Q: How should I stack a cord of freshly cut wood so it will season?

A: Freshly cut wood has a high moisture content, and burning it creates excess smoke that contains harmful chemicals. If you stack the wood properly, though, air can circulate around the logs and dry them out. Stacked, a full cord of quarter-split wood should measure 4 feet high by 8 feet long. You’ll want to start with a level, dry base — make one by laying a piece of plywood over cinder blocks. Then stack two columns of wood at the ends of the platform. Lay the logs in an alternating pattern, which will hold each stack in place. Fill in the space between columns with the remaining logs, all facing the same direction. Loosely cover the stacks with a tarp for protection against rain and snow.

Q: I often have leftover Champagne after holidays like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. What can I do with it?

A: You can substitute an equal amount of flat bubbly for white wine in most recipes that call for it, such as a pot of mussels with wine and garlic (see recipe).

The food editors at Martha Stewart Living also recommend using the sparkling wine for poaching, deglazing a pan or cooking risotto. A dry variety is best for savory dishes. Keep the extra Champagne stored airtight (with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator until you need it, for up to a month.

— Questions of general interest can be emailed to mslletters@marthastewart.com. For more information on this column, visit www.marthastewart.com.