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When baking the kind of brownies that stick to the pan no matter how greased it is, consider lining the pan with foil instead.

Q: How do I make spaghetti squash? -- Tara Grimes, Lexington, Ky.A: Spaghetti squash gets its name from the fall-apart stringy texture of the flesh when cooked (raw, it looks like any other squash).

There have been quite a few lively discussions going on in the gardening blogosphere lately about the lack of quality garden-related programs on HGTV, DIY and others anymore.

Q: I'm an expert handyman at home, but I'm stumped by a plumbing issue in my shower. We want to remove our old three-handle shower valve and install a new one-handle tub/shower valve with scald protection. But, I measured the cover plate for the new one-handle valve and it won't completely cover the two outside holes once I remove the old valve and open up the wall.

The holiday season is here and the time for gift giving has arrived. Why not spend a little time creating items that are made especially for the recipient? Custom-made journals are the perfect gift for most anybody on your list.

Franca and Pat both come from big Italian families that love to cook -- and eat! In fact, Pat turned his love of good food into his livelihood and opened a downtown Italian eatery that serves traditional fare cooked up by his mama.

Handmade soaps are the perfect little holiday gift. They are so simple to make, and with the countless combinations of scents, colors and additives that give handmade glycerin soaps a unique personal style, you will be hooked on this easy craft.

A continuing compendium of tips and tricks from Home & Garden Television:

Q: How do you get the most garlic flavor out of a clove of garlic? -- Ralph Maple, Eugene, Ore.A: Garlic is a member of the allium family, related to onions and leeks. What is noteworthy about alliums is the way they use sulfur from the soil they grow in. They hold sulfur-containing compounds inside the fluids of each individual cell, while an activating enzyme is held separately.

While poached pears are a classic dessert, roasted pears double the pleasure. Not only do you have a delicious final product that is excellent with blue cheese, caramel or salted almonds, the roasting process also makes the house smell wonderful.To do it, peel the pears, wrap them in foil and cook in a low oven until tender (usually about an hour).