Innehållsförteckning för December 2021 från Good Housekeeping

Stir chocolate spoons in coffee or warm milk or another beverage to add an extra hit of sweetness to the season. To prep the spoons, pour melted white, milk or dark chocolate in the spoons, then garnish with an assortment of sweet and salty fixin’s including things like mini chocolate chips, toasted coconut flakes, crushed candy canes and chopped espresso beans. Let stand for a few minutes until the chocolate has cooled and solidified. Wrap them in cellophane and tie with twine for a party favor or an easy gift!…

For as long as I can remember, my dad has given thanks before every meal. His brief prayer always includes appreciation for the food and usually lists a few recent rewarding experiences. After he says grace on a holiday, my dad often asks everyone at the table to look back on the year and share some of the things they’re grateful for. Turns out this age-old ritual of giving thanks, practiced in most cultures, is not just a wonderful bonding experience — it actually helps us manage our stress too. And at the end of this year, we could all use a little communal therapy. As we take stock during this uncertain time, it may feel like a stretch to celebrate. But history (as shown by accounts from survivors of…

The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer This rom-com follows the double life of chronically ill Jewish girl Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt, a.k.a. Christmas-romance writer Margot Cross. Tasked with writing a Hanukkah romance, she seeks inspiration at the Matzah Ball. When she reconnects with her former rival, Jacob Greenberg, her secret is in peril—as is her heart. $16 A Holly Jolly Diwali by Sonya Lalli Niki Randhawa, 29, has always made the safe choice. But after she is laid off, she takes a last-minute trip to her friend Diya’s wedding in India. There, she meets musician Sam Mukherji, who helps her get in touch with her creative side. But when Niki gets a job offer, she has to choose between the freedom Sam shows her and the straight and narrow back home. $17 Always, in…

TEST KITCHEN Brie with jam & bread Wow guests with this surprisingly simple way to give your cheese board a holiday look. First, pick your favorite cookie cutter and press a shape into a soft-rind cheese like Brie. Then use a paring knife to score ⅛ in. down to outline the shape and use the tip of the knife to lift off the rind. Spoon your favorite jam, honey or honey mustard into the cutout or fill it with finely chopped pistachios, pomegranate arils or dried cranberries.…

Q I love to decorate my home for the season. How can I do it safely? A: This time of year should be a time for merriment, not worrying about fire hazards. Disaster-proof your decorating with a few simple steps: Don’t cover cords. Electric and extension cords shouldn’t run under rugs or carpet — an overheated or frayed cord could spark and cause a fire. Keep light strings short. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions, but unless your lights are LED, avoid connecting more than three strings of mini lights to one outlet. Keep decor cool. To avoid a potential fire hazard, don’t put ribbon or other decorations around lampshades or place blankets on radiators.…

Nobody wants a hangover, and adding seltzer and some fresh mint to white wine makes for bubbly taste with less alcohol and fewer calories. Cook up heart-healthy salmon burgers as a surprising take on finger food. They’re lower in saturated fat and rich in good-for-you omega-3s. These easy party noshes are lower in sodium, carbohydrates and calories (they’re not deep-fried!) and are gluten-free. The lactose in heavy cream can be problematic for many people, while plant-based coconut cream is lower in fat with a similar taste.…

FUNNY “This holiday season, let’s make a point of cherishing what’s truly important in our lives: cookies.” SWEET “I hope the magic of the season fills every corner of your heart with joy — now and all year long.” HEARTFELT “It’s not what’s under the tree that matters most — it’s who’s around it. Every year I’m so grateful to have you there.” DEVOUT “May the wonder of that first Christmas, the joy of God’s abundant blessings and the peace of Jesus’s presence be with you always.” For more ideas, go to goodhousekeeping.com/greeting-card.…

