Do you love the unique flavor za'atar adds to pita chips, popcorn, and, well, just about everything? Sometimes the challenge lies in just keeping enough in the pantry for impromptu seasoning. But did you realize that, as a blend of four simple spices (ok, three simple spices and one that's a little tougher to find), it's a cinch to make yourself? More

Visiting a friend recently, I noticed a canister on her kitchen counter marked seeds. Was she feeding the birds? As it turns out, she makes her own seed blend of flax, chia, sesame, and whatever else she has on hand to keep on the ready for topping oatmeal, yogurt and cereal. Why not try this in your kitchen? More

Yesterday Emma told us that to cook like a pro, you should keep your salt in a covered container or salt pig. Besides making it easier to salt your cooking, it's also a much prettier way to store your salt. So whether you're a fan of the cellar or the pig, here are 10 options to get your salt out of the shaker once and for all: More

I'm not hating on salt shakers here: I mean, how else am I supposed to surreptitiously salt my eggs when I'm at my parents' house? I'm just saying that if you want to cook like a pro in the kitchen, leave the salt shaker on the table.

Looking for a creative, thrifty way to hang your spices? How about using a vintage casserole server? See close-up photos below: More

Even though I work largely from home, I'm still plagued by the 3 pm energy plummet like many of my friends and old coworkers. There's just something about that hour, especially in the winter when the days are colder and darker. Instead of reaching for a soda or another cup of coffee, a small snack with a bit of protein is a great picker-upper, and lately I've been mixing up a batch of quick no-bake snacks to keep on hand when the energy lows strike. More

Q: I am going to be staying in a small fishing village in Mexico for one week. I will get to purchase fresh fish daily directly from the fishermen and grill them. I want to bring some good spices with me on this trip. What would you recommend, either individual spices or some blends?

Sent by KT More

Brrr! A smoothie might be a healthy way to start the day, but on a chilly winter morning, it can also set your teeth chattering. That's when we like to warm things up with a pinch of spice. More

Q: I spilled turmeric on my kitchen counter. What's the best way to get the color out?

Sent by Chitra More

I don't know about you, but as the days get shorter and colder, I find myself gravitating toward gingery recipes and adding this warming spice to everything from toddies to slow-cooked braises. A little goes a long way, though, and I've learned to respect the mighty power of the ginger root in all its various forms. Do you have a favorite way to cook with ginger? More