A B E T TE R R E A L E S TATE E XPE R IE N CE The Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate brand is a real estate lifestyle leader. BHGRE® affiliated agents design a personalized real estate experience that suits your style and supports your home buying and selling dreams. FIND YOUR DREAM HOME | BHGRE.COM ©2024 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens®, BHGRE®, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Logo and Expect Better® are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.
decorate PRETTY IN PINK A Joya Mukerjee Logue painting, left, kicked off the palette in the primary bedroom. For the walls, Sonia chose Benjamin Moore Pink Cadillac, a soft yet uplifting tone. Green accents brought in needed contrast. ART UNDERFOOT “Rugs are like artwork too,” Gordon says. In the mudroom hallway, below, scalloped jute rugs were used to add interest to the floors in a natural, not a “look at me,” color. Gallery Walls Sonia says she collects art that speaks to her. These are a few of her favorite female artists. JA NE T H I L L Based in Canada, with a rich, whimsical style and hints of Wes Anderson. janethillstudio.com JOYA M U K E R J E E LO GU E Cinematic dreamscapes of Indian women in muted tones. joyamukerjeelogue.com KAT I E RO D GE RS Nature’s beauty reimagined in saturated pastels. katierodgers.co W H I T N EY STOD DAR D Tea-stained pieces that show the power of simplicity and echo her Charleston, SC, locale. whitneystoddardart.com BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources BOLD & BEAUTIFUL The designers brought a layered look to a powder room, left, with Cole & Son Orange Blossom wallpaper and a piece by Whitney Stoddard. “At first, I was so against hanging it in the bathroom,” Sonia says. “But the more I thought about it, she looks like she’s winking, so I thought, How cheeky!” n July/August 2024 BHG 37
HELP THEM TASTE ALL THAT LIFE HAS TO OFFER. travel IT’S GO TIME No matter your mode of transport, these savvy travel tips will help your furry sidekick enjoy the journey (almost) as much as the destination. Give your dog a bowl full of real ingredients and real flavor with every recipe. Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. 38 BHG July/August 2024
retrieve the snack. Give another treat once they get in the car. Set out for a short test-drive. Repeat regularly. Kitty in the car When it comes to long rides, practice is key. Get cats comfortable with carriers by letting felines play and sleep in them at home before hitting the road. High-value rewards (like favorite treats) help transform the carrier into a fun space they’ll feel safe in. Rover on the road Train your dog to love the car with their favorite foods. Place a treat inside the car, open a door, and encourage them to jump in and ® Cats in the air A health certificate is typically required for domestic travel (within 10 days of takeoff) to prove your cat is at least 8 weeks old, up-to-date on vaccinations, and free of any signs of infectious diseases. Check with the airline for other rules, including carrier sizes. Pups on a plane Most airlines will allow a dog in the main cabin if they weigh HEALTHFUL. FLAVORFUL. BENEFUL. 20 pounds or less and fit in a carrier under the seat. If they weigh more than 20 pounds (and usually 100 pounds or less), they may need to fly in the plane’s cargo hold, which costs a fee and makes some pet parents uncomfortable. Consult the airline for regulations. What to pack Your pet’s travel bag should include food, bowls, treats, toys, medications, and anything else to make them comfortable. Pack your cat’s litter and a litter box when possible. ■ STORY ADAPTED FROM PAWPRINT MAGAZINE, SPRING 2022; PHOTO: RICH LEGG/E+/GETTY IMAGES Choose from a variety of recipes at beneful.com by L A C E Y H O WA R D July/August 2024 BHG 39
cook RECIPE ON PAGE 98. Stone Fruit UpsideDown Cake Apricots, peaches, and plums, oh my! We’ll always love the classic pineapple version, but now is the perfect time to use fresh-picked fruit in this beautiful seasonal cake. Get creative with any combo of stone fruit or follow our lead and arrange peaches, plums, and apricots in a floral pattern. The buttermilk-almond flour cake base is lightly spiced with cinnamon (or ginger if you’d like a different aromatic take). n 40 BHG July/August 2024 by K AT LY N M O N C A D A photo K E L S E Y H A N S E N FOOD STYLING: CHARLIE WORTHINGTON Use a very sharp, thin-blade knife to cut your fruit into 1 ⁄8 - to 1⁄4 -inchthick slices.
F ROM THE RU SHED TO THE R EL A XE D Rather than count your vacation days, make your vacation days count. In Kansas, we invite you to take time off to get your adventure on. To explore a new landscape that rejuvenates your soul. Take a deep breath, then take the road less traveled. Reclaim your vacation in Kansas. Start planning at TravelKS.com
grow Green Retreat In an urban Seattle neighborhood, a couple create a magical, verdant escape from the world outside. The challenge The sound of freeway traffic, a view of the neighbors’ yards, and a patchy, sloped lawn were the defining features of this Seattle backyard when Scot Eckley and Devin Fitzpatrick moved into the home 19 years ago. In other words, “It was a dream come true,” Devin says with a laugh. The pair—he’s a garden designer; she’s an interior 42 BHG July/August 2024 designer—were up for an aesthetic challenge they could tackle together. Privacy, please A primary goal of the design was to create a sense of enclosure. Scot achieved that by planting Leyland cypress hedges, which, at up to 16 feet tall, help provide privacy and muffle noise. Garden zones The 1,600-square-foot yard operates on various levels, both literally and figuratively. The space includes several raised beds, a sunken lounge with a fireplace, and a lawn with a daybed where their two young kids often play. “We wanted different routes and destinations around the yard, each with its own focal point and reward,” Scot says. Marrying styles “I’m into English gardens and romantic plantings,” Devin says. “Scot’s language is a little more modern.” They met in the middle with a clean hardscape softened by aged materials and spilling plants. They agreed to stick largely to green with a few white flowers. “We both gravitate toward a calm, neutral palette,” Scot says. “It really makes it feel like an oasis when you look out on a gray Seattle day.” by M I R A N D A C R O W E L L photos M I R A N D A E S T E S ● Raised beds made of Pennsylvania bluestone satisfied Devin’s desire for rustic materials; they hold a variety of herbs and vegetables. Toward the back of the garden, Scot built a tall arbor for an architectural note.
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grow ● In the sunken lounge area, left, Scot installed a fireplace in the retaining wall. To soften the concrete and steel surround, he framed it with English ivy along the sides and sweet box below. Teak pieces with neutral upholstery keep the overall effect subdued. ● The arbor Scot constructed is sturdy enough to support a swinging daybed, opposite. “It’s a nice spot for our kids to lie down and read," says Devin, “or climb and hang upside down.” The couple planted white climbing roses that will eventually train up the structure. A traditional garden stool, oversize pots, and a stone orb complete the area. ● Devin chose the teak dining table and chairs, right, for their subtly European look. The pieces also fold down for storage in the winter. ● Another meeting of styles is seen in the steps to the lawn, far right. Scot chose the Corten steel edging, and Devin came up with the idea of tempering its modernity by continuing grass up the steps. 44 BHG July/August 2024

grow “WHEN PEOPLE COME OVER, THEY’RE ALWAYS SURPRISED BECAUSE IT FEELS LIKE THIS SECRET GARDEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY.” —SCOT ECKLEY, homeowner ● Scot and Devin installed French doors, right, from their family room for easy connection to the lounge area. ● With a rose plant climbing across the archway, far right, the front of the house “is a bit more cottagey,” Scot says. Devin selected Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray for the trim on the house. ● The couple opted for warm-tone gravel for the dining area, left. “It gives you that Mediterranean feel, plus, because it’s pervious, you don’t have to worry about water runoff when it rains,” Scot says. An espaliered apple tree and oversize containers holding tomatoes add dimension against the hedges. n 46 BHG July/August 2024
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Every treat is more fun in skewered form, as fairs across the country prove each year. Inspired by the Iowa State Fair (in BHG’s own backyard), we dreamed up these blue-ribbon sweet and savory recipes. Frozen Banana Coins Sweet Corn Ice Cream Pops This is a simple twist on the frozen chocolate banana. Spoon melted dark or white chocolate or peanut butter chips over the rounds and freeze. If you haven’t been putting fresh summer corn in your desserts, allow us to introduce you to how amazing it is. We doctored vanilla ice cream with sweet golden kernels, coated it in caramel sauce, and rolled it in puffed corn cereal. Walking Taco Sticks Savory Tex-Mex meatballs come together with the help of your favorite salsa and crushed nacho-flavor chips. Tortilla strips weave together all the toppings. Enjoy with extra salsa. 48 BHG July/August 2024 Korean Corn Dogs Instead of a cornmeal batter, the outside of this popular Korean street food is made with a yeasted batter, giving it a nice chewy tug. It’s stuffed with a hot dog and cheese and coated in crispy potatoes. by K AT LY N M O N C A D A photos C A R S O N D O W N I N G food styling C H A R L I E W O R T H I N G T O N
cook Dilly Potato Tornadoes Pickle-flavor everything is trending, so adding that briny goodness to fair-fave spiraled potatoes was a no-brainer. To drive the flavors home, dip in pickle brine-spiked ranch dressing and top with some pickle chips. ● To throw your own fair bash at home, wrap skewers in colorful washi tape and serve on food-safe deli paper (on Amazon) with fun patterns. Low Country Boil Skewers We love tumbling out a low country boil onto a newspaper-covered table. Stack andouille, shrimp, corn, and onion on a stick, then toss them on the grill. No need for a huge pot and crowd to feed. Nashville Chicken and Waffle Sticks RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 92. Frozen tenders are the juicy bite in the center of a crispy waffle. We used a boxed waffle mix for ease and added hot Nashvilleinspired spices to kick up the heat. These are perfect for dunking in our swicy (sweet and spicy) maplebutter sauce. ■ July/August 2024 BHG 49
upgrade Choose a climbing rose variety that maxes out at 15 feet to prevent a top-heavy archway. I Did It! A gardener takes her love of roses to new heights with a soaring archway covered in flowers. Time 2–3 hours to set up and plant 50 BHG July/August 2024 Cost $300–$500 by M I K E I R V I N E Skills Minimal PHOTOS: RHONDA KAISER OF SOUTHERN HOME & FARM W ith nearly 30 antique rose specimens lining her garden in Texas, Rhonda Kaiser clearly has a passion for the plants. “They’re so hearty, and the history behind each variety is fascinating,” says Rhonda, a Master Gardener who documents her projects on Instagram (@southernhomeandfarm). But after an inspiring visit to the Antique Rose Emporium in Brenham, TX, she knew she was missing something: a showstopping entryway to her garden. Enter ‘Peggy Martin’, a vigorous climbing rose with a backstory of resilience. The plant from which this cultivar was developed survived submersion in salt water for two weeks in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Now, about five years since Rhonda planted the rose, her 12-foot-tall archway explodes with pink blooms each spring, even under a harsh Texas sun. “That rose is a stunner,” she says, “and she does well almost anywhere.”