WEAR AN (EYE) MASK. GH Beauty Lab experts swear by stick-on undereye patches for fast depuffing and smoothing before special events or whenever eyes need reviving. Over 76% of users found that the below patches reduced puffiness and awakened eyes, per Lab data. GH BEAUTY LAB PICK: GH SEAL STAR MARY KAY HYDROGEL EYE PATCHES, $40 FOR 30 PAIRS, MARYKAY.COM TRY A 2-IN-1 TREATMENT. Eye cream can do more than moisturize and fight aging: Innovative new formulas contain light-reflecting particles or sheer pigment to blur dark circles, evening and brightening skin tone. GH BEAUTY LAB PICK: GH SEAL STAR OLAY EYES ULTIMATE EYE CREAM, $29, DRUGSTORES GO UNDERCOVER. It’s not just dark undereye circles that can make eyes look tired—it’s the shadows around eyes too. Tap a full-coverage concealer all…

Fake it ’til you make it. This fireplace doesn’t have a mantel — surprise! — but greenery mounted at the right height offers a jovial illusion. Finish the look by hanging red, green and white stockings with care. Candles and more candles! Amp up your mantel with a monochromatic display of different heights and sizes for visual interest. Hang Christmas stockings with ribbon in a complementary hue for a cohesive setup. Safety tip: Don’t place lit candles on the mantel. Use electric candles if you like the look of glowing flames. Showcase your treasures. Use your mantel as a spot to play up your favorite vintage finds, from a chalkboard sign in a unique frame to an assortment of ceramics that you’ve collected over time. If your arrangement consists mainly…

How I like my coffee: My favorite holiday tradition: The best holiday dessert is: When I take down my holiday decorations: Favorite movie to watch at this time of year: What I’m wishing for in the new year: Something that keeps me calm during the holiday rush: A quote I try to live by: Best gift I ever received: My favorite holiday scent is: My greatest accomplishment this year was: During the holidays, I love to sip on:…

In February 2013, winter storm Nemo settled over Boston, and it was a bad one, even by New England standards. Roads were closed, public transportation lurched to a stop for a day or two and classes in my last semester of senior year of college were canceled. Students stumbled out into the blustery and empty streets, heading toward the standby strip of bars, lobbing snowballs and sledding down Mission Hill as strong winds whipped the whiteness around. It was a joyous, beer-soaked snow globe—one I trudged right past on my way to the gym. The next day, I was praised by my hungover friends: “I wish I had your willpower!”; “Ugh, you’re so good!”; and other tropes we repeat nearly reflexively when a person does something that we think is…

ALL-PURPOSE CONTAINERS These stackable, leakproof storage containers are made with glass that’s oven-safe up to 450°F. Each can be microwaved with the lid on—unlatch to vent. LAB RESULTS “The quality of the glass [and plastic version that was also tested] was superior, and the tight-fitting seals are better than anything I have ever used before,” said one tester. RUBBERMAID BRILLIANCE GLASS FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, FROM $9, RUBBERMAID.COM MODULAR PACKING These stainless steel containers are lightweight and perfect for packing up snacks and on-thego meals. They stack neatly and are easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher when done. LAB RESULTS Testers liked how they’re plastic-free and easy to transport; they’re great for dry goods. KLEAN KANTEEN FOOD BOX COMPLETE SET, $60, KLEANKANTEEN.COM SUPER SAVER Stasher continues to innovate…

CULINARY CLASSIC The name Beef Wellington may have been inspired by the Duke of Wellington, who defeated Napoléon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. But the dish didn’t become an American dinner-party staple until the mid 1960s, after Julia Child featured it on her television show The French Chef.…

SEAL PROMISE All GH Seal products are rigorously assessed by the GH Labs. We stand behind them with our exclusive refund-or-replacement limited warranty.* GH PASTA MAKER WHY WE MADE IT Kneading pasta dough by hand (or even in a mixer!) is tough, since it typically requires little liquid and many turns to soften it and develop the gluten before it can be extruded, or passed through a roller. Pasta makers like this one make the process easier by kneading the dough for you and shaping it as soon as it’s done. GH LAB RESULTS “Our favorite part of testing was experimenting with the eight discs,” says Nicole. “They allowed us to make everything from penne to spaghetti, attached to the machine easily and stayed securely in place. The cutting tool…

