If you follow my YouTube channel, then you’ve seen my series of “Cheap Knife Challenges.” In a nutshell: whenever I spot a brand-new knife on super sale, so cheap it feels criminal, I'll bite and shell out the $4, then put it head-to-head against my multi-hundred-dollar super knife. The cheap blade usually holds its own for the first few veggies. But spoiler alert, inevitably, the cutting edge dulls faster than my patience at a mandatory camera-on Zoom meeting.

Through delays, design challenges and the demands of high-altitude living, one couple created a kitchen that balances rugged Colorado surroundings with contemporary comfort.

This season, I’m celebrating fennel’s versatility, from crisp and refreshing to rich and caramelized, while relying on seasonal staples I always keep in my pantry and refrigerator. With just two fennel bulbs, you can prep once and create two completely different sides, ideal for holiday spreads or adding variety to weeknight dinners. Served together, they offer a dynamic contrast, perfect alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a fall meal.