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upgrade What She Did The scale of the flowery structure can feel intimidating, but it is easier than it looks. Follow the steps Rhonda took in her yard, along with some recommendations from the experts at David Austin Roses. What You Need A support structure and a couple of key tools are all you need to set up a blooming archway. TRELLIS Jardin Rose Arch, $275; walmart.com 1 SET UP YOUR SPOT Find a flat, full-sun location with welldrained soil and, with the help of a friend, place your archway. Rhonda used a heavy metal trellis stabilized with rebar stakes. After belowfreezing temperatures have passed in late winter or early spring, plant one bare-root climbing rose on either side of the archway. Amend with compost and water deeply. 2 TRAIN STEMS Carefully weave the plant’s largest and sturdiest stems in and out of the frame, right, affixing them to the 52 BHG July/August 2024 structure with garden ties as needed. David Austin Roses recommends doing your best to train the stems horizontally (this encourages stems to send out more shoots, resulting in more flowers). 3 QUENCH WITH CARE Always water at the base of the plants or, better yet, set up a drip irrigation system. Spraying leaves and buds can cause disease and invite pests. Give plants a long, deep soak once or twice a week (during particularly hot spells, water more often). 4 TAME REGULARLY Continue to gently weave the stems through the structure as the plants grow. Deadhead and prune lightly after flowering and make bigger cuts in late winter or early fall, removing dead or diseased canes. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice height in your first few seasons for better health of your roses. Allow one or two main stems to reach the top of the structure and stagger the rest. Rhonda applies a preventive fungicide when removing dead canes to fend off black spot and other fungal issues. 5 PRUNE STRATEGICALLY Once your plants are well-established, the experts at David Austin Roses recommend pruning the main stems to three different heights (e.g., 2, 3, and 5 feet tall) so they grow in a staggered fashion. This encourages flowering throughout the archway, not just at the top. ■ GARDEN TIES Velcro Wide Extra Support Garden Ties, $11; amazon.com PRUNERS Felco 2 Pruners, $69; felco.com ONWARD & UPWARD Scan here for other great climbing rose types.

cook 5-ingredient No-Cook Summer Sides Flavorful peak-season produce does all the heavy lifting in these easy recipes. Serve them as colorful sides or add your favorite protein for a complete meal. 3 Creamy Corn, Plum, and Basil Salad Toss the sweet, raw kernels in a creamy dressing made with garlic-herb cheese—a happy companion to juicy plums and fresh basil. start to finish 20 min. 1 54 5.2-oz. pkg. semisoft cheese with garlic and fine herbs BHG July/August 2024 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked, kernels removed (about 3 cups kernels) 4 green onions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup) 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 11/2 lb. red or purple plums or pluots,* halved and pitted 1. In a large bowl stir together cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 cup vinegar (we like cider vinegar here, but you can use what is in your pantry) until smooth. Season with 1 tsp. salt. Add corn, green onions, and basil; gently stir to coat. 2. Arrange plum halves on a platter. Spoon corn mixture over plums. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and top with extra basil leaves if you like. Serves 4. *tip Pluots are a hybrid of plums and apricots. Use them in any dish that calls for either fruit. per serving 454 cal, 31 g fat (13 g sat fat), 38 mg chol, 903 mg sodium, 42 g carb, 5 g fiber, 23 g sugars, 8 g pro photos C A R S O N D O W N I N G food styling C H A R L I E W O R T H I N G T O N recipes by D A N I E L L E C E N T O N I
TA S T E S L I K E T R A D I T I O N IN THE MAKING. M A D E W I T H M I L K F R O M G R A S S - F E D C O W S T H AT G R A Z E O N T H E L U S H PA S T U R E S O F I R E L A N D.
cook ● Kohlrabi is crunchy like a radish and mild and lightly sweet when raw, similar to a broccoli stem. Sub it in for cabbage in other fresh recipes. Kohlrabi and Cabbage Slaw with Peanut Sauce Both kohlrabi and cabbage have great staying power. You can prep the vegetables at least 48 hours ahead. Toss with the dressing just before serving. start to finish 25 min. 56 BHG July/August 2024 1 1 1/4 1/4 large kohlrabi bulb lime (11/2 tsp. zest plus 2 Tbsp. juice) cup purchased or homemade peanut sauce* of a red cabbage, cored and very thinly sliced (2 cups) Cilantro leaves 1. To prep the kohlrabi, slice off a small section from the top and bottom so it sits flat. Peel off the outer layer; cut into sticks (about 2 cups). 2. In a large bowl whisk lime zest and juice and peanut sauce until well combined. 3. Add kohlrabi and cabbage to the bowl; toss to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Scatter cilantro leaves over top. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges if you like. Serves 5. *peanut sauce Mix 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter with 1/2 cup hot water and 1 Tbsp. soy sauce. If you like it spicy, add 1 Tbsp. sriracha sauce. per serving 75 cal, 3 g fat (0 g sat fat), 185 mg sodium, 11 g carb, 3 g fiber, 6 g sugars, 3 g pro
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cook ● Run a vegetable peeler down the length of the zucchini to create ribbons. You can keep or discard the outer dark green skin. Raw Zucchini, Cherry Tomato, and Feta Salad with Za’atar Vinaigrette Zucchini is the little black dress of vegetables—style it any way you like. Veggie ribbons make a statement tossed with tomatoes, olives, feta, and tangy za’atar dressing. start to finish 20 min. 1 1 1/2 4 4 Tbsp. za’atar seasoning pint cherry tomatoes, halved cup pitted Kalamata olives, roughly chopped small zucchini, shaved into ribbons oz. feta, crumbled 1. In a large bowl whisk 1/3 cup 2. Place zucchini ribbons on a olive oil, 2 Tbsp. red wine or white wine vinegar, and za’atar until emulsified. Season with 1/4 tsp. each salt and black pepper. Add cherry tomatoes and olives; toss to coat. platter; top with tomato mixture. Crumble feta over top. Season with salt and extra za’atar to taste. Serve within 2 hours. Serves 6. per serving 205 cal, 19 g fat (4 g sat fat), 14 mg chol, 647 mg sodium, 6 g carb, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugars, 5 g pro July/August 2024 BHG 59

cook ● Fresh fennel has a subtle anise flavor compared to the dried seeds, which have a distinct licoricelike taste. It adds a crisp element similar to a fresh onion. Fennel, Melon, and Blueberry Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette White balsamic vinegar delivers the flavor you expect without the dark color, which can muddy the look of a fresh fruit salad. start to finish 20 min. 1 small fennel bulb (12 oz.), halved, core removed, and thinly shaved (about 2 cups) 3/4 cup blueberries (4 oz.) 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 medium cantaloupe (21/4 lb.), cut into wedges 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves, torn 1 pinch of crushed red pepper (optional) 1. In a large bowl combine shaved fennel and blueberries. 2. In a small bowl combine vinegar, 3 Tbsp. olive oil, and a generous pinch of sea salt flakes, whisking until emulsified. Pour ¼ cup of the vinaigrette over the berries and fennel; toss to coat. 3. Arrange cantaloupe wedges on a platter and top with fennel mixture. Sprinkle with fresh mint and crushed red pepper (if using). Serve with remaining vinaigrette. Serves 4. per serving 204 cal, 11 g fat (2 g sat fat), 195 mg sodium, 25 g carb, 3 g fiber, 22 g sugars, 2 g pro n July/August 2024 BHG 63
● The updated exterior of this Bay Head, NJ, cottage embodies homeowner and designer Trish Lynn’s approach to her entire home: Anything new should blend seamlessly with the original. One feature that blends with everything—the lush hydrangea bushes in the yard. For advice on growing the most beautiful hydrangeas, go to BHG.com/ BestHydrangeas.
by ELENI GAGE photos D AV I D L A N D styled by R A I N A K AT T E L S O N field editor SARAH ALBA produced by MONIK A BIEGLER EYERS PHOTOGRAPHER AGENT: PAT BATES & ASSOCIATES Endless SUMMER A family preserves the style of their 1894 summer cottage on the Jersey Shore with a renovation designed to marry timeless charm and modern ease. July/August 2024 BHG 65
rish and Rick Lynn bought this summer cottage on the Jersey Shore 10 years ago as a place where they could honor their past while looking to the future. The couple had a 1-year-old daughter at the time, and each of them had grown up vacationing in the area, so they wanted a getaway within driving distance of their home in Hoboken. It would be a place for their young family to build a lifetime of memories, including biking to the beach and playing barefoot in the sand. When they spotted an 1894 home with a hydrangeafilled yard sandwiched between Barnegat Bay and the Atlantic Ocean in Bay Head, “we fell in love with it immediately,” says Trish, founder of Colette Interiors in Chatham, NJ. She loved the old house details— handmade bricks on the front porch, stained-glass windows in the family room, and a claw-foot tub in a bathroom—in what she calls the “quaint cottage.” But Trish and Rick knew it would require work to make the vintage home comfortable for a modern family. ● The original banister, now ebonystained, above, stands out against the walls, which are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White throughout the home. Trish found the console and the matching weathered wood coffee table in the living room, left, at One Kings Lane. ● The living room windows, window seat, bookcases, and fireplace, opposite, were original to the house. To update them, Trish backed the shelves in grass cloth to match the window seat cushion and limewashed the red brick fireplace surround. 66 BHG July/August 2024

● “My idea was to make the dining room elegant but approachable and kid-friendly,” Trish says. There’s a nubby grass cloth on the walls, a woven woodand-coco-bead light fixture above the wipeable table, kidproof performance fabric on the chairs, and a low-pile rug that she says is soft underfoot and durable in a room that sees a lot of traffic.
