Heather Solos Dear Home-ec 101, I hang pans up above the stove and cruddy looking, stained bottoms look bad. I bought two new shiny ones and the smaller one looks like heck after just one run through the dishwasher. The packaging did NOT say to avoid the dishwasher so what happened? It said it was “professional grade” …
Dear Home-ec 101: I’m tired of the same food. The delivery place knows our order by heart. Help! ~In a rut in Wheeling Heather says: This recipe will pop you out of that rut; it’s one of our favorites and tastes complicated enough for company. Thankfully it’s quite simple to make, but I write at …
Dear Home-ec 101: I had to change a lightbulb in my kitchen the other day and the globe is nasty with dust and grease. Is there an easy way to fix this? Grimy in Greensboro Heather says: I’ll be the first to admit it, I’m a klutz. The only way I’ll be able to pass …
Dear Home-ec 101: I hate going to the grocery store each week and spending so much money. I’ve heard that I need to have a stocked pantry, but I don’t understand how that will help me. If I buy twice as much food so that I have some in the pantry for next week, won’t …
Dear Home-ec 101: I just discovered your site – very, very cool – and wondered about easy ways to clean coffee makers. I have been doing a cycle with a few tablespoons of vinegar and the rest of the pot water about once every month or so. I have also heard you can use a …
Dear Home-Ec 101: I have Corian counter tops and sink. The sink is stained because my family never cleans it. I try to clean it, but even with a special Corian cleaner or bleach, I cannot get the stains out after several cleanings. The counter tops are clean, but dull. I tried a counter top …
Dear Home-ec 101, I brought home a rather large chicken from the deli the other day and now I’m sick of looking at it. What can I do to finish off the meat? -Sprouting Feathers In Sante Fe Heather says: If I were feeling peckish, I’d whip up a batch of chicken noodle soup. One …
Dear Home-ec 101, I hate cooking. I make a bloody mess (literally!) everytime I have to do anything involving onions. Can you help? ~Stubby in St. Petersburg Heather says: Dicing onions shouldn’t make you cry, in pain that is. First peel off the papery layers, this is easier if you cut off the root end, …
Dear Home-Ec 101, My inlaws from down South are coming to town, I need help! All they do is complain about how awful the food is here and how there is no ‘sweet tea’ to be found. I’d like to make a good impression. Signed, I Like it Bitter in Minneapolis How to make sweet …
Dear Home-Ec 101, My house is a wreck. I’m scared to open the fridge, and I swear something growled at me the last time I grabbed a soda. I think a dust bunny ate the baby. Help Me! Signed,Don’t Know Where to Start. Dear Don’t Know Where to Start, When I’ve gotten off track, I …