Heather Solos 
Heather says: This autumn skillet recipe is a simple framework, feel free to use your imagination and modify it however you see fit. This recipe is great for a new cook who wants to become comfortable with the art of substitution. Don’t like squash, try peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, toss in some apple slices. Turnips …
We’re well into autumn, which means the availability of produce is changing. (Those of you in South Florida, Southern California, and similar areas can hush, the rest of us have these magical things known as seasons that can affect our shopping habits). Butternut squash is one of my favorite fall vegetables, but preparing it for …
Heather says: After taking a hiatus from creating the weekly menu plans with shopping lists, I’m finally ready to bring back this series. These menu plans are written for a family of 4 – 6. Assuming the children are not toddlers with tiny appetites, leftovers are served or packed for lunch. One night a week …
Dear Home-Ec 101, Okay, so I LOVE to make peanut brittle or pecan brittle…YUM! Its really easy in the microwave. We haven’t had a microwave in a while and I miss it for things like my brittle and popcorn. With all the negative stuff about High Fructose Corn Syrup (seriously, even my husband is now …
It’s fall, and it’s finally cool enough to switch from salads back to soups and stews, and I’ve been waiting for months to make this recipe for chicken gumbo. This recipe is a good use for chicken thighs or those cheap leg quarters I mention from time to time. This version of chicken gumbo calls …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have an odd problem, but you seem to be pretty good at those. I recently had my bathroom flooring replaced (it’s vinyl)and in the process, the toilet’s wax ring was also replaced. There is waxy residue where the ring squished out the sides.. I’ve cleaned up the bulk of the wax, …
Dear Home-Ec 101, We have a lovely bedroom set of furniture from a big box baby store. In white. One sick child + one classic orange popsicle + one apparently cracked emesis basin + one day = one bright orange stain on the white dresser. I tried a diaper wipe thinking the mess was still …
Dear Heather, I’m so lucky to have a new refrigerator with water and ice in the door (I have arrived!). Still, in the several months since I got the fridge, the water/ice dispenser has become a little drippy. There is mildew accumulating around the gasket between the actual maker (in the fridge itself) and the …
Dear Home-Ec 101, Can I substitute tomato paste for crushed tomatoes for a pasta sauce? If I add water to it, will it taste like pasta sauce? Signed,Pasty in Pascagoula Heather says: I actually have gotten this question before, but something tells me it’s a little hard to find: Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes. While …
Heather says: I mentioned last month that we go through a lot of eggs in our house and once again I’m working with the American Egg Board to bring you some quick, easy, and filling breakfast ideas. Did I forget to mention cheap and healthy*, too? *Oh sure, you can certainly ruin the healthy part …