Take that claw-foot tub. “It had incredible charm but was not comfortable to shower in,” Trish says. To solve that problem without throwing the bathtub out with the bathwater, they expanded the room, borrowing square footage from the primary bedroom to add a shower enclosure. The finished product, she says, has “all the updated modern elements married to our home’s authentic charm, embracing the dormers and architectural lines of the space and originality of the tub.” That bathroom upgrade was the first of four renovation projects over a decade, as the family added a screen porch for alfresco dinners and a primary bedroom suite on the second floor. They also turned a firstfloor den into a guest suite, tearing out the floors to reinforce footings underneath that would allow the room to support the addition upstairs. It was a complicated move that “actually added height to the space, which is really great for an old home,” Trish says. On the cottage exterior, Trish took cues from the previous owners, updating the ● Trish continued the beaded-board ceiling, above, in all rooms on the main floor, including the dining room, opposite. Because the kitchen is too small for the three daughters they now have to sit at the counter, they plan to make the room bigger in a future project. ● Adding to their summer living space, the family replaced a patio on one side of the house with a screen porch, right, complete with an outdoor kitchen featuring a grill, fridge, and icemaker. It’s where most of the cooking gets done, Trish says. “We eat out there unless it’s unbearably hot.” July/August 2024 BHG 69
● Trish chose ipe wood for the screen porch flooring, above, because it’s known to endure the moisture of coastal environments. Family dinner happens on the porch around the teak dining table. Trish found the dinner bell in the garage and mounted it by the door. Now it’s “one of those spark-joy moments for me, where every day it reminds me of the fun we have,” she says. The outdoor sectional, opposite, is a Serena & Lily piece covered in performance fabric. 70 BHG July/August 2024
“THIS LITTLE COTTAGE IS OUR HAPPY PLACE. WE SPEND THE ENTIRE SUMMER OUT HERE WITH OUR GIRLS. MY FAVORITE THING TO DO IS SIT ON THE SCREEN PORCH AND ENTERTAIN FRIENDS AND FAMILY.” —TRISH LYNN
awnings and the picket fence. Then she added her own imprint, covering the white wood siding with cedar shingles, which will take on a patina over time as they turn gray—some more quickly than others depending on which direction they face and how much sun they get. The new copper lighting will develop a patina as well. “I like the idea of a living finish,” she explains. The family has grown and changed along with the home. Colette is now 10 years old and has two younger sisters, Cece, 8, and Violet, 6. The trio spend the summers sailing, swimming, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. And while the family has maintained and enhanced the beauty of the home, the house has done the same for their summers. Says Trish, “It’s just a beautiful life here.” n ● The claw-foot tub, above, rests on a platform with a gentle slope to improve drainage. The faucet and hardware were original to the tub. “The tub sits right in a dormer, pretty perfectly,” Trish says. She added the Nantucket Lightshop pendants. ● Violet, far left, sleeps on a spindle bed in a room with pineappleprint wallpaper, left. The light fixture above the bed is fabulous not functional. “One of my design hacks is to hang light fixtures that aren’t wired where I don’t really need a light. I just think it looks cool,” Trish says. 72 BHG July/August 2024 BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources
● “For me, the guest room is all about the layering of the textures,” Trish says. The grass-cloth wallcovering, cane headboard, and shell sconces have varied natural surfaces. The airy rattan shelf from Urban Outfitters brings a sculptural quality.
o st ke ta ai r-f ry 74 ha Ha ris sa- ris sa -a nd W hil ho et ne he y c y-sau ced Dinn oo k, s er in s a lmo five? T tir t hat ’s all the time it n alo oge ngsid th e r e fresh aspa a ha ragus. rissalime ma yo that’s delicious on both. BHG July/August 2024 Lim e Sa lm o n by J A N M I L L E R photos C A R S O N D O W N I N G food styling K E L S E Y M O Y L A N PROP STYLING: STEPHANIE HUNTER t O a u e t H e h t e k K i t c a e hen h t T of In the summer, we’re all for making kitchen duty a little more chill. Lean on any (or all) of these strategies to take the pressure off.
A Like Flash in the Air Fryer a mini convection oven, in th e l W ho re w a Sp . n ry r-f ven d a i a r o an the usta c in m ou t y one ery a t t th t s bu roa o t July/August 2024 BHG es tak e The key to a juicy air-fried bird is to start it breast side down then flip it the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking to brown. k ch it ’s ad ic re m d k sm the en ark in a ok s ed elf- abo ble pa bas ut h pr tin alf ika g the ru tim bu e it nd er the ski n. an air fryer makes quick work of dinner without turning your kitchen into a sauna. If you’ve used yours only to revive leftover fries or day-old pizza, these simple dinners are a good next step. ym h T d M u st a r e le o h W C e ih ck n 75
No-Cook Creations On those hottest of days when you can’t bear to turn on any heat-generating appliance—even a microwave— you’ll appreciate these refreshing zerocooking-required options. m ak e di nn er Serve the ceviche with crisp plantain and tortilla chips and a few extra squeezes of lime. on io n to n o as d se re e n ith . th e i It ’s vich es w ving e ic er g c us ju re s n i lud f citr efo nc i o tb end trio r jus m om ” in a wde rec o e ks w coo chili p a nd “ , s t r u e nd alib out of a roundup of appetiz de h s, a a e r g g ish ran the mix. Su os, o d a c o av and cilantro. Stir in ev i C t u b i l a H 76 BHG July/August 2024 ch Av h t i ew o d a oc
sho ts en ng re di Chickpea-Herb Flatbread Besides in-season produce, few i ummer flavor like fresh herbs. A handful of parsley, mint, and cilantro carries through the chunky chickpea spread and cucumber-tomato salad topper. ut s 77 July/August 2024 BHG
Everything in One Pan A meal doesn’t have to be one-note when it comes to flavor just because you’re cooking all the ingredients in a single pan. It requires only a little patience to build the layers of the dish—and if you’re simply washing one pan, you’ll have a few minutes to spare. One -Po tB ibi ixe e m ric ja in u ra ch go mb tg or sh d ap w Ric e ith ng ith f me Bib im , a res at an bap nd h g d in is se sa ger vege a Ko me ta re th sa en s bles. an dis uc h of tirOu e. rice To frying r versi pw on s g ro tarts ith with c car und be ooking ef in rots a soy, , gre en o nions , and ki mchi. w 78 BHG July/August 2024 A sunny-sideup egg is an optional but traditional topper—and yes, you can frizzle it in the same pan.
ith ro c il le r k O d s tw zo Sk i l le t co big C h sm icke ab lini ns ok ou an t t d o y fla ausa he g rz v sa o a or—a es r me nd e you tim won et ’t oc oo k. RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 90. s a this sa grill t , as t u a s S t B ro i, n i l cco o ta ke .B n ing t it a , ge isfy ge ey h e e ion th us inf up pan m ire o f l co t ve idea ha July/August 2024 BHG 79
Fix-and-Forget Slow Cooker You might want to pull this kitchen Napa cabbage is both crunchy and delicate. Toss it with bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas to make this a main dish. of th gr or e m o ed lo w st ie an nt s. d slo w workhorse out of storage for the summer. Toss together the ingredients for these hands-off meals, press the power button, and get back outside. st ne a o f is it n n k i i r l o Co o t r y e d n . en eat pa t m om rk Po s of fr e ut d c a g vin ce m i g for i sau nd k a tile riya versa in a te r ende until t C Teriyaki Pork with Napa 80 BHG July/August 2024 ab la S e bag w
Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders One of the slow cooker’s strengths is cooking dried grains and legumes. So it makes sense to use it to prep the lentils and brown rice in these meatless sliders. You’ll recognize the classic flavors of sloppy joes with a note of BBQ from a splash of molasses. n 81 July/August 2024 BHG
The Family That Grows Together UNDER THE SAME ROOF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES, A FAMILY FINDS NEW CONNECTION IN THE GARDEN. 82 BHG July/August 2024 by J O H A N N A S I LV E R photos C A I T L I N AT K I N S O N
● Ana Talukder, husband Jonathan Sites, and Ana’s parents, Sukomal (front right) and Nipa Talukder, opposite, built their garden together at the home they share north of Seattle. Raised beds hold fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs from spring through fall.

● Because the garden is in the front yard, “it had to be beautiful,” Ana says. To achieve that, the raised beds were placed in a tidy, symmetrical arrangement. Flowers amid the vegetables lend color, and trellises throughout the space create structure and visual interest. A fence defines the area and helps keep rabbits out. na Talukder did not just dip a toe into gardening. “I’m an all-in type of person,” she says. Around 2019, Ana was going all in on a whole lot of things: a new husband, a new 2.8-acre property north of Seattle, and a new living arrangement with her parents, Sukomal and Nipa Talukder, who had moved in with her and her family. Although Ana had never gardened before, her husband, Jonathan Sites, and her mother had years of experience, so growing vegetables was a given. After a couple of failed attempts in shadier locations, the family decided to carve 1,500 square feet out of the front yard—one of the few flat and sunny stretches on the property. They chose a mix of cedar and July/August 2024 BHG 85
● “Slugs and snails have zero chance of climbing into these beds,” Ana says of the metal designs, above (available at shop.epicgardening.com). In the back, a wood coop houses chickens, who, in addition to laying eggs, provide material for compost. The salves and herbal mixes Ana creates from the garden, opposite, are on display (she shares her processes on Instagram @pnw_ana). 86 BHG July/August 2024
Ana infuses lotion bars with soothing calendula and gives them to friends.
