In the latest episode of Mom Vs., Nicole tackles Murder Cookies, a viral recipe posted on Reddit. If you’re not an experienced baker, making cookies from scratch may not produce results that are to die for. Follow these tips so you don’t murder your cookies. Don’t think you’re above the instructions Hubris (a fancy word for having too much pride) is the easiest way to mess up whatever you’re baking. Before you even get started, read through the entire recipe at least once—it really helps to have an idea of what you’re supposed to do before you start actually doing it. Don’t just eyeball those measurements. Make sure you’ve got them down exactly, and let all the ingredients reach the necessary temperature. A little patience goes a long way. Chill your dough Temperature matters when it comes to baking, and we’re not just talking about inside the oven. If you prefer fluffier cookies, stick the dough in the fridge and allow it to chill for an hour, or, if you’re pressed for time, 30 minutes. Chilling dough allows the ingredients to rest and the butter to resolidify, which will yield thicker and fluffier cookies. Plus, since they won’t spread as much, you won’t have to break any cookies apart. Just look at Nicole’s two batches. Even though they tasted the same, the dough that chilled made much better cookies. (Don’t) wait a minute Okay, there is one rule that's fine to break: Baking time. No two ovens are the same, and a burned batch of cookies is a terrible way to reach that conclusion. Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re baking, and take them out a minute (or even a few minutes) early and inspect them. You can always bake a little more, but once a cookie’s burnt, there’s no going back.   

This classic Southern-style squash casserole recipe is the one you're always looking for. It's got yellow squash, cheese, and eggs, and is covered with a buttery cracker crumb topping.   Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Making an omelet seems like one of the less tricky things in a kitchen. It's just eggs, right? How badly can it go? If you've tried it you know that the answer is—a lot. Omelets are an art form. Getting the egg curd just right and set in the pan is a tricky process, and it takes some skill to prevent the whole thing from just turning into a pile of scrambled eggs. That's delicious! But it's not an omelet. Luckily, Chef Joe Giacomino of Grey Ghost Detroit has some tips. In this video he shows off his unique method for making a show-stopping omelet. His choice of filling is Mexican, and he uses a ranchero sauce, but the technique he applies here could be used with any kind of cheese or filling you want. Or you can opt for a classic omelet with no filling at all, just a sprinkling of chives and a dollop of creme fraiche. There's no wrong answer. But there is a right way to make an omelet, and now you can learn how to.    

In the latest episode of Food Stylist Versus, Rishon gives an inside look at how food stylists stage three popular drinks—a Pina colada, a Bloody Mary, and a glass of beer. However, methods like fake ice and skipping the alcohol don’t necessarily work if you want to consume any of those beverages. Here are a few ways to elevate your drinks next time you play bartender. Freeze those glasses What do all three of the drinks Rishon staged have in common? They’re better cold. And a cold glass is just as important as a cold drink. Before you start preparing drinks, stash some glassware in your freezer to help create the optimal drinking experience. Plus, those frosty glasses will make the drinks look even better. Get creative with garnishes Think beyond the lemon wedge when garnishing your drink. Depending on what you’re serving, your garnish can play on a drink’s ingredients, like the pineapple fronds Rishon incorporates into her Pina colada, or add an accoutrement that complements the cocktail, like the strip of bacon Rishon uses to adorn her Bloody Mary. With some patience, creativity, and toothpicks, anything is possible. Add flair with glassware A solo cup may get the job done, but its presentation isn’t exactly wow-worthy. If you have a glass designed for a particular drink, use that—it’ll give a much better impression and help the drink taste its best. You could also use vintage barware or break out some fancier glasses for special occasions.