NAN-E BERENJI Delicate Persian cookies with cardamom and rosewater MINI “BLACK & WHITE” COOKIES A New York City favorite with a twist CHOCOLATE-PISTACHIO SLICE & BAKES Delicious, convenient and giftable ALFAJORES An Argentinian caramel-filled delight…

1+ MINI MUSIC MIXER Toddlers can experiment with tempo, rhythm and sounds by playing the piano keys or using the knobs and buttons to add effects to backing songs. They can even use the record to make scratching noises. Lab Results DJ-inspired toys are a big trend this year, and this one brings the idea of mixing and scratching down to toddler level in an ingenious way. Hape DJ Mix and Spin Studio, $40 2+A DESK MADE FOR LEARNING Many features are built into this toddler desk, including interchangeable interactive activity pages, but the coolest one is a projector that helps kids trace. Lab Results One mom says her three kids all jockey for time at this desk. VTech Get Ready for School Learning Desk, $58 3+ CLEANER MODELING DOUGH…

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL This long-lasting lightweight formula stands the test of time, delivering rich hydration over 24 hours and improving skin’s firmness in two weeks. 1 ULTRA-DEEP HYDRATION In a two-week usage test, more than 90% of testers reported that their skin was deeply hydrated after using this moisturizer at least three times a week. The formula contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which can help repair the lipid barrier and penetrate deep into skin layers. 2 IMPROVES SKIN’S FIRMNESS This smart anti-ager contains collagen peptide, which is made of amino acids and interacts with skin cell receptors to stimulate collagen and elastin. After two weeks, 71% of subjects said it made skin feel firmer and 63% agreed that it made fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable. 3 WORKS…

SPICED PILAF Mix ¼ cup pomegranate seeds, 1 shallot and 1 jalapeño (both chopped) and ½ cup each cilantro and mint (all chopped) with ⅓ cup oil, 1½ tsp grated lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp lemon juice and ½ tsp each sumac and kosher salt. Fold into 1 cup long-grain white rice (cooked). POM-LIME SPRITZ In small saucepan, simmer ¾ cup each sugar and pomegranate juice until sugar has dissolved, 12 min. Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp grated lime zest and 2 Tbsp lime juice; let cool. Top 1 Tbsp each syrup and lime juice with sparkling water or wine and add a few pomegranate seeds. SQUASH & POM RELISH In medium bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp honey and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Stir…

1 CLEAN THE JAR. Remove any labels and residue from the inside and the outside of the jar. Paint the lid with spray paint and let it dry. 2 ARRANGE A SCENE. On the inside of the jar, add bottle-brush trees, animal figurines and more. Form snowdrifts with air-dry clay and let dry. In a well-ventilated area, glue down all elements with silicone glue. 3 ADD SPARKLE! Spoon 1 to 2 tsp of glitter and/or fake snow into the jar. Fill the jar with distilled water almost to the top. Add a few drops of glycerin and stir. 4 GLUE ON THE LID. Over a sink or tray, add more silicone glue around the top edge of the jar and put on the lid. Close the jar tightly and wipe away any excess water…

1 START A SCRATCH PAD. Don’t stress over a less-than-perfect journal—embrace it. Doodle while on a Zoom call, scrawl random thoughts and use it to stash those little scraps of paper so it becomes a living record of daily life, says author and leadership coach Karen Walrond. 2 SPILL YOUR THOUGHTS. Start each morning by writing down what’s on your mind, stream-ofconsciousness style. No selfediting allowed; just let journaling clear your mind before the day fills it back up. 3 SET INTENTIONS. For more structure, Walrond recommends reflecting on three questions daily: What can you do to feel connected to someone else? What can you do that feels healthy? What can you do that would make you feel purposeful? 4 CREATE A VISION BOARD. Grab a stack of old magazines and some scissors, then…

