When Dry Beans Go Bad

Dear Home Ec 101, I am on hour sixteen, and they still aren’t tender. I gave up the stove top and moved them into a crockpot hours ago.(electricity to run the crockpot is far less expensive than the cost of the gas for the stove) They soaked for 2 days, not kidding. what am I …

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Mushrooms: Burgundy Buttons

Heather says: I only have a tolerable picture of these earthy, savory delights. I was so excited about the meal that I forgot to take a picture of the mushrooms before we ate. I haven’t been to Outback in a long time, but I have missed their optional mushroom side. There was just something about …

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Notes on Cooking: Review & Giveaway

Heather says: I never went to culinary school. My first job was as a Waffle House waitress. Shut up, I’m trying to be serious. Anyway, when I was sixteen, I worked the afternoon shift and there were always a few hours where lonely, unhappy people would filter in and mark the passage of time  in …

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Sunday Confessional 10/25

Heather says: Television is a far cry from real life, even reality shows offer warped versions of an experience. Editing can remove context from a comment to make it appear more insulting or rude than intended or mistakes can be hidden with a simple do-over. We all screw up. Sometimes it’s simply a spazzoid moment -I …

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Butternut Squash: A Simple Side

Heather says: With cooler temperatures come falling prices, at least for squashes. Take advantage and enjoy one of the easiest side dishes known to man, baked butternut squash. It’s so simple, there’s not really even a recipe. Preheat your oven to 350F. Cut your butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out …

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Microwave Rundown

how a microwave works

Dear Home Ec 101, How does a microwave work? Also, if you’re not supposed to put metal in a microwave, why do my Hot Pockets™ come with a foil lined sleeve? Signed, Dyspeptic in Des Arc Heather says: I have some deliciously geeky friends who will probably rip the explanation I’m going to give you to …

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Sunday Confessional / Site Admin Stuff

Heather says: The fall weather finally arrived. Of course, it was just in time for my in-laws’ visit; after we’d assured them that Charleston in October is beautiful. Lesson learned, don’t make promises over which you have no control. We had a great time, it just wasn’t as pleasant as we had envisioned. Confession: I …

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