1 2 4 5
3 1 Ana harvests bush beans next to collards. The family’s favorite seed sources include botanicalinterests.com, territorialseed.com, grandprismatic seed.com, and fruitionseeds.com. 2 6 Ana stores dried and metal raised beds because pressed flowers in this their height would make box for use in art harvesting easier, especially projects and wreaths. on Ana’s parents. 3 In those beds, the family Raised bed corners plants nearly every vegetable from Gardener’s garden staple, along with a Supply Co. (gardeners plethora of Asian crops— .com) simplified including bok choy, mustard construction of the greens, and Bangladeshi cedar raised beds. spinach—that her parents 4 loved in their native country Yarrow, hydrangea, of India. (They immigrated mint, and ranunculus dry on a line. to the United States in 1970.) 5 “My ground rule was that To give the raised if we were going to do this, beds an aged look, we were going to plant all the family treated the vegetables my parents the cedar using reminisced about,” Ana says. a Japanese process For her part, Ana has known as shou sugi become a natural gardener ban, which preserves over the last few years and wood by charring it. now starts everything A ceramic pot from seed. She also became echoes the patina. so interested in making 6 concoctions from the garden Ana often uses that she earned an herbalist leaves and flowers to certification in 2017. The create pigments for her paints. outdoor space inspires her creativity too: She regularly plucks flower petals for dyes and prints that hang around the house. “Both herbalism and art let my brain calm down and escape any stresses of the world,” Ana says. The same can be said for the garden itself. “After they worked hard for so long, the garden gives my parents a chance to slow down and enjoy life,” Ana says. Sukomal has a daily ritual of walking among the beds, taking in the colors and scents, and Nipa loves to harvest vegetables for cooking. “I think it makes her feel nostalgic for her own childhood,” Ana says. “And I think this arrangement is extending all of our lives.” n July/August 2024 BHG 89
COOKBOOK Harissa-Lime Salmon This two-serving recipe fits conveniently into a basket-style air fryer. To make four servings, double the recipe and air-fry in two batches. If you have a larger, toaster oven-style air fryer, double the recipe and cook in one batch. START TO FINISH 15 min. 2 1 ¹∕8 2 8 1 90 Tbsp. mild harissa sauce* Tbsp. honey tsp. ground coriander 6-oz. skinless salmon fillets oz. asparagus spears, about ¹∕2-inch diameter, trimmed to fit air fryer (about 16 spears) recipe Harissa-Lime Sauce Lime wedges 1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. In a small bowl whisk together harissa sauce, honey, coriander, ¹∕4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, and ¹∕8 tsp. salt. 2. Pat salmon dry. Generously coat salmon with harissa mixture. 3. Line a 6-qt. air-fryer basket with perforated parchment. Working in batches if needed, arrange salmon and asparagus BHG July/August 2024 Mustard-Thyme Whole Chicken It’s important to buy a chicken that doesn’t exceed 3½ pounds so it will fit into the air-fryer basket with enough room for air circulation. HANDS ON 10 min. TOTAL TIME 1 hr. Tbsp. butter, softened tsp. packed brown sugar tsp. smoked paprika or paprika 1 tsp. dry mustard or Dijon mustard ¹∕2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed ¹∕4 tsp. garlic powder 3¹∕2 lb. whole broiler-fryer chicken 1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. In a small bowl combine butter, brown sugar, paprika, mustard, thyme, and garlic powder. 2. Rinse chicken cavity; pat dry with paper towels. Twist wing tips behind back. Rub butter mixture under skin. Sprinkle 1 ¹∕2 tsp. salt and ¹∕2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper over outside of chicken. 3. Place chicken, breast side down, in a 5- to 6-qt. air-fryer basket. Cook 40 to 45 minutes, turning once after 35 minutes, or until chicken is done (at least 170°F for thighs; 160°F for breast).* Cover chicken with foil; let stand 10 minutes (chicken breast should register 165°F after standing). Transfer chicken to platter. Serves 4. *TIP To check temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (do not touch bone). When thigh registers 170°F, turn chicken over and insert thermometer into thickest part of breast. If breast registers 160°F, remove basket from air fryer and cover with foil; let stand until breast registers 165°F, 10 minutes. PER SERVING 763 cal, 60 g fat (19 g sat fat), 211 mg chol, 1,077 mg sodium, 3 g carb, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugars, 49 g pro Halibut Ceviche with Avocado HANDS ON 25 min. TOTAL TIME 40 min. 1 1 ¹∕3 ¹∕4 ¹∕4 1 1 4 2 ¹∕4 lb. fresh sushi-grade halibut, skinned and cut into ¹∕2- to ³∕4-inch pieces (see tip, opposite) cup fresh lime juice cup fresh orange juice cup fresh lemon juice cup thinly sliced red onion Tbsp. finely chopped shallot Tbsp. fresh cilantro leaves avocados,* halved, seeded, peeled, and chopped medium oranges, sectioned and coarsely chopped tsp. chili powder Plantain chips and tortilla chips (optional) Lime wedges (optional) 1. For ceviche, in a large bowl combine halibut, lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, red onion, shallot, and cilantro. Stir to combine; let stand 15 to 30 minutes until fi sh is opaque and fi rm. 2. To serve, gently stir avocados, oranges, ¹∕4 tsp. salt, and the chili powder into the ceviche. Sprinkle with additional cilantro. Serve with plantain and tortilla chips and lime wedges (if using). Makes 5¹∕3 cups. *TIP To pick ripe avocados, select ones with a dark, almost black peel. They should yield to firm, gentle pressure but not feel too soft. The flesh under the stems should appear green not brown. PER ²∕3 CUP 250 cal, 15 g fat (3 g sat fat), 37 mg chol, 109 mg sodium, 19 g carb, 8 g fiber, 7 g sugars, 16 g pro PHOTOS: (INGREDIENTS) CARSON DOWNING TAKE THE HEAT OUT OF THE KITCHEN pages 74-81 ● in prepared basket. Drizzle asparagus with 1 tsp. olive oil and sprinkle with pinch each salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4. Cook until salmon fl akes easily, 5 minutes. Serve salmon and asparagus with HarissaLime Sauce and lime wedges. Serves 2. HARISSA-LIME SAUCE In a small bowl whisk together 2 Tbsp. plain low-fat Greek yogurt; 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise; 1 Tbsp. mild harissa sauce; 1 garlic clove, minced; the zest and juice of one small lime (1 tsp. zest and 1¹∕2 Tbsp. juice); and a pinch each salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk in water if needed to reach desired consistency. *TIP Harissa sauce and harissa paste are similar products but not quite the same. The paste is a thick and fairly spicy mixture, and the sauce is usually thinner and more mild. If you can’t find the sauce, thin the paste with water to reach sauce consistency. Gochujang and bottled hot sauce can be used as substitutes. PER SERVING 431 cal, 24 g fat (4 g sat fat), 101 mg chol, 554 mg sodium, 15 g carb, 2 g fiber, 12 g sugars, 37 g pro 2 2 2
Chickpea-Herb Flatbread START TO FINISH 20 min. ¹∕2 cup tahini (sesame seed 1 2 2 2 ¹∕2 1 1 6 6 paste) garlic clove, minced Tbsp. fresh lemon juice cups mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, and cilantro 15-oz. cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained tsp. ground cumin pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved medium English cucumber, sliced green onions, sliced flatbreads, pita bread rounds, or naan Lemon wedges 1. In a small bowl whisk together tahini, ¹∕3 cup water, and the garlic until smooth. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of sauce. Stir lemon juice into remaining sauce; season with kosher salt. If necessary, whisk in additional water to thin to a drizzling consistency. 2. In a food processor combine 1¹∕2 cups of the herbs and the reserved 2 Tbsp. sauce. Pulse PHOTO: (BROCCOLINI) ALASDAIRJAMES/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES What Is SushiGrade Fish? Sushi-grade is a term used for fish that is considered safe for eating raw. The term is not regulated, but it should indicate that the fish is as fresh and high-quality as it can be. Marinating fish in citrus juice will make it firm and flavorful but will not destroy all bacteria and parasites that may cause foodborne illness. The FDA recommends freezing fish at -31°F for 15 hours or -10°F for 7 days to kill most parasites before eating. until fi nely chopped. Add chickpeas, cumin, and ¹∕2 tsp. salt; pulse to form a coarse spread. 3. In a large bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and the remaining ¹∕2 cup herbs. Add 1 Tbsp. olive oil, ¹∕4 tsp. salt, and ¹∕8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; toss to coat. 4. Spread chickpea mixture on flatbreads. Top with tomato mixture; drizzle with sauce. Serve flatbreads with lemon wedges. Serves 6. PER SERVING 441 cal, 16 g fat (2 g sat fat), 847 mg sodium, 62 g carb, 9 g fiber, 7 g sugars, 16 g pro One-Pot Bibimbap Rice Short grain brown rice has a nutty flavor and is stickier than long grain rice, making it well-suited for rice bowls. The amount of broth and cooking time is based on using short grain brown rice, so don’t be tempted to swap in a long grain variety for this dish. HANDS ON 20 min. TOTAL TIME 1 hr. 10 min. 2 cups sliced fresh shiitake or cremini mushrooms 3 Tbsp. minced garlic 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1³∕4 to 2 cups reduced-sodium beef broth 1 cup short grain brown rice, rinsed and drained 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach, chopped 1 lb. ground beef 2 Tbsp. gochujang 2 Tbsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp. sugar Toppers, such as matchstickcut carrots, slivered green onions, fried eggs, kimchi, and/or toasted black sesame seeds (optional) occasionally, until tender and juices have released, 6 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in broth, scraping up browned bits from bottom of the pot. Stir in rice and ¹∕4 tsp. salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender, 45 minutes. 2. Fluff rice with a fork. Gently toss in spinach. Cover; let stand 2 minutes. Divide rice mixture among four bowls. Cover with foil to keep warm. 3. In the same pot cook and stir ground beef over medium until browned; drain off any fat. In a small bowl combine gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir mixture into cooked beef. 4. Serve beef mixture over rice with desired toppers (if using) and additional gochujang. Serves 4. PER SERVING 506 cal, 23 g fat (6 g sat fat), 75 mg chol, 955 mg sodium, 44 g carb, 4 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 28 g pro Broccolini, Sausage, and Orzo Skillet START TO FINISH 30 min. 4 1 ¹∕2 1 3 3-oz. fully cooked chicken sausage links lemon, sliced cup chopped onion cup dried whole wheat orzo pasta garlic cloves, minced Broccolini What looks like a slim version of broccoli is a hybrid of broccoli and kale. It has tender stems and mild flavor, with lessbitter crowns than regular-size florets. 2¹∕2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth ¹∕4 tsp. crushed red pepper 1 lb. Broccolini, trimmed, or 4 cups broccoli florets ¹∕4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz.) 2 tsp. lemon zest 1. In a 12-inch cast-iron or heavy skillet heat 2 tsp. olive oil over medium-high. Add sausage, lemon slices, and onion; cook, turning occasionally, until sausage and lemon slices are browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove lemon slices. Add orzo and garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. 2. Stir in broth, crushed red pepper, and ¹∕4 tsp. kosher salt. Bring to boiling. Stir in Broccolini; reduce heat. Cover; simmer until the orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover; continue cooking until broth is absorbed and sausages register 160°F on an instantread thermometer. Stir in cheese and lemon zest. Top with lemon slices and, if you like, additional cheese and crushed red pepper. Serves 4. PER SERVING 402 cal, 11 g fat (3 g sat fat), 74 mg chol, 1,016 mg sodium, 45 g carb, 9 g fiber, 5 g sugars, 29 g pro Teriyaki Pork with Napa Cabbage Slaw HANDS ON 25 min. SLOW COOK 5 to 6 hr. (low) or 2½ to 3 hr. (high) 2 ¹∕2 ¹∕4 3 2 12-oz. pork tenderloins cup reduced-sodium soy sauce cup rice vinegar Tbsp. packed brown sugar tsp. grated fresh ginger 1. In a 3-qt. pot heat 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil over medium-high. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring July/August 2024 BHG 91