Festive Ladder Lean a wooden ladder against a bare wall and fill its rungs with numbered muslin bags full of treats. Buckets of Joy String mini galvanized buckets along your mantel or staircase. Add red and green candy of your choice. Treasured Ornaments Every day until the 25th, delight your kids with a scavenger hunt to pinpoint beloved ornaments that won’t fit on the tree; use red ribbon to place them on card stock for an eye-catching display.…

GERM ZAPPER Germ-eliminating Zep gel hand sanitizer, available in sizes up to a gallon, will help keep the holiday festivities a little safer this year. LAB RESULTS Our experts love that this American-made sanitizer isn’t sticky, doesn’t overdry skin and contains at least 70% alcohol by volume. ZEP INSTANT HAND SANITIZER GEL, $37 FOR CASE OF 12, BUYZEP.COM FABRIC REVITALIZER After over a year of quarantine, cushions and throws may need a little TLC. Febreze can eliminate even the toughest stenches. LAB RESULTS Instead of just covering up smells, this extra-strength fabric refresher eliminates bad odors by trapping and deactivating odor molecules. FEBREZE FABRIC REFRESHER EXTRA STRENGTH, $5, WALMART.COM ODOR BLOCKER A few sprays of Poo-Pourri in the toilet bowl before someone uses the bathroom can keep bad smells at…

Play with primaries. After living in a home with a neutral kitchen, a fun-loving family turned to designer Karen Nepacena of Destination Eichler to breathe life into their new space. Nepacena settled on a mix of red, blue and yellow for the transformation. “Kerf Design’s vibrant cabinet finish colors really stood out,” Nepacena says. “We knew they were the perfect palette to work into the kitchen.” Go lighter than you think. This kitchen features a single alley-facing window, so designer Anastasia Casey of The Identité Collective went two paint shades lighter than the desired finished look. “When we painted these cabinets outside in natural light, it felt like a bright spring green,” she says. “As soon as we installed them in the kitchen with limited natural lighting, they went much…

Like many expat families living in the U.S., my Cuban family relishes our traditions. We may no longer live in the places where we were born or where our families come from, but the holidays are the perfect time to showcase our culture. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) is an especially important time for us. My mother and I prepare the turkey according to my abuelita’s instructions, by stuffing minced garlic under the skin and pouring naranja agria (a bitter orange marinade) all over it. Meanwhile, my brother and cousin work diligently to make everyone’s favorite arroz congri (black beans and rice cooked in black bean water). Finally, after hours of cooking, we’ll gather around the table late into the evening, eat our mix of Cuban and American dishes and count…

Women face pressure to look ever younger and thinner and experience major hormonal shifts in middle age, which may contribute to eating disorders (ED). The Renfrew Center, a nationwide network of treatment clinics, reports a jump in women in their 30s through 60s seeking treatment in the past few years. The seeds are often planted earlier in life—data suggests that just 5% to 10% of people who develop an ED do so for the first time as adults. “A portion had it in adolescence, recovered or partially recovered, then relapsed,” says Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D., founding director at the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders in Chapel Hill, NC. Some, she says, had symptoms such as chronic dieting that later blossomed into a disorder. “Many older patients started with…

SHAKE UP BREAKFAST This squeezable batter mixer with a BlenderBall wire whisk makes it fast and simple to mix and dispense pancake batter without dirtying a measuring cup, bowl, whisk and ladle. LAB RESULTS One tester gushed that she now uses this every time she makes pancakes. WHISKWARE BATTER MIXER, $15, WHISKWARE.COM MULTIFUNCTION BLENDER Vitamix is known for high-powered blenders, and its Ascent series is top-of-the-line. It can be used with an assortment of accessories (sold separately) like a smoothie cup and a food processor; the motor speed adjusts accordingly. LAB RESULTS “I think it’s a great investment if you’re someone who makes smoothies every day,” said one tester. VITAMIX ASCENT A3500, FROM $600, VITAMIX.COM STUFFED-WAFFLE MAKER The thought of filled waffles makes our mouths water, but big, fluffy ones…

