No coffee maker? No problem! You don't even need a grinder or a means of heating water according to the methods in this fun and helpful infographic from Tonx. MacGyver would be proud. 

Dirt free and portable. That's how Modern Sprout describes their new hydroponic windowsill planter box. While most hydroponic setups are an unattractive display of plastic bottles, buckets, and tubes, Modern Sprout's version is pretty stylish. And because it automatically waters and feeds your plants for you, it's also perfect for black thumbs. (Not that I have that problem, of course. Ahem.)

It's satisfying to make things in your own kitchen for several reasons, but often just knowing that you can is all the satisfaction you need — gaining that new cooking merit badge for your sash is enough on its own. Recently, I had the chance to make the hibiscus-laden drink jamaica, and even though it ultimately cost more to make than to buy, when the zombie apocolypse comes, I'll be sipping pretty. 

Do you crave cookies with perfectly crispy edges and soft, chewy middles, whether you're making oatmeal raisin or mega-dark chocolate chip? The chefs at America's Test Kitchen say that all we have to do is give our cookie dough a break — as in a 10-minute break. Could it be so easy?

Do you have a thing for smoky drinks? Have you sipped a trendy smoky cocktail lately, one that goes way beyond the smoke of Scotch and into new territory? Smoky cocktails are a lot of fun to make at home, I discovered recently, and yes, they involve real smoke, and yes, they're just about the best party trick ever. Here's what it looks like to make a smoked cocktail...

Though you might normally associate chimichurri with grilled steaks, lamb chops and other robust cuts of meat, this garlicky South American herb sauce pairs wonderfully with mild halibut and other lean white fish. Rubbed over the fillets before baking, the flavor of the chimichurri stays fresh and bright, infusing the delicate fish with a pop of green color and taste that says SPRING! It's another simple yet impressive fish recipe to add to your repertoire.

We're no strangers to sriracha. In fact, we like it in our beer, our mayo, and sprinkled on everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats. While it seems ubiquitous now, sriracha as we know it didn't come around until 1980...

Q: I'm making a cheescake for my boyfriend's birthday, but still want to write "Happy Birthday" like I would on a traditional cake. Any suggestions of what kind of icing to use on top of a cheesecake? Any other ideas to decorate a cheesecake?

Sent by Amelia

Have you ever wondered what drove acclaimed writers, philosophers and musicians like Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and Glenn Gould? After reading Slate's excellent series on the daily rituals of great artists, I suspect it might be coffee — although a comprehensive list would also need to include alcohol, amphetamines and very little food.