COOKBOOK garlic cloves, minced recipe Napa Cabbage Slaw Toasted sesame seeds (optional) 1. Trim fat from meat. Place meat in a 31/2- or 4-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, the ginger, garlic, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Pour over meat. 2. Cover and cook on low 5 to 6 hours or on high 21/2 to 3 hours. 3. Transfer meat to a cutting board, reserving cooking liquid. Cut meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices. 4. Serve meat with Napa Cabbage Slaw. Drizzle meat with reserved cooking liquid. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using). Serves 8. Napa CaBBage SLaW In a medium bowl combine 5 cups shredded napa cabbage, 1 cup yellow bell pepper strips, 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 1/2 cup slivered fresh snow pea pods, and 1/4 cup sliced green onions. For dressing, in a screw-top jar combine 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar, 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, 1 Tbsp. reducedsodium soy sauce, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper. Cover and shake well. Drizzle dressing over cabbage mixture; toss to coat. Napa Cabbage 92 Aka Chinese cabbage, napa is ideal when you want a sweet cabbage flavor with a more delicate bite. It’s available in most grocery stores. BHG July/August 2024 per serving 239 cal, 11 g fat (1 g sat fat), 55 mg chol, 731 mg sodium, 14 g carb, 2 g fiber, 11 g sugars, 21 g pro Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders hands on 15 min. slow Cook 6 to 7 hr. (low) or 3½ to 4 hr. (high) + 30 min. 1 cup chopped carrots 11/2 cups dried brown lentils, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup dried brown rice 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 Tbsp. molasses 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth 1 15-oz. can tomato sauce 8 oz. fresh cremini mushrooms, chopped 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar 16 slider buns or 8 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted Assorted toppers, such as lettuce leaves, pickled onions, or tomato slices (optional) 1. In a 31/2- or 4-qt. slow cooker combine carrots, lentils, rice, onion, molasses, mustard, garlic, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Stir in broth. 2. Cover and cook on low 6 to 7 hours or on high 31/2 to 4 hours. If using low, turn to high. Stir in tomato sauce, mushrooms, and vinegar. Cover and cook 30 minutes more. 3. If you like, spread additional mustard on buns. Spoon lentil mixture into buns. Add desired toppers (if using). Serves 8. per serving 315 cal, 3 g fat, 662 mg sodium, 57 g carb, 8 g fiber, 10 g sugars, 17 g pro ● SUMMER ON A STICK pages 48-49 Low Country Boil Skewers Because skewering corncobs can be difficult, we recommend using metal skewers—and buying the freshest corn you can find. For VEGGIE SLOPPY JOE SLIDERS easier skewering, first cut an “x” into each end of the corn pieces using a sharp paring knife. start to Finish 35 min. 6 small red potatoes, halved 1/2 cup butter, melted 4 tsp. Cajun seasoning 3 ears corn, cut crosswise into 11/2-inch pieces (12 pieces) 12 fresh or frozen uncooked jumbo shrimp, thawed, peeled, and deveined 13.5 oz. andouille sausage, cut into 6 pieces 1 small red onion, cut into 12 wedges 6 10- to 12-inch metal skewers* 1. In a 1½-qt. casserole dish combine potatoes and 2 Tbsp. water. Cover with waxed paper. Microwave 3 minutes (potatoes will not be completely cooked). Cool until easy to handle. In a small bowl stir together ¼ cup of the melted butter and 2 tsp. of the Cajun seasoning. 2. Thread potatoes, corn, shrimp, sausage, and onion wedges evenly onto skewers. Brush skewers with butter mixture. 3. Using tongs, place skewers on a preheated greased grill rack. (Be wary of small flare-ups at first as the butter drips off the skewers.) Grill, covered, over medium, turning occasionally, until potatoes and corn are tender, 7 to 10 minutes. 4. Stir together the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter and 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning. Brush grilled skewers with butter mixture. Makes 6 skewers. *tip If using wooden skewers, choose sturdy ones and soak them in water 30 minutes before grilling. per skewer 504 cal, 28 g fat (14 g sat fat), 147 mg chol, 927 mg sodium, 45 g carb, 5 g fiber, 5 g sugars, 23 g pro Walking Taco Sticks Opt for thin wooden skewers here. A thicker stick may cause the cheese cubes to break. hands on 30 min. total time 45 min. 1/3 cup finely crushed 1 3 8 1 1 8 16 4 8 2 nacho-flavor tortilla chips egg Tbsp. salsa oz. ground beef cup coarsely crushed nacho-flavor tortilla chips Tbsp. chile-lime seasoning (such as Tajín brand) 10- to 12-inch thin wooden skewers cherry or grape tomatoes oz. cheddar, Monterey Jack, Manchego, Oaxaca, or Chihuahua cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes small wedges iceberg lettuce 8-inch flour tortillas, cut into 16 half-inch-wide strips 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a shallow baking pan with foil. In a large bowl combine finely crushed tortilla chips, egg, and salsa. Add ground beef; mix well. PHOTOS: (SLIDERS) CARSON DOWNING, (CABBAGE) BLAINE MOATS 2 1
Ramen Teriyaki Burger Recipe at KikkomanUSA.com
COOKBOOK Gochujang is a Korean sweet and spicy fermented chili paste. You’ll find it with international foods in the grocery store or your local Asian market. hands on 55 min. total time 1 hr. 55 min. bananas, peeled 10- to 12-inch wooden skewers 11/2 cups dark chocolate, white chocolate, or peanut butter-flavor baking chips* 3 Tbsp. coconut oil* Candy sprinkles and/or chopped peanuts 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut each banana into eight 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick slices. On each skewer thread four banana slices through short sides. Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Freeze until firm, 1 to 2 hours. 2. Meanwhile, microwave chips and oil 1 minute; stir until smooth. If necessary, microwave chips 10 seconds more until smooth. 3. Holding skewers over bowl, spoon melted chips over banana slices to coat, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Return skewers to baking sheet. Immediately top with sprinkles and/or peanuts. Let stand until set. Serve immediately. Makes 6 skewers. *tip If you like, use more than one chip flavor. For three flavors, in Step 2, measure 1/2 cup each flavor chips and add 1 Tbsp. coconut oil to each; for two 1. For batter, in a 2-qt. rectangular baking dish stir together flour, 2 Tbsp. sugar, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the yeast. Add the warm water; stir until combined. Cover; let stand 1 hour. Batter will be sticky. (If you like, you can refrigerate batter after 1 hour of proofing up to an additional 3 hours.) 2. Fill a 12-inch skillet with 2-inch sides halfway with oil; heat oil to 365°F. Meanwhile, place hash browns in a 9-inch glass baking dish. Cover with waxed paper and microwave until thawed, 3 to 5 minutes; cool. Place panko in a pie plate. 3. On each skewer thread a hot dog half followed by a string cheese half. 4. Working with two or three skewers at a time, dip each skewer into the batter; use a spoon to spread and smooth batter around hot dog and hands on 15 min. total time 1 hr. 15 min. 3 6 BHG July/August 2024 Batter Up! Follow our Test Kitchen’s steps for the crunchiest success when coating your cheesy hot dog. Korean Corn Dogs 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. sugar 11/2 tsp. active dry yeast from one .25-oz. pkg. 13/4 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F) Vegetable oil for deep frying 4 cups frozen diced hash browns 2 cups panko 10 8- to 10-inch wooden skewers 5 hot dogs, halved crosswise 5 mozzarella string cheese, halved crosswise 2 to 3 Tbsp. sugar (optional) Gochujang Ketchup (recipe, below) and/or mustard Frozen Banana Coins 94 flavors, measure 3/4 cup of each flavor chips and add 11/2 Tbsp. coconut oil to each. Microwave as directed. per skewer 409 cal, 27 g fat (20 g sat fat), 1 mg sodium, 48 g carb, 6 g fiber, 30 g sugars, 5 g pro 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. P R E P B A T T E R A shallow dish allows for easy coating. 2. D I P & C O A T Place skewer in batter, using a spoon to lift and cover. 3. & 4. P O T A T O T I M E Roll corn dogs in potato cubes, pressing to adhere. 5. R O L L I N C R U M B S Coat in panko, then fry. 6. S P R I N K L E Dust with sugar (we promise it’s delicious), drizzle with Gochujang Ketchup, and enjoy the crunch. cheese to completely coat. Roll skewers in hash browns, patting to make hash browns stick, then roll in panko to coat. Chill batter between batches. 5. Carefully lower coated corn dogs into hot oil. Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly golden brown, 8 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle warm corn dogs generously with the 2 to 3 Tbsp. sugar (if using). Repeat with remaining skewers. (You can keep fried corn dogs warm in a 200°F oven while preparing remaining corn dogs.) 6. Drizzle corn dogs with Gochujang Ketchup and/or mustard. Makes 10 corn dogs. Gochujang Ketchup In a small bowl stir together 1/2 cup ketchup, PHOTOS: (CORN DOG PREP, SKEWERS) CARSON DOWNING Shape into sixteen 11/4-inch balls. Place coarsely crushed chips in a shallow dish; roll meatballs in chips to coat. Arrange in prepared pan. Bake until done (160°F), 12 to 15 minutes. 2. In a small bowl stir together 3 Tbsp. olive oil and the chile-lime seasoning. Thread two meatballs, two tomatoes, one cheese cube, and one lettuce wedge on each skewer, alternating pieces with tortilla strip threaded accordionstyle. Drizzle with oil mixture. Serve with additional salsa. Makes 8 skewers. per skewer 263 cal, 17 g fat (6 g sat fat), 57 mg chol, 670 mg sodium, 16 g carb, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugars, 11 g pro
COOKBOOK 2 Tbsp. gochujang, and 1 Tbsp. soy sauce. per Corn dog 495 cal, 25 g fat (6 g sat fat), 19 mg chol, 834 mg sodium, 55 g carb, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 14 g pro Sweet Corn Ice Cream Pops This recipe works best with a thick caramel sauce (tilt the jar to test its consistency). Omit the salt in the recipe if you buy a salted caramel sauce. hands on 30 min. total time 8 hr. 45 min. 2 Tbsp. butter 11/2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) whole kernel corn 3 cups (half of a 11/2-qt. carton) high-quality* vanilla ice cream, softened 6 to 8 wooden craft sticks or wooden spoons 1/2 cup thick caramel-flavor dessert sauce 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 11/2 to 2 cups sweetened puffed corn cereal, such as Kellogg’s Corn Pops, coarsely crushed if desired 1. In a large skillet melt butter over medium. Add corn; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through but not browned, 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature. 2. In a large bowl stir corn kernels into softened ice cream. Divide mixture evenly among six to eight regular-mouth half-pint canning jars or 3- to 4-oz. freezer pop molds. Cover jars with foil; use a sharp knife to make a slit in the center of the foil. Insert one craft stick into each (or cover pop molds). Freeze until fi rm, 6 hours to overnight. 3. Line a tray with parchment paper or waxed paper. Remove pops from jars. (For easy removal, quickly dip jars or molds in warm, not hot, water.) Place pops on prepared tray and return to freezer until outsides of pops are fi rm, 15 to 30 minutes. 4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together caramel sauce, cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp. salt. (If sauce is very thick, warm it in the microwave 10 to 15 seconds.) Place cereal on a plate. 5. Spoon sauce evenly over a pop, then roll in cereal to coat; return to tray. Repeat with remaining pops. Loosely cover with parchment paper or waxed paper. Freeze until firm, 2 hours. Transfer pops to a storage container; freeze up to 1 month. Makes 6 pops. *tip Choose ice cream that has a high fat content and dense texture. Lower-quality ice cream often has air incorporated into it to increase the volume. Check the nutrition label (for fat content) and the weight of the container. The heavier the container by volume, the denser the ice cream. per pop 320 cal, 13 g fat (8 g sat fat), 43 mg chol, 206 mg sodium, 48 g carb, 2 g fiber, 32 g sugars, 5 g pro Dilly Potato Tornadoes hands on 25 min. total time 1 hr. 10 min. 4 8 1 1 1/4 1/3 1 8 10- to 12-inch thin wooden skewers small (2 oz. each) yellow potatoes 1-oz. pkg. ranch seasoning and salad dressing mix tsp. dried dill cup vegetable oil cup ranch salad dressing Tbsp. dill pickle brine dill pickle chips 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a shallow baking pan with foil. Place a wire rack in the pan. 2. Using the sharp end of a skewer, pierce a potato lengthwise through the center. Add a second potato on the same skewer. Repeat with remaining skewers and potatoes. 3. On a cutting board slice an angled slit at the very top of one potato. Keeping the knife in place at an angle, slowly rotate the skewer and potato to create a long, connected spiral. Keep the spirals as thin as possible. Once the spiral is complete, carefully pull the layers apart on the skewer. Repeat with the second potato on the skewer. Repeat for remaining skewers. Set skewers on rack in the prepared pan. 4. In a small bowl stir together ranch seasoning and dill. Drizzle skewers with vegetable oil, rotating to coat. Sprinkle with seasoning, rotating to coat as much potato as possible. If you like, brush oil and seasonings that fell into the pan over potatoes. 5. Bake, turning occasionally, until browned, crisp, and tender near the skewer, 45 to 55 minutes. MAKE TH E POTATO E S Hover your smart phone over the code to see how to cut the potato tornadoes. 6. Stir together dressing and pickle brine. Add pickle chips to skewers. Drizzle with dressing mixture. Makes 4 skewers. per skewer 308 cal, 22 g fat (3 g sat fat), 5 mg chol, 841 mg sodium, 23 g carb, 2 g sugars, 2 g pro Nashville Chicken and Waffle Sticks start to Finish 35 min. 6 3 2 2 2 1 1/2 2 1 6 3- to 4-inch frozen cooked breaded chicken strips (9 oz. total) Tbsp. cayenne pepper Tbsp. packed brown sugar tsp. garlic powder tsp. smoked paprika cup complete pancake and waffle mix (add water per package instructions) cup butter Tbsp. pure maple syrup tsp. yellow mustard 10- to 12-inch wooden or metal skewers 1. Air-fry frozen chicken strips at 380°F, turning once, until thawed and heated through, 8 to 10 minutes. (If you do not have an air fryer, follow package directions to bake strips just until heated through.) 2. Meanwhile, for the Nashvillestyle hot seasoning, in a small bowl stir together cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and 2 tsp. salt. July/August 2024 BHG 95
