We are talking about kitchen essentials this month at The Kitchn, and when I think of "essentials," I think first of my weeknight meals, the ones I can whip up without reference to a cookbook or a website. We asked our readers what these recipes were for them — what sorts of recipes did they have memorized and know by heart? Here are some of the most frequent answers, along with our own versions so that you too can learn these by heart. More

Today's kitchen renovation story is a particularly satisfying one. This is a full-on, top-to-bottom remodel, a dramatic before and after for a young homeowner. While we love smaller remodels too, sometimes it is just really gratifying to watch someone completely transform a kitchen! Alison and her husband bought an inexpensive fixer-upper house and poured their money instead into making their kitchen a lovely place for them to entertain and cook.

Read on to see the before photos of this kitchen (yikes!) and to read Alison's renovation story. More

As a vegetarian, I tend to eschew most meat alternatives such as veggie hot dogs or fake hamburgers. I know they don't taste like the real thing and many varieties are full of processed ingredients. But one interesting and hearty vegetarian ingredient I've just come upon is the soy curl. Have you tried these out? Here's a quick recipe for sesame ginger soy curls on salad. More

My love for potato pancakes knows no bounds. But sometimes I'm looking for something with a little more color and personality. Move over potatoes, there are some new veggies in town and they make for a savory treat! More

Kids know how to party! Check out these festive celebrations from the Apartment Therapy Family channel, which posts kids' parties every day. We'll be bringing you a roundup of these inspiring parties every week.

• Purple, Aqua & Balloons Party
• Alice in Wonderland Party
• Pancake Buffet Party
• A Monster Bash Party
• Raggedy Ann Party More

What's better than getting a homemade gift for Valentine's Day? If you're planning on baking this year, here are some simple DIY gift wrap ideas for your tasty treats: More

Q: I'm hosting a beer festival at home for 20 people in March. Everyone will be bringing two 22-oz beers or equivalent, with emphasis on variety and uniqueness.

I'm providing palate cleansers for during the tasting and a hearty meal for after, and I would love some ideas.There is at least one vegetarian for the event, so the apres-tasting meal will hopefully be easily modified for this guest. Your thoughts are most appreciated!

Sent by Anna More

When you think of your dream home -- what words come to mind? Soaring ceilings, an amazing view, a large lot or vintage charm? According to a recent study, the most popular feature for the American dream home is energy efficiency. Surprised?

• What Americans Want in a Home
  Apartment Therapy More

Sibylle Roessler of the design blog Funkytime is not afraid of color. Or DIY-ing. Or anything vintage! The kitchen in her former 680-square-foot Montreal apartment (she now lives in Spain) is a lesson in repurposing flea-market finds, which she calls "terribly charming." More

Milk, dark, bittersweet — from desserts to cake to handcrafted bites, what are the best wines to pair with this wonderful food of love — chocolate? Read to discover some wines to pour with your favorite kind of chocolate this weekend. More