How to Use Bay Leaves: The Misunderstood Herb
Bay leaves are the very thing that made the aroma of mom’s soup comforting. Here’s how to use them in a variety of recipes.
Honing v. Sharpening
Brian says: Honing your blade is one of the main aspects of good knife care. But it often gets confused with sharpening, even though they’re not the same thing. To break it down to first principles, sharpening is taking away material, and honing isn’t. Instead, honing is straightening out the edge of an already-sharp blade. …
I’m Considering a Roomba
Dear Home-Ec 101, I can get a new Roomba 530 for a great post-Christmas price. In my rental place, we have vertical blinds. I was worried how the machine would cope with those. I have tiles all through except the bedrooms that have thick, soft carpet. Your advice is appreciated. Signed, I want a robot minion …
Beef Stroganoff, Gluten Free and for the Slow Cooker
Heather says: Beef stroganoff is not attractive comfort food, which is why it has taken me nearly five years to get around to posting this slow cooker recipe. It’s not the beef stroganoff’s fault it’s unattractive. The recipe itself is quite simple; it’s just a homely dish. People on the internet can be rude and …
What Is the Difference Between Cube Steak and Round Steak?
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m really trying to cook more at home, but sometimes I’d like to make substitutions, but I’m just not sure when it’s ok to substitute round steak for cube steak or vice versa. I’m just not comfortable talking to the butcher. I just want to grab whatever happens to be in the …
Winner of the Sierra Mist Giveaway
Heather says: I’m embarrassed to admit I messed up. I forgot to write up the post notifying commenter ” deneicer1″ won the Sierra Mist giveaway. Amy and I agreed the Holiday Appletinis were right up our alley. If you could email me your mailing address / contact info I’ll get it into the proper hands. Congrats!
Cleaning Up With Preschoolers
Today’s post is from a recent comment: I have a 3 year old girl who refuses to clean up her messes and because I don’t like to punish her too hard, I do it for her, but lately my house is so cluttered with dirty laundry, her toys, and most of my husbands clean jeans, …
Why Are There Bleach Stains on my Towels?
Dear Home-Ec 101,I have been using my new front-load washer for over a year now, and all my towels are ruined. It doesn’t matter what color they are or were. They now all have large spots that look like I used chlorine bleach on them. Can you help? I have not changed the detergent or …
How to be a Fabulous Knitter / Crocheter: Guidelines for 2012
Vera says: Some years ago, I made a resolution not to make any resolutions, and it has been the easiest one to keep, but the freshness of the new year combined with the temptation to list has finally gotten to me, and I’m ready to make a break with tradition. This time around, though, I …
2011 the Home-Ec 101 Retrospective
Heather says: Every year I try to do a look back over what’s happened with the site in the past 12 months, and just about a year ago I said: “If 2011 is half as fun or productive, it shall go down as a win.” Before I even bring out the numbers, let’s make it …