3. For waffle batter, in a medium bowl whisk together waffle mix, the amount of water per package instructions, and 1 tsp. of the hot seasoning until nearly smooth. 4. For the waffle dunk, in a small saucepan melt butter over medium-low. Whisk in maple syrup, 2 Tbsp. of the hot seasoning,* and the mustard. Reduce heat to low; keep warm. 5. Preheat waffle iron. Spoon 1 Tbsp. batter on one section of the grid. Top with a chicken strip. Spoon 2 Tbsp. batter lengthwise over chicken. Repeat with remaining chicken and batter. (You may need to work in batches.) Close and cook until waffle is golden, 1 to 2 minutes longer than waffle maker indicates. Thread each chicken waffle lengthwise onto a skewer. Serve with warm butter mixture for dunking. Makes 6 skewers. *tip You’ll have seasoning left. Store remaining seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature up to 6 months. per skewer 345 cal, 22 g fat (11 g sat fat), 56 mg chol, 850 mg sodium, 29 g carb, 2 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 9 g pro L V L M works by nourishing 4 key systems for your cat’s lifelong health. S P R INK L E I T ON One more way we’re always advancing nutrition for your cat. IMMUNE + DIGESTIVE + MUSCLES + BRAIN Learn more about our breakthroughs for cats. “Keep the extra Nashvillestyle seasoning on hand to add a spicy punch to fries, eggs, chicken wings, and popcorn.” Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. 96 —KATLYN MONCADA, food editor BHG July/August 2024 ILLUSTRATION: LAMONT O’NEAL; PHOTOS: (CAKE) CARSON DOWNING, (STRAWBERRIES) BLAINE MOATS, (BLUEBERRIES) MARTY BALDWIN ¨
COOKBOOK JUST ADD WATER page 24 ● Strawberry Poke Cake hands on 20 min. total time 1 hr. 50 min. 1 1 1 1/3 1 1 2 2 15.25-oz. pkg. white cake mix (including eggs, vegetable oil, and water) cup water 3-oz. pkg. strawberry-flavor gelatin mix cup ice cubes 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened cup powdered sugar cups heavy cream tsp. vanilla Fresh berries 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix and the eggs, oil, and water according to package directions; mix until combined. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 3. While cake is still warm, in a small saucepan bring the 1 cup water to boiling. Stir in gelatin mix until dissolved. Stir in ice cubes until melted. Use a straw or the end of a chopstick to poke holes 1 inch apart all over the cake. Transfer gelatin mixture into a glass measuring cup and pour over top of the cake. Chill until completely cool and gelatin is set, at least 1 hour or overnight. 4. For frosting, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined. Gradually add the cream while beating; continue to beat until frosting becomes thick and forms soft peaks (peaks curl over). Beat in vanilla until combined, stopping before cream forms stiff peaks (peaks stand straight). Spread frosting over cake. Serve with blueberries and/ or strawberries. Cover and store leftover cake in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Serves 16. per serving 372 cal, 24 g fat (11 g sat fat), 48 mg chol, 275 mg sodium, 37 g carb, 1 g fiber, 25 g sugars, 4 g pro July/August 2024 BHG 97
ADVERTISEMENT COOKBOOK OWNING IT Virtual Showhouse STONE FRUIT UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE page 40 ● Step inside the Better Homes & Gardens virtual home. Created by our editors, this immersive experience brings the best of homeownership expertise to life. From fresh designs to home maintenance advice, this is your go-to guide to creating your dream space. Stone Fruit Upside-Down Cake hands on 15 min. total time 1 hr. 20 min. 3 3/4 2 3/4 2/3 1/2 1/2 1 1/4 3/4 2 1/3 Scan here or visit OwningIt.BHG.com and join us for a virtual home experience like no other. Tbsp. butter cup packed brown sugar tsp. lemon zest to 1 lb. apricots,* plums, peaches, and/or nectarines, pitted and very thinly sliced** cup almond meal or almond flour cup all-purpose flour tsp. baking powder tsp. ground cinnamon or ground ginger cup butter, softened cup granulated sugar eggs cup buttermilk 98 BHG July/August 2024 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place 3 Tbsp. butter in a 9×2-inch round baking pan. Place pan in oven about 5 minutes or until butter melts. Tilt the pan to evenly coat with butter. In a small bowl combine brown sugar and lemon zest. Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over melted butter. Arrange fruit on top. 2. In a bowl stir together almond meal, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp. salt. In a large bowl beat 1/4 cup butter on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, beating until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low 30 seconds after each addition until combined (batter will be thick). Add almond meal mixture; beat until combined. Stir in buttermilk. Spoon batter into pan over fruit. 3. Bake 45 minutes or until center of cake springs back when lightly touched and top of cake is golden brown. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Loosen sides of cake; invert onto serving plate. Let cool 15 minutes more. Serve warm. Serves 8. *tip If you are using only apricots, omit slicing and simply place in pan, pitted side down. **tip It is best to use perfectly ripe fruit for this cake. After pitting the stone fruit, place the fruit, pitted side down, on a cutting board and use a very sharp, thin-blade knife to create thin slices of fruit that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. per serving 396 cal, 20 g fat (8 g sat fat), 74 mg chol, 295 mg sodium, 53 g carb, 2 g fiber, 44 g sugars, 5 g pro n PHOTO: KELSEY HANSEN Presented by
ADVERTISEMENT FRESH FILES FRESH PRODUCTS & PROMOTIONS TO LIVE A MORE COLORFUL LIFE the PERFECT P L AT E BEST EVER JUICY BURGERS The secret to the juiciest ground beef and turkey burgers? Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise, of course. Get ready to be burger MVP. PREP TIME: 10 mins COOK TIME: 10 mins SERVINGS: 8 INGREDIENTS AMERICA’S ORIGINAL TERIYAKI Bursting with umami. Packed with flavor. Kikkoman® Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce offers flavor inspiration for everyday. From the makers of America’s #1 soy sauce, it’s perfectly blended using traditionally brewed soy sauce and spices to achieve the true taste of teriyaki. 2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey 1 envelope Lipton® Recipe Secrets® Onion Soup Mix KikkomanUSA.com/HomeCooks 1 cup cooked, cooled farro ½ cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise YOU LOVE YOUR PET. NOW GET REWARDED! ½ cup plain dry bread crumbs 8 hamburger buns DIRECTIONS 1. Combine mayonnaise, bread crumbs and soup mix in bowl. 2. Mix mayonnaise mixture into ground beef; shape into 8 patties. 3. Grill or broil until done. Serve burgers on buns. CHEF’S TIP Slider Tip – Evenly divide ground beef mixture into 16 portions and form into small patties (approximately 2 oz. each). Cook as directed above and serve on slider-size buns. BARBECUE TIP For a delicious, creamy barbecue sauce topping, combine ¼ cup BBQ sauce with ½ cup Hellmann’s® or Best Foods® Real Mayonnaise. Spoon on juicy burgers and enjoy! Hellmanns.com SUMMER FEASTS WITHOUT THE FUSS Cooking summer meals is super easy with Reynolds. Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or backyard brunch, Reynolds can help you make the most of cooking and eating outdoors. Check out our summer-worthy recipes. Make it easy. Make it with Reynolds. ReynoldsBrands.com/Summer The free myPurina app is packed with rewards and paw-some content for amazing pet parents like you. Plus, the app makes it easy to earn Purina Perks on your pet’s favorites! Download the myPurina app today and create your first pet profile to earn free points towards tail-wagging rewards. Available from the App Store and Google Play. Purina.com/MyPurina-App
WORKBOOK Ice-Dyed Tablecloth Just Add Water ● pages 16-24 A few basic materials and three easy steps yield a cloth reminiscent of a cool, sparkling pool. STARS & STRIPES PAINTED FLAG Newspaper or garbage bag ■ White canvas or denim fabric (1–1¼ yd. long and about 58" wide) ■ 50 star stickers ■ Red and blue watercolor paint tubes ■ Flat paintbrush (2"–2¼" wide) ■ Paper towels ■ Fabric glue ■ Twine ■ Step-by-Step 1. Protect work surface with newspaper. Lay the piece of fabric on top, right side up. Stick the stars on the flag in a diagonal stripe pattern, below; use a pencil to lightly sketch the rest of the flag. 2. Dilute red watercolor paint with a little bit of water. Dip a paintbrush in the paint and drag it across a paper towel a few times (this is called offloading) to remove excess paint. You want the bristles to be pretty dry to prevent the paint from spreading outside of the stripes. Paint the red stripes with the brush, adding paint as needed but continuing to offload as you go. 3. When you’re done with the stripes, brush blue watercolor paint in the top left corner over the star stickers. Off-load paint as needed. Let the paint dry completely and remove stickers. 4. Fold a hem along the bottom of the flag and glue in place with fabric glue. Repeat on the top but place a length of twine for hanging inside the fold, then glue. 1. PREP FABRIC Cut a length of extrawide (90"–120") cotton muslin fabric long enough to cover your table. Wash fabric and let soak in a 1:1 mix of water and soda ash; wring out. 2. ADD DYE In a large container, completely cover damp, crumpled fabric with ice cubes; sprinkle two packs of powder fabric dye on top. 3. LET THE ICE MELT The dye will drip and spread through the fabric, creating a tie-dye effect. Hover your phone camera here for a how-to video and full project instructions. 100 BHG July/August 2024 We used Rit fabric dye in Royal Blue and Tulip brand in Turquoise to achieve the perfect look. BY: ELLA FIELD; PHOTOS: KELSEY HANSEN; CRAFTS BY: SUZONNE STIRLING Materials
WATERCOLOR FANS Materials Step-by-Step White banner paper ■ Red and blue watercolor paint tubes ■ Flat paintbrush (1"–1½" wide) ■ Quick-setting gel glue ■ Fluted paper dessert cups ■ Small hole punch ■ Crepe paper streamer roll ■ Bakers twine 1. On a piece of ■ banner paper approximately 1 yd. long, paint stripes of various widths in desired colors, leaving stripes of unpainted white between them. 2. On another piece of banner paper about 1 yd. long, splatter paint by flicking the brush bristles over paper or letting it drip onto the paper. TIP The closer the brush is to the paper, the larger your spots will be. 3. Once dry, cut the pieces of paper into long strips, varying from 1½"–3" wide. For the striped paper, cut the paper so the stripe pattern remains or cut some of the strips with no white space so your finished rosette is a solid color. 4. For each rosette, accordionfold a strip of paper then gently bring the ends of the folded strip together and glue them to form a ring. Push the inner edges toward the center of the ring and add a dab of glue at center to form a rosette. Hold for a minute until the glue dries. 5. Punch two holes on the sides of a dessert cup to use for hanging. Glue the cup to the back of the rosette. 6. To make a pompom center, stack two 12"-long strips of crepe paper and fold in half lengthwise. Cut slits along the unfolded edge. Add a thin line of glue along the fold and roll up the paper from one end to the other. Fluff out the fringe and glue to the center of the rosette. 7. Repeat Steps 4–6 with the rest of the paper strips. Once dry, string rosettes together with bakers twine to hang or arrange for display. Shortcut the dyeing process with Absorbit powder dye, which will color flowers in about an hour. DYED FLOWERS Materials Vase or glass measuring cup ■ Flower food ■ Concentrated liquid (not gel) food coloring (such as Wilton Color Right) or Absorbit powder dye ■ White flowers ■ Step-by-Step What You’ll Need FLOWER FOOD Available at the grocery store. 1. Fill a vase with Punch holes on either side of a dessert cup for hanging. warm water and flower food; stir to dissolve. 2. Add food coloring to the CONCENTRATED water, a few drops LIQUID FOOD COLORING at a time, stirring Use liquid not gel between additions, for better absorption. until the water is dark blue, above. 3. Trim each flower stem at a 45-degree angle and place in the water. Let the flowers soak up the blue water mixture ABSORBIT DYE until they reach Powder dye desired color, about formulated for freshcut flowers. 48–72 hours. ■ July/August 2024 BHG 101
