The White House

Daffodils

Vintage containers always suit the look of daffodils. (Courtesy iBulb.org/MCT)

Granola

Granola rounds are soft and chewy due to quick-cooking oatmeal. (Sharon K. Ghag/Modesto Bee/MCT)

Stencils

Stenciling has become bolder and more of a statement. This Springtime in Paris Letter stencil is by Royal Design Studio. (Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)

Leather

Recycled leather from EcoDomo, embossed in a crocodile design, is used to cover a door. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Leather

Top stitching adds richness to a recycled leather wall created by EcoDomo. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Leather

The living room of this Costa Rican condominium has a recycled leather floor from EcoDomo. (EcoDomo/MCT)

Spinach Stracciatella Soup

Spinach stracciatella soup is a quick, dinner offering with minimal ingredients. (Ellise Pierce/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Chicken tinga

Chicken tinga is a spin on tacos that is quick and the whole family will enjoy. (Ellise Pierce/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT)

Dried beans

The Chick Pea Stew is topped with lemon wedges and drained yogurt. (Juli Leonard/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT)

Egg rolls

Fanny Go's egg roll is served at her home in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

cauliflower recipes

Top chefs offer a few helpful tips on developing flavor in the sometimes disrespected vegetable, the cauliflower. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

pear recipes

Pears can be used in breads, chips, salsa, and pies. Here, pear bread with chunks of pears. (Debbie Noda/Modesto Bee/MCT)

Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini can create a variety of tasty summertime dishes like Zucchini Fritters. (Glenn Koenig/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

CHICKEN SAUSAGE

Chicken sausage is joining the many varities already in the supermarket, and is a fast growing product. (Jarrad Henderson/Detroit Free Press/MCT)

Corn recipes

One small jalapeno adds spice to this corn, shiitake and bacon salsa. (Joe Bonwich/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT)

Scone simplicity: With few ingredients that are easily put together, forget the mixes and bakery kind

Scones are one of the basic pleasures in life.

Make-ahead breakfasts families can enjoy

A new way to try eggs is by baking them. (Joan Barnett Lee/Modesto Bee/MCT)

In winter, pick fruit from the freezer

A classic French dessert, cherry clafoutis, is easy to make with frozen cherries. (Michael Gross/Newsday/MCT)

All chocolate, all the time

Chocolate desserts make Valentine•s Day a little sweeter. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

For God and country

A wooden cross replaces the usual rifle in a memorial to Army Chaplain Cpt. Dale Goetz, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Airstream

The kitchen and bedroom in the Santa Cruz model is featured at the newly opened Airstream Hotel located in the Santa Barbara Auto Camp is owned by Matthew Hofmann and Neil Dipaola in Santa Barbara, California, January 15, 2013. (Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Baking bread brings kneaded therapy

Cassandra Leal makes bread in the kitchen of her Bonner Springs home, May 1, 2013. (Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/MCT)

Lap pools and hot tubs offer fitness, relaxation

A Druid Hills, Georgia workout and yoga room completes the spa experience when combined with a water feature that can work as either a hot tub or plunge pool. (HammerSmith/Warner McConaughey via Atlanta Journal-Constitution/MCT)

Pickling growing more popular, one peck at a time

Pickles have never been easier, thanks to the resurgence of interest in pickling and preserving produce. Here, pickled peppers, from top, zucchini, and onions are featured at studio in Walnut Creek, California, July 28, 2011. (Susan Tripp Pollard/Contra Costa Times/MCT)