February 29 only comes once every four years, so why not maximize it? Here are a few kitchen projects, from homemade nut butter to preserved lemons, to make the most of your extra day. We know: it’s a Monday. But all of these DIYs promise little effort and big returns. Trust us: You’ll be thanking yourself later.
Flavored Honey
All sorts of flavors, from floral to piquant, complement honey’s earthy sweetness. Try making flavored honey with fresh herbs such as lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme or lemon verbena; organic rose petals; grated citrus zest; peeled and chopped fresh ginger; spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, star anise or cardamom; or add heat with red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chile.
Infused Vinegar
Herb- and fruit-infused vinegars are economical to make at home, and they add fresh, bold flavors to salad dressings.
Preserved Lemons
Many preserved foods and pickles are eaten as snacks, but preserved lemons are always an ingredient, not a stand-alone food. They can be chopped and incorporated into salads or dressings, added to relishes and salsas, or braised with chicken and other meats.
From-Scratch Nut Butter
Few kitchen projects are as simple and rewarding as making your own homemade nut butter—in fact, you only need one ingredient and a powerful blender. Not only will the resulting butters be more flavorful than shelf-stable ones, you can customize the flavor and texture to suit your tastes. Slightly chunky with a touch of sea salt? No problem.