Heather says: I don’t quite know where to begin with this. I suppose I must say I find it ridiculous, mostly because when I wear jeans, they get dirty. Maybe, maybe if I had a super fancy, only wear-out-to-events pair of jeans, I would consider the jeans freezing trick an option. However, I’m not that …
Heather says: Broccoli rