The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How to store fresh bread, repaint your bathroom, and more
Q: How should I store an unfinished loaf of fresh bread so it doesn’t get stale?
— Marcia Kingsbury, Johnson City, Tennessee
A: A small loaf can be wrapped in plastic and kept in a paper bag inac ool, dry place for a day or two; larger, heartier loaves, such as sourdough, will keep in the same manner for up to four days. If you’re not planning to finish the bread in the next couple of days, slice and freeze it inatightlysea led freezersafe plastic bag. This way, you can take out individual pieces and toast them as needed.
Q: I’m about to repaint my bathroom. Do I have to use highgloss paint?
— Jane Barbero, Rochester, Minnesota
A: Not necessarily. Thanks to new formulas that are designed especially for highhumidity environments, you have more options. The Aura Bath & Spa line from Benjamin Moore (benjaminmoore.com) is a great option. Its mildewresistant matte finish will endure repeated wipedowns without any loss of color. It’s also selfpriming (meaning there’s no need for an initial coat of primer), has no volatile organic compounds and comes in gorgeous colors.
Q: If a recipe calls for a baking pan, how do I know whether to use metal or glass?
—Yve sVa lente, Sioux City, Iowa
A: The two materials distribute heat quite differently, so if the instructions don’t specify, consider what you are making. Here’ s the breakdown:
Glass: Cooking casseroles or other items you want to keep warm for extended periods, since this material holds heat longer.
Metal: Baking goods like bar cookies, quick breads and brownies that can overcook or burn in glass.
Hedge bets
If you’re in the market for privacy plants, there are many versatile choices, including hornbeam. On her farm in Bedford, New York, Martha has English hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), whose dense green foliage turns yelloworan geinth e fall. For additional options, see b elow—orvisitanursery to see what’s available locally; bring along photos of your yard, along with sunlight and drainage details.
Inkberry: This
U.S. native has glossy evergreen foliage and can grow to between 5 to 12 feet in height. It handles wets oil well, and should be pruned in spring to keep its shape.
Yew: It prefers shade but doesn’t like too much water. There are some good hybrids for height, such as Taxus x media “Hicksi,” which can reach 20 feet and is hardy to Zone 4.
Form to function
It’s amazingly easy to turn an empty vas eyou rarely use into a lamp you’ll flick on every day. Any shape will work, so choose a color you love, says Lorna Aragon, the home editor of Martha Stewart Liv ing.T he only tricky part — and it really isn’t all that tricky — is assembling the hardware. You can source yours piecemeal to get the exact finish you want (see details below), or you can simplify the process and get everything you need in a kit from Antique Lamp Supply (antiquelampsupply.com).
How-to: Vase lamp
Supplies
■ Drill and ceramic drill bit (3/8 inch)
■ Threaded rod
■ Hacksaw (optional)
■ Two hex nuts and two washers
■ Elect riccordwithplug
■ Lamp base
■ Vase cap
■ Twolockwashers
■ Neck
■ Harp retainer and harp
■ Socket cap and shell
■ Lampshade
■ Finial
1. Turn vase upside down; drill a hole in bottom with ceramic bit. If needed, cut rod (7 in diagra m)tosi zewith hacksaw; it should be
1 i nchl onger than vase height.
2. Assembl eha rdware as shown in diagram. Slip one hex nut and washer over cor d (9) .The n slip base (8), vase and rod ov er cord. Scre whexnut onto rod, under base. Screw second hex nut onto rod, then slip on second washer, vase cap (6), one lock washer and neck (5). Screw neck onto rod until tight; adjust hex nut at bottom if needed. Slip on harp retainer (2), remaining lock washer and socket cap (4); screw socket cap onto rod. Tighten hardware as needed so that pieces fit together tightly.
3. Secure cord with underwriter’s knot by separating last 2 inches, stripping 1/2 inch of insulation from end of each wi re, and bending wires down and away from each other so that each wire makes a halfcircle. Pull each wire through circle formed by other wire, forming a pretzel shape. Tighten knot so that it rests in socket cap. Wrap each wire end around a terminal s crew o nso cket, tighten screws and cover withsocke t shell (3). Pull cord taut. Put harp into harp retainer, place lampshade on top and screw on finial (1).