Lifestyle
How to Get Rust Stains Out of Clothes. Here’s What Works
I pulled a shirt out of the washing machine and found a rust stain along the collar I had not put there, an orange-brown streak I could not explain. I had no idea where it came from until I looked at my machine drum and noticed rust around an old chip in the enamel. The…
20 Foods You Should Never Freeze (And Why It Goes Wrong)
Most of us treat the freezer as an insurance policy. Something about to turn? Freeze it. Bought too much? Freeze it. But the freezer is not a neutral holding tank. It is a harsh chemical and physical environment that permanently destroys certain foods at the molecular level, or at minimum renders them unrecognizable compared to…
Our Guide to Building The Picture-Perfect Summer Cheese Board
A show-stopping charcuterie board is my favorite way to get everyone’s attention at dinner parties and gatherings during the summer months. Who doesn’t love cheese and fruit after a day in the heat? Snacks for dinner, y’all! But there are quite a few differences between constructing your typical platter and creating a summer cheese board—including…
Does Powdered Sugar Go Bad? Shelf Life and Storage Tips
You find a bag of powdered sugar in the back of the cabinet that has been there for two years, or longer. The best-by date has passed and the sugar has some soft lumps. Before you throw it out, there is something important to know. Does powdered sugar go bad? The short answer: Powdered sugar…
Texas Trailblazers: A Tribute to Inspiring Texan Women
Texas has always had a reputation for producing big personalities, big dreamers, big doers, and big-hearted leaders who leave their mark far beyond state lines. And when it comes to trailblazing women, the Lone Star State has given the nation more than its fair share of icons. These women, politicians, artists, athletes, scientists, educators, and…
Does Shortening Go Bad? Everything You Should Know
You open the pantry and find a can of Crisco that has been sitting there since last winter, or longer. The best-by date has passed and you are not sure whether it is still good. Does shortening go bad? The short answer: Yes, shortening goes bad. The primary way it fails is through rancidity, a…
Does Baking Powder Go Bad? Shelf Life and Potency Test
You reach for the baking powder to make muffins and notice the can has been open for a year. Or you find an unopened tin in the back of the cabinet that expired six months ago. Before you throw it out or use it and hope for the best, there is a better option. Does…
Does Sugar Go Bad? Shelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Signs
You found a five-pound bag of sugar in the back of the pantry with a best-by date two years ago. It looks fine. It might be clumped. You’re not sure whether to use it or throw it out. Does sugar go bad? The short answer: White granulated sugar does not go bad. According to USU…
Does Baking Soda Go Bad? Shelf Life and Freshness Test
You find a box of baking soda in the back of the cabinet with a date from two years ago. Or you use the same box for baking and the fridge deodorizer and wonder whether any potency is left. Does baking soda go bad? The short answer: Baking soda does not go bad in the…
Does Brown Sugar Go Bad? Shelf Life and Softening Guide
You open the bag of brown sugar to make cookies and find a solid brick. Or your bag has been in the pantry for two years and you’re not sure whether it’s still good. Does brown sugar go bad? The short answer: Brown sugar does not go bad in any food safety sense. According to…