Food

The hottest design in kitchens right now is to put them outside. Whether you want something simple or elaborate, we've got great ideas for bringing the kitchen outdoors.

Building a smokehouse is fairly easy to do. Animal Science Professor Cameron Faustman at the University of Connecticut says there's no need to be an accomplished carpenter. The roof is a little cock-eyed? That's OK! You want a leaky smokehouse so it vents properly.

Barbecue pits aren't that difficult to build. Grab some friends, a beverage of choice, and put the barbeque pit together in an afternoon.

It's not hard to make dried fruit, herbs, and even jerky at home with a good food dehydrator. But, before you run out and buy one, research your options.

This year, anything "green" is in. Tools like spatulas and tongs made from bamboo and recycled stainless steel are flying off the shelves. Even grill cleaners are going all-natural.

Cast iron cookware is versatile, sturdy, and can last for generations. Here's what to look for when starting your collection.

Ice cream recipes can be either cooked or not cooked. Lynn Blanchard is the director of the Better Homes and Gardens Test Kitchen and says both are good.

You can make jerky out of just about any type of meat, including beef, chicken, turkey, deer, moose, and bison. It takes three pounds of lean meat to make a pound of jerky.

Making refrigerator pickles is super easy and doesn't require canning.

Making homemade salsa is a great way to use up the fresh produce from your garden, but it's smart to spend some time learning about canning safety before you begin.

Angela Davis is a plant geneticist with the Agricultural Research Service, and is developing what you'd call "diet watermelon" with 50% less sugar.

When you're shopping for a new grill, there's more to consider than just whether you want gas or charcoal.

Enjoying your country home should be a picnic, not work, says food stylist Jennifer Peterson.

Smoking uses low temperatures and long cooking times to add flavor and turn even the worst cuts of meat into a wonderful meal.

Master the art of smoking meat, and you'll have friends and neighbors clamoring for invitations to dinner.

Canning summer produce is a practical way to make sure you enjoy the benefits of your garden throughout the year.

If you've been thinking of acorns as simply a nuisance that attracts squirrels, you may be overlooking a free source of healthy protein.

If you can grow sweet corn on your property, you can grow popcorn. There are many varieties from which to choose, and at harvest time, you'll enjoy the freshest, best-tasting popcorn you've ever eaten.

This beekeeper shows how you can enjoy a honey of a hobby.