BRILLIANT BACKYARD PIZZA This pizza oven can be used with wood or charcoal, and a gas burner can be bought separately ($100). It can heat up to 950°F, features a 15-mm pizza stone surface, fits a 16-inch pie and can be used to cook other foods. LAB RESULTS The large opening on the back allows you to refill wood and coal easily. OONI KARU 16 MULTI-FUEL PIZZA OVEN, $799, OONI.COM POWERFUL PELLET GRILL It can be hard to get a real sear with pellet grills, which are best known for smoking, but the Weber SmokeFire makes this possible: It cooks over direct heat, reaching up to 600°F. LAB RESULTS With the Weber Connect smart technology, cooking steak to the perfect doneness (with char marks!) is foolproof. WEBER SMOKEFIRE EX4 (2ND…

Elegant favorite Smooth and citrusy—perfect for a refreshing G&T PORTOBELLO ROAD GIN, $34, PORTOBELLOROADGIN.COM Fragrant and complex Local Scottish wildflowers and herbs add layers of flavor and finesse THE BOTANIST ISLAY DRY GIN, $40, THEBOTANIST.COM Rich and unique Oak-aged, with a touch of Vermont raw honey for a hint of sweetness CALEDONIA SPIRITS BARR HILL TOM CAT GIN, $46, CALEDONIASPIRITS.COM…

1 large egg, well beaten2 to 3 Tbsp water1 tsp olive oil227 g (8 oz) all-purpose flour 1. Fit pasta maker with desired shaping disc. 2. Place small measuring cup or bowl on digital scale. Add egg and then enough water to reach 85 g (3 oz) total weight. Stir in oil. 3. Add flour to mixing chamber. Press Single Batch, then press Start/Stop and slowly add egg mixture. 4. When pasta maker is done mixing, press Start/Stop to start extrusion process. Use knife to cut pasta to desired length.…

How We Test 1 SAFETY CHECK Our engineers and analysts start by ensuring that each toy meets all safety standards. They also assess pinch points and make sure toys won’t shatter into small pieces to pose a potential choking hazard. 2 EASE OF USE Next, we carefully evaluate how simple each toy is to assemble and also how well it’s constructed and how durable it is during play. 3 KID APPROVAL Final decisions come from more than 100 children, ages 1 to 15, who assess the fun factor! Watch our experts talk toys! Tune in to The Toys That Built America on History Channel, November 28 at 9 p.m. ET.…

1+BRAIN-BOOSTING BLOCKS Not just a block set, this play kit comes with a shape sorter, magnetic rods, pieces that can be threaded on, wooden peg people and more, expanding the ways kids can use blocks. It all comes in a bright, pleasing color palette too. Lab Results As is true of all Lovevery toys, this set comes with information about how kids can use it at different developmental stages, which parents truly appreciate. Lovevery The Block Set, $90 3+ POP-UP PRETEND When fully open, this set offers six sides for pretend veterinary play, including a waiting room, an exam room and a front desk. When kids are done, the whole thing folds flat for simple storage. Lab Results Parents were enthusiastic about the easy cleanup, noting that this was the…

How do you decide what to write about? I have a sense of what topics have the ability to connect with different people. I’ll think, I really want to write about this, and sometimes it happens in the middle of living it. I do know, in my own life, what constitutes a bigger story. People may think, She’s so open; she’s so in touch with her “yes” moments. But my life is chock-full of “no.” I say no constantly. And it’s the yes that’s specific, and that’s always where the story is. It’s just like going through a door. You don’t talk about the 7,000 closed doors you pass on any given day. You talk about the one that opened. Why don’t you use social media? I’ve never participated in…

