Dear Home-Ec 101, Everyone acts like dried beans are the end all. How do I get the beans in the bag to work like the beans in the can? I’ve soaked them overnight and they still aren’t like what I get out of a can. Am I legume challenged? Signed, Baffled Bostonian Heather says: …
Dear Home Ec 101, How in the WORLD do you clean off the reflectors on the stove top after you’ve successfully made them the most horribly dirty items in your house? I am down to one burner that I can use without setting my fire alarms off! Signed, ~Smells Like Smoke in Smallville Heather says: …
Heather says: The next time you visit the grocery store explore the produce department. Somewhere in the vicinity you may find a shopping cart, bin, or shelf marked damaged or reduced for quick sale. This is a goldmine for frugal shoppers. Crisp and fresh produce is a necessity for salads, but cooked vegetables needn’t be …
Heather says: Another Monday and here we have another fully planned menu. The shopping list is a downloadable PDF file. Simply print the list and cross off the items already on hand. Each meal includes at least two servings of vegetables, sometimes the second serving is included in the main dish. I would love to …
Heather says: Yesterday’s headlines on Swine Flu reminded me it was time to ask, are you prepared for an emergency? Please understand that I’m not trying to be a fearmonger. Don’t turn to your spouse and say, “Heather says we’re all going to die from pandemic swine flu!” Understand that I’m a total geek, fascinated …
Heather says: There’s a lot on the Home-EC101 plate right now, so I’m opening the comments up our frugal friends. Have you recently written a post on frugality? If so, link to it in the comments. Later today I’m heading back to Myrtle Beach, SC but this time it’s not for vacation, I’ve been helping …
Heather says: In today’s world, convenience items are everywhere you go. From ready made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, frozen for your convenience to pre-hardboiled eggs in the dairy case, if you can dream it, someone is selling it. Tell me, Home Eccers, what convenience items make you chuckle and which do you consider lifesavers? …
Heather says: Here’s the Home-Ec101.com way of keeping things green. With rare exception, buying something new* is about the least green thing you can do. Please keep this in mind before you purchase the newest and greatest earth saving gadget. New items take energy to produce and transport. The items they replace consume energy or …
Heather says: Sometimes canned soup is good enough, but once you have had the real deal, it’s hard to go back. Try topping this basic clam chowder with a sprinkling of Old Bay Seasoning and a small handful of sliced green onions. This recipe is a good example of how simple a New England clam …
Heather says: One of the things I love about having a menu plan is it gives a sense of order and helps prevent that 4pm dread, aka “Ugh, what am I going to feed these people tonight?” Of course I still want options, but narrowing down the field can be a big help. We are …