Pumpkins are the crown jewel of fall, adding more than just a pop of color to our decor—they’re a nutritional powerhouse, low in calories and packed with Vitamin A and dietary fiber. Whether you’re using them in soups, pastas, or even desserts, pumpkins can do it all. But before you carve into that bright orange…

If you’re in charge of the yams for Thanksgiving dinner, you’re most likely making sweet potatoes instead. Yams have a woody, tree-like exterior (unlike the reddish-hued skins of sweet potatoes) and are native to more tropical regions like Africa, Central America, and Asia. Not only do genuine yams look different, but they’re also starchier and…

If you mostly bake fruit pies, you may not be familiar with how to store pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie is custard-based, so it requires slightly different treatment than, say, apple pie. But how long can you keep pumpkin pie in the fridge? Can you freeze pumpkin pie? Should you leave pumpkin pie out on the…

Living in a small apartment often involves choosing appliances that pack in a lot of options and value instead of always trying the latest trendy gadgets. It’s a matter of utilizing what is sometimes nonexistent counter space in the most productive matter. But every so often, trends and space-saving gadgets merge in a perfect combination,…

It’s roasting season, which means your kitchen’s biggest energy user, the oven, is working overtime to crisp vegetables, slow-roast beef, bake cookies, and more. Why not make the most of all that space (and all that energy) by cooking multiple dishes together? You can create one big meal in less time or get ahead for…

I love my job as REAL SIMPLE’s food director for many reasons, but one of the main ones is that I’m able to get my hands on any cookbook I want (and many I don’t, tbh). I have a stack on my desk at the office and over 175 at home; I’ve written five myself.…

If you are big on sweet potatoes but short on time, there’s an easy solution: Microwave your sweet potatoes. It’s really the best way. Microwaving sweet potatoes cuts down cook time by 45 to 55 minutes, and, according to a 2018 study, helps maintain the potato’s nutritional value. All cooking methods cause foods to lose…

I’ve been writing about food, kitchen gadgets and home tips for over a decade. This past year, I’ve tested dozens of air fryer recipes. This 10-minute air fryer salmon is by far the easiest and healthy air fryer recipe to date. Salmon made on the stovetop in a skillet is great, but you’re bound to…