feel good, look good, live well Pick Your Park Personality For Explorers ready for a trip to the moon White Sands National Park W ES T hite Sands 2 0 19 You can explore the dunes at White Sands along backcountry trails or elevated wood paths. New Mexico White Sands achieved national parkdom in 2019, but folks have been traveling to this bleached desert oasis for decades. The big draw is the endless field of gypsum dunes, whose colors shift from blood orange to powder white then lavender as the day dips into night, creating an otherworldly landscape reminiscent of the moon. There’s all manner of hiking and biking options for exploring the area, but nothing beats jumping on a snow saucer and sledding down a 60-foot dune. ALL PARK BADGES: RLT_IMAGES/DIGITALVISION VECTORS/GETTY IMAGES; PHOTOS: (DUNES) TETRA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES, (POSTCARD) COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Are you an adrenaline seeker? A beachcombing history buff? A plant-lover with PTO to burn? Whatever your travel vibe is, there’s a national park for you to explore this year.
19 38 O LY M P I C The rocky Ruby Beach is one of Olympic National Park’s most scenic stops. Some easy paved trails wind through the park‘s lush terrain. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE The park has five trails, including a flat loop suitable for families and more challenging backcountry hikes. Or you can drive through the heart of the dunes on a winding, scenic route. If you’re lucky enough to catch a full moon while visiting, be prepared for a spectacle, as the sand reflects light back into the night sky, creating a magical atmosphere. The park stays open extra late for the occasion and offers ranger-led hikes. ATOMIC HISTORY This part of New Mexico has a long military history that traces back to the Manhattan Project. Learn about it at the White Sands Missile Range Museum. Trinity Site, where the world’s first atomic bomb was tested, also opens to the public twice a year. PHOTOS: (DUNES, BEACH) COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, (FOREST) COURTESY OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK WHERE TO STAY Unless you’re prepared to brave the backcountry, you’ll likely hole up in the nearby town of Alamogordo, home to a few midlevel hotel chains. A better option: Camp amid the ocotillo and cottonwood trees of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park in the dramatic Sacramento Mountains. In addition to tent camping, the park has 15 designated RV sites with water and electrical hookups. For Those who take the mossy trail less traveled Olympic National Park Washington Parts of Olympic National Park see as much as 140 inches of rainfall a year, making it one of the wettest—and greenest—places on the continent. This emerald wilderness encompasses nearly a million acres of mossy terrain that spill from snow-capped peaks and temperate rainforests to lowland lakes and 70 miles of rugged coast. It’s all about getting on, in, and around the water. Paddling, surfing, soaking, and hiking cascade-studded trails are just a few of the epic water activities on offer. GO CHASING WATERFALLS There are some two-dozen waterfalls scattered in and around the park, from multitiered gushers with observation bridges to drippers hiding amid the boulders. To get in on the rush, chart your course along the Waterfall Trail. The White Sands landscape is constantly in flux—winds can move the formations more than 30 feet a year. by N I N O PA D O VA GREAT MOSS Minutes from the thundering surf and log-pile beaches of the coast, the misty Hoh Rain Forest is a lush landscape of ferns, fungi, and old-growth trees. The short Hall of Mosses Trail loops you past some of the park’s most stunning flora, including a grove of massive bigleaf maples that go golden in autumn. HOOKUP With nearly 1,000 lakes and 4,000 miles of river running through it, it’s no wonder the park is a top destination for anglers. Steelhead trout and Chinook and coho salmon are big nibblers here, and fly-fishers flock to the Hoko River just outside the park in September, when the crystal clear waters are choked with catch-and-release cutthroat trout. WHERE TO STAY Olympic National Park is one of the top parks for RV campers, with oceanfront campsites and deep rainforest refuges. But if you’re looking for more than firepits and picnic tables, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort comes equipped with water and electrical hookups, as well as access to hot spring soaking pools. July/August 2024 BHG 103
HAWAI‘I For Amateur horticulturists (and Dolly Parton fans) VOLCANOES Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Holei Sea Arch looms in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A trail along the Pu‘uloa Petroglyphs has 23,000-plus ancient images carved into hardened lava. For Geology geeks hunting for the next hot spot Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Big Island, Hawaii As national park sizzle reels go, nothing matches the fiery light show that’s been taking place on Hawaii’s Big Island for the last 70 million years. Most go here hoping to grab a glimpse of molten lava spewing into the sea, but Volcanoes National Park is about more than chasing the flow. Stretched over 300,000 acres that extend from windswept peaks to black sand beaches, the park oozes with attractions, including epic coastal drives, ancient petroglyphs, and, yes, screen-saver views from the rim of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. ZONE OUT The park contains seven distinct ecological zones, which can be experienced via 150 miles of marked trails traversing alpine tundra, tropical rainforest terrain, and barren lava fields. Stroll through the belly of a 500-yearold lava tube or walk between expanses of hardened lava adorned with thousands of petroglyphs documenting the life of Native Hawaiians. Lava flows can be wildly unpredictable. Check in 104 BHG July/August 2024 at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, where rangers give up-to-theminute briefings on where the action is. PACK SMART A lot of the park’s best trails are over lava rock, which can be as sharp as glass, so bring sturdy hiking boots and long pants. Also be sure to pack a layer or two, as Mauna Loa can get nippy anytime of the year. WHERE TO STAY Except for two barebones campgrounds, the only lodging option in the park is Volcano House, set on the rim of the Kīlauea Caldera. It’s comfortable and convenient, especially if you have a packed itinerary. Stretching 816 square miles in two states, this park is the pride of the Smokies and home to more than 3,500 plant species, including as many tree species as exist in all of Europe. Wildflowers are all the rage here, with each season boasting its own blooms and a popular festival in spring. A portion of the iconic Appalachian Trail slices the park and takes a week to hike on foot. Sound too strenuous? Drive to Clingmans Dome on the trail’s highest peak and take in breathtaking vistas from its space-age observation tower. RIDE THE MOUNTAINS Zip past sourwood trees, rhododendron tunnels, and spring-fed creeks on biking trails like Cades Cove Loop, which are designed to have minimal impact on the forest. The park is a birder’s paradise too: You might spy warblers and barred owls. EXPLORE THE AREA Take time to visit attractions outside the park’s six entrances, such as the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual co-op and its 3,000plus Native American handicrafts in Cherokee, NC, and Dollywood in the singer’s hometown of Pigeon Forge, TN. WHERE TO STAY There’s but a single no-frills lodge within the park gates, and accessing it requires a steep 5-mile hike. But the Riverstone Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge has fully furnished log cabins, a large pool, and enough rustic mountain flair to make you feel like you’ve never left the park. GREAT SMOKY MTNS. Eight types of forest make up the Great Smoky Mountains for a huge diversity of plant and animal life. PHOTOS: (ARCH) FERRANTRAITE/E+/GETTY IMAGES, (TRAIL) COURTESY OF U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, (SMOKIES) COURTESY OF GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Tennessee & North Carolina
For Road trippers on an American safari EST Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks PHOTOS: (HOT SPRING) COURTESY OF YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, (ROAD) BENEDEK/E+/GETTY IMAGES, (FORT) JEFFREY K COLLINS/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES Wyoming With only 31 miles of two-lane road between Grand Teton and Yellowstone, it’s absolutely possible to—and, some would say, foolish not to—visit both parks in a single bucket list trip. John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway offers a series of awe-inspiring wonders, including alpine lakes, overlooks, and the world’s most predictably erupting geyser. Though the distance is short, the time spent exploring here can be nearly infinite. If you’re hoping for more than a taste of the greatest hits (including one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing), give yourself four or five days. BEAST MODE People from all over the world visit this fertile slice of northwest Wyoming to experience America’s version of a safari. Watching large mammals like bison, bear, elk, and bighorn sheep graze their morning breakfast is a popular pastime at both parks. CLICKBAIT Ansel Adams’ iconic photo of the Tetons and Snake River At Dry Tortugas, touring the Civil Warera Fort Jefferson makes a fascinating cultural break during a beach day. has become synonymous with America’s national parks. Stand at this overlook dedicated to the artist’s conservationism and try to frame your own masterpiece. HIT THE HOT SPOTS Yellowstone is a simmering broth of hydrothermal activity, home to thousands of geysers, springs, and steam vents. You can do your own thermal-themed trek, but leaving the trails is prohibited and dangerous. For an expert look at the park’s waterworks, sign up for guided tours. WHERE TO STAY Ample camping and lodging options are within the parks, but to scratch that National Lampoon’s Vacation itch, check out The Virginian Lodge, a revamped motor lodge in Jackson Hole that offers hot tubs, nightly s’mores, an RV park, and karaoke night in its Old West-style saloon. 199 2 For Anyone who prefers flip-flops to hiking boots Dry Tortugas National Park Florida The most distinct feature of Dry Tortugas National Park, off the coast of Key West, is how patently undry it is. Less than 1 percent of the park sits on land, spread over seven tiny islands that gather around a historic brick fort. You can access it only by ferry or seaplane, but once you arrive, it feels like you have the crystal-blue water, white sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling all to yourself: Dry Tortugas usually welcomes about 80,000 visitors a year, making it one of the least-visited national parks. FLIP OUT An underwater snorkeling trail brings you face-to-face with tropical fish, vivid coral, and remnants of century-old shipwrecks. Be sure to pack an underwater camera to snap marine life as you snorkel, but whatever you do, don’t disturb the park’s gentle ecosystem—pocketing a chunk of coral is forbidden. Towel off for the 45-minute tour of Fort Jefferson, a brick fortress that was used to blockade Southern shipping routes during the Civil War and later became a prison. WHERE TO STAY What the Garden Key YELLOWSTONE AND campsites lack in amenities (showers, Wi-Fi), they make up for in splendid solitude and shoreside stargazing. If you’re seeking more civilization, Key West (70 miles east of the park) teems with hotels and inns. ■ GRAND TETON N AT I O N A L PA R KS Grand Prismatic Basin is Yellowstone’s largest hot spring. Down the road is Grand Teton National Park.