1 INHALE through your nose for a count of four. 2 HOLD your breath for a count of seven. 3 EXHALE through your mouth for a count of eight. 4 REPEAT eight cycles at least twice a day, especially when you’re overwhelmed.…

Q Can “smart” home devices actually make my life easier? A: Yes, especially during the hectic holiday season! Here are a few of my go-tos: Smart Plugs. It’s a hassle to turn tree lights or other holiday decorations on and off by hand each night. Instead, simply plug the electronics into this smart device, then control them via the smartphone app. KASA SMART WI-FI PLUG MINI BY TP-LINK, $10, KASASMART.COM Smart Bulbs. Add a splash of festive lighting to any part of the house with color-changing smart bulbs. Some can even be integrated with your sound system to keep time with holiday music. GE CYNC FULL COLOR SMART BULB, $15, LOWES.COM Video Doorbell. A video doorbell helps you keep tabs on packages and lets you interact with the delivery person.…

SANDISK WIRELESS CHARGER SanDisk couples the convenience of a wireless charger with integrated phone backup using its free app. LAB RESULTS We found that the charger allowed for fast charging when properly aligned, and we like that you know it’s charging when the light glows purple and that charging is complete when it turns white. SANDISK IXPAND WIRELESS CHARGER SYNC, $80 AND UP, SANDISK.COM EUFY ROBOVAC X8 For the ultimate handsfree cleaning, Eufy’s new X8 model features twin turbines for better pickup, navigates with lasers instead of bumping its way around and avoids areas you tell it to via the app. LAB RESULTS We especially liked its slim design that slips under low furniture, its ability to boost suction when it senses that deeper cleaning is needed and how quiet…

MONOGRAMMED SERVING BOARD BRASS INLAY IN MANGO WOOD AND MARBLE, $40, CRATEANDBARREL.COM; TEAK SALT CELLAR WITH GOLD SPOON SALT CADDY WITH SERVING UTENSIL, $25, NATHANANDCO.COM; THE COTTAGE GREENHOUSE FRENCH SOAP VEGAN SHEA BUTTER SOAPS IN FIVE SCENTS, $7.50 EACH, MARGOTELENA.COM.…

Starting on the lashline at the pupil, use the liner’s tip to trace a thin line to the outer corner, curving up slightly. Then draw a line from the inner corner, connecting in the middle. To ensure that your lid won’t hide the liner, sketch the outer wing tip where the hood starts, moving inward with thin strokes. Elongate eyes by gliding liner along the upper lashline, creating a small flick out and up at the outer corner. Repeat on the bottom lashline, starting at the center of the eye. Beginning just above the outer corner, draw liner at a downward angle along the lashline, stopping at the center of your lid. Get even more lift by applying eyeliner from the inner corner to the outer corner in a thin…

PICK A BULB TYPE BEFORE SHOPPING. Compact fluorescent bulbs cost less up front, but LEDs are more cost-effective in the long run. BE AWARE OF THE LUMEN COUNT. Brightness is measured in lumens, so pay attention to this instead of wattage to get the light you desire. For the equivalent of a 60-watt bulb, look for at least 800 lumens. CHOOSE YOUR COLOR. Color temperature is a way to describe the appearance of the light provided by a bulb, measured in degrees Kelvin, which ranges from warm white (2600K to 3200K) to bright white (3200K to 4500K) to daylight (4500K to 6500K). Reading nooks need cooler, higher temps; workspaces call for bright white; and soft white works well for lounging areas. USE SMART LIGHTING TO MAKE ARTIFICIAL FIXTURES MORE NATURAL.…

Dear Nana, From the moment I was born, I knew we would have something special. The photos of us from my early years show a connection most people have only after knowing and loving each other for years. Throughout my life, your support and guidance have made me feel confident and secure in a way that’s allowed me to take risks and enjoy life in a way very few have the chance to experience. Throughout your life and your multiple successful careers, you have created a strong safety net for our entire family. This is one of the best gifts you could have given any of us. It has allowed us to go out in the world and venture down our respective paths knowing that you would always be there…

