Ivy says: Sometimes you have guests coming over unexpectedly and you don’t have time for the full cleaning route. And sometimes you just don’t feel like cleaning like a madman when there are guests coming over. So what are the most important parts of your house to hit to make your house look decent? Following …
Heather says: “Wipe your feet, I just mopped that floor!” Everyone has heard this at least once in their life. However, not everyone has had someone take the time to demonstrate how to effectively mop a floor. First choose a mop based on your floor type. Typically homes have smooth floors: tile, hardwood, or linoleum. …
Ivy says: There is nothing in this world that tastes more like “home” than monkey bread. My Auntie used to make it- though she called it “sticky buns”- and she never told anyone her recipe. We’d ask and she’d change the subject. We’d try to at least get an idea of how she made them …
Heather says: Sweeping a floor is not rocket science, but no one was born knowing how to operate a broom. First, choose the broom based on your flooring. If you have a new, smooth floor a broom with synthetic straw is your best bet. If your flooring is textured or worn, choose a straw broom. …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m gearing myself up to finally tackling the scary fridge. It hasn’t been cleaned since the dawn of refrigeration, so there’s a ton of ultra-scary-ew-nasty-what-is-that-gunk in the fridge. But, I don’t want to use any harsh chemicals, as I’m concerned about the smell/taste of it transferring over to the food once I’m …
Heather says: Now I know you are just dying for a way to use your new-found basic marinara. How about eggplant parmesan? Those alien looking vegetables are quite tasty when oven fried in breadcrumbs and cheese. Eggplant Parmesan 2 ripe medium eggplant 1 cup breadcrumbs 2/3 cup grated parmesan (+shredded for garnish) ~ 1 tsp …
Heather says: Jarred sauces have their place, especially in a pantry designed to carry a family through extended power outages. However, it is nice to know that a basic marinara sauce requires few ingredients, minimal preparation, and only some time to simmer for robust flavor. Basic Marinara 2 TBSP olive oil 3 cloves garlic minced …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have a very large window that bears the brunt of the western sun in summer. Do you have any suggestions for easy, inexpensive window coverings that will block or reflect a lot of heat? Thanks! Trying to Keep My Cool In Montana Ivy says: What, it gets hot in Montana? …
Heather says: Nothing says spring like fresh asparagus. Well, that is not quite true, there is also: pollen, hay fever, the first gnats of the year, and rain. However, there are few things I look forward to more than the price of asparagus dropping. Yes, I am still exaggerating, but it is a nice perk. …
Heather says: If you just cannot manage without dryer sheets, try cutting them in half. Yes, yes, it’s earth shattering, I know. Send your domestic questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.