Glowy Skin * WHAT YOU ARE YOU EAT Certain foods can help improve signs of aging and may protect against the sun’s UV rays. 106 BHG July/August 2024 by K AT I E S U L L I VA N M O R F O R D , M S , R D A cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen have long been the gold standard of good skincare. But it turns out there’s more to healthy skin; what you eat may matter just as much. “Our skin is an organ, just like the heart, and the nutrients we eat can definitely influence overall wellness,” explains Jennifer Burris, PhD, RD, adjunct professor at New York University. Research shows your diet can make a difference in so many skin conditions, including eczema and acne, and with signs of aging. An antiinflammatory diet is the way to go, with an emphasis on minimizing added sugars and ultraprocessed foods and maximizing guthealthy ingredients. That approach may also help keep your immune system strong and your blood sugar steady—both of which play a role in good skin, says Robyn Spangler, a functional dietitian and nutritionist. Take the first step toward great skin by working more of the following foods into your diet. 1 FIBER-RICH FOODS If you’re struggling with inflamed skin, it may be related to your gut health, Spangler says. Fiber is essential for gut bacteria to PHOTOS: (LEGS) DELMAINE DONSON/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES, (BERRIES) ALVAREZ/E+/GETTY IMAGES, (KIWI) STEFAN CRISTIAN CIOATA/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES from the
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microbiomes than those without,” Spangler says. Try Try ● Eat DIVE INTO A LIME & COCONUT SMOOTHIE Delicious and diabetes-friendly! INGREDIENTS 1 Vanilla Glucerna® Protein Smart shake, 11 fl oz ¼ cup refrigerated coconut milk ½ cup ice 1 tsp lime juice DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth. Find more tasty ideas at Glucerna.com/ourrecipes Please follow food safety practices and consult your health care provider for dietary restrictions. Use as part of a diabetes management plan. ©2024 Abbott 202417676/March 2024 LITHO IN USA a fiber-rich breakfast, such as oatmeal topped with raspberries and blueberries. That can easily cover a third (or more) of your daily fiber needs. ● Add lentils or chickpeas tossed with olive oil and lemon juice to your lunch salad. ● Consider using pasta made with a whole grain and/or legume, which has two to three times more fiber than white flour pasta. 2 FERMENTED FOODS Piling your plate with fermented foods is another way to nurture your good gut bacteria. “Numerous studies have confirmed people with conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis have less-diverse gut 108 ● Use kefir or yogurt instead of milk in fruit smoothies. ● Add kimchi, pickled cabbage, or other pickled vegetables to sandwiches and tacos. ● Whisk a few teaspoons of white miso paste into your vinaigrette to boost flavor and good bacteria. canned tuna in your pantry to spoon onto salads or make sandwiches. 4 3 FATTY FISH A review of the research found omega-3 fats, which are abundant in fatty fish, may help improve a range of skin conditions, including acne and dry skin, plus signs of aging. Try ● Swap salmon for chicken or beef as your center-ofthe-plate protein. It’s one of the richest sources of omega-3s. ● Add sardines to your next snack platter to enjoy with crackers and pickled vegetables. BHG July/August 2024 5 ● Keep CITRUS FRUITS (AND OTHER VITAMIN CRICH FOODS) Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, which is important for healthy skin, particularly as you age. Vitamin C can also help in minimizing scarring and protecting against UV rays. Try ● For a side dish, roast broccoli drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice (1 cup has as much vitamin C as an orange). ● Instead of a dessert with added sugar, use fresh strawberries; about 1 cup meets your daily requirement of C. ALMONDS & AVOCADOS Both are rich in vitamin E, which Spangler says has anti-inflammatory benefits. Vitamin E may also help protect your skin against UV rays. Try ● With a sliced avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a dash of za’atar, you’ll get 20 percent of your daily needs for vitamin E plus 9 grams of fiber. ● Add chopped almonds to oatmeal and muffins. ● Dress up a salad with toasted almonds and sliced avocado for a boost of nutrients, flavor, and crunch. n PHOTOS: (PROFILE) WIRESTOCK/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES, (LETTUCE) YULIA NAUMENKO/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES, (ORANGES) ADELA STEFAN/500PX/GETTY IMAGES thrive and helps keep blood sugar stable. For women, aim for about 25 grams a day; for men, 38 grams.
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In the Know News and notes to boost your well-being Try This Count to 10 91% of pet owners say they’ve felt some sort of financial stress because of their pet in the past year. 110 BHG July/August 2024 That’s how much less likely people who eat yogurt daily are to develop type 2 diabetes. The FDA recently approved a health claim that allows yogurt makers to say three servings (2 cups total) of yogurt per week can help protect against diabetes. EACH MONTH THE MAJORITY OF OWNERS SHELL OUT $51 TO $250 FOR THEIR DOG. To save on your expenses, consider a subscription service for food and shop for medications on sites like PetMeds and PetCareRx. Also stay on top of preventive care like toothbrushing, vaccinations, and annual exams. Damage from sunrays can occur in as little as 15 minutes. Lower your blood pressure with isometric exercises. Exercises that require you to hold a position for a few minutes then release—think planks and squats— can help reduce your systolic blood pressure (the top number) by as much as 8.24 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mm Hg, research shows. To add them to your routine, try an isometric workout on YouTube from Minus The Gym or Caroline Girvan. percent of Americans protect their eyes with sunglasses or UVprotective eyewear when they go outside. Too much UV damage can make you more susceptible to dry eye, and in the long run, it can raise the risk of cataracts, agerelated macular degeneration, and skin cancer on or near the eyes. If you always add extra dashes from the salt shaker at meals, you are 11 percent more likely to develop kidney disease. ● Too much salt can add protein to urine, which strains the kidneys. So put down that salt shaker and flavor your meals with herbs and spices instead. BY: SHARON LIAO; PHOTOS: (YOGURT) SCOTT LITTLE, (SUNGLASSES) YEVGEN ROMANENKO/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES, (DOG) GATIODANIEL/500PX PLUS/GETTY IMAGES TAKE NOTE Some sweetened yogurts pack in more sugar than a candy bar, so look for unsweetened varieties that are high in protein and stir in your own fresh or frozen fruit. The next time you feel like you’re gonna blow your stack, take a moment. New research shows that practicing a stress-relief method, such as deep breathing or counting to 10, is more effective for anger management than venting to someone. Breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4, then release for 4.
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Katie’s go-to spice rub for any meat: chili, onion, and garlic powders, plus a little brown sugar, salt, and pepper. “I love summer entertaining because it’s so much more relaxed. Nobody is expecting the etiquette police to come out at a barbecue.” For backyard pizza parties, Katie swears by Ooni pizza ovens. ooni.com Katie Lee Biegel “Easy-breezy” is this food-world star’s MO, especially as warmer weather hits. 112 BHG July/August 2024 For 10 years, Katie Lee Biegel has brought her relatable cooking style to TV screens everywhere as cohost of The Kitchen. “I love comforting, simple food,” says Katie, author of four cookbooks. “If I see a laundry list of ingredients, I just think, Nope, not happening.” Here, she shares her laid-back approach to summer entertaining. NO-STRESS MEALS Katie’s outdoor party menu typically pairs a few cold sides with one easy main attraction. She suggests topping roasted fi sh right out of the oven with a relish of chopped tomatoes, capers, basil, parsley, shallots, garlic, and olive oil. READY TO POUR “In summer, my husband and I have people over all the time, so I always have wine—a by M I R A N D A C R O W E L L house red, white, and rosé—on hand.” Katie’s love of wine recently inspired a new venture: She cofounded Kind of Wild, a line of organic, zero-sugar wines. BURGER SECRETS For extra flavor in her Animal-Style Burgers (from her cookbook It’s Not Complicated), Katie adds mustard to the patties before cooking. She also likes to cook burgers in a cast-iron skillet on top of the grill. “They retain their fat, so they’re really juicy.” TABLETOP STYLE Katie scoops up flowers at a farm stand when she’s shopping for dinner then creates small arrangements on her outdoor table. For tableware, “I often use my nice indoor dishes,” she says. “It’s OK if someone drops a glass here and there!” ■ PHOTOS: (PORTRAIT) SARA LUCKEY, (IN KITCHEN) COURTESY OF FOOD NETWORK, (FISH, BURGER) LUCY SCHAEFFER, (SPOON) ZHEKA-BOSS/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES, (VASE) ELLENMORAN/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES —KATIE LEE BIEGEL BETTER HOMES & GARDENS® (ISSN 0006-0151) JULY/AUGUST 2024 , VOL. 102 NO. 7 & 8, IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT FOR COMBINED ISSUES IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY AND JULY/AUGUST BY MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORP., 1716 LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50309-3023. U.S.A. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DES MOINES, IOWA, AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES, $22 PER YEAR IN THE U.S.; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) IN CANADA; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) OVERSEAS. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, P.O. BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508. IN CANADA: MAILED UNDER PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT NO. 40069223; CANADIAN BN 12348 2887 RT. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. IF THE POST OFFICE ALERTS US THAT YOUR MAGAZINE IS UNDELIVERABLE, WE HAVE NO FURTHER OBLIGATION UNLESS CORRECTED DELIVERY INFORMATION IS RECEIVED WITHIN TWO YEARS. © MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORP. 2024. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. STYLEMAKER