MEET THE GH EXPERTS NICOLE PAPANTONIOU KITCHEN APPLIANCES LAB DEPUTY DIRECTOR SARAH WHARTON SENIORE DITOR AND ANALYST KATE MERKER CHIEF FOOD DIRECTOR CATHERINE LO SENIOR FOOD EDITOR RACHEL ROTHMAN CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST…

FOOD FOR THOUGHT These chocolate treats are inspired by the mendiant, a French holiday confection. Historically, specific toppings represented the colors of four Roman Catholic monastic orders, but now the candies are sprinkled with a variety of nuts and dried fruits. HOST A COOKIE SWAP! The GH+ Cookie Countdown Challenge includes easy and delicious recipes, decorating tips and more. Join the GH+ Club at goodhousekeeping.com/go/join. For as little as 40¢ a week, members also get full access to all GH content (including a print subscription), special discounts, the chance to be a product tester and much more.…

PASTA MAKER “This dynamo makes it easy to turn out a batch of homemade pasta in about 10 minutes. Just add the ingredients into the mixing chamber and the machine takes care of the rest.” —Nicole Papantoniou, Kitchen Appliances deputy lab director GH Pasta Maker, qvc.co/GH PENNE Shaping Disc “The dough may look crumbly in the machine, but don’t add extra liquid! A drier dough will be extruded from the machine well, creating smooth and tender noodles. Extra moisture will cause the pasta to stick together.” —Rochelle Palermo, contributing food editor This fall, look for Rochelle on QVC, where she’ll show off the pasta maker and other GH cookware. MACARONI Shaping Disc “Changing pasta colors is as easy as replacing the water in the dough with a different liquid. Try…

TESTED til PERFECT BEEF WELLINGTON H Active 45 min. | Total 1 hr. 35 min. 2 Tbsp olive oil1 2-lb center-cut beef tenderloin, tied with twineKosher salt and pepper2 Tbsp Dijon mustard2 Tbsp unsalted butter2 shallots, finely chopped1 lb mixed mushrooms, trimmed2 cloves garlic, finely chopped2 tsp fresh thyme leaves1 Tbsp dry sherry or brandy10 to 12 thin slices prosciutto Flour, for dusting14 oz puff pastry, thawed1 large egg 1. Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high. Season beef with ¾ tsp each salt and pepper, then cook until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 min. total. Transfer to plate, let rest 5 min., then remove twine and brush with mustard. 2. Wipe out skillet, then add butter and heat on medium-low. Add shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, 4…

2+ POTATO MASH-UPS When it comes to potatoes, three heads are definitely better than one. This set comes with two large potato bodies, one small potato and 42 accessories to use among them, making for tons of silly combinations. Lab Results Kids loved swapping out the pieces to make various family configurations, and one parent noted that this was a good way to reinforce the idea that not all families look the same. Hasbro Create Your Potato Head Family, $20 3+A SAMPLING OF SENSATIONS Sensory bins are often a DIY affair, but this set does the work for you, as it comes complete with sensory sand, water beads, scoops, river rocks and plastic animals. Lab Results While the sand and beads inevitably come out of the bin, parents liked how…

Avoid toxic treats. Many common holiday ingredients can hurt Fido or Fluffy. Dairy, nuts and chocolate can cause gastrointestinal upset or acute pancreatitis, explains Christopher G. Byers, D.V.M., and grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney problems. Onions and garlic can damage pets’ red blood cells, and xylitol (a sugar substitute) can lead to hypoglycemia and liver damage. Yeast can expand in your pet’s belly and cause gastro intestinal obstructions. While most owners know not to offer cooked bones, even raw bones can splinter and cause gastrointestinal lacerations or obstructions as well as choking. And since your pet shouldn’t have caffeine or alcohol, they’ll have to skip the New Year’s Eve toast. Watch for signs of distress. While signs of digestive distress depend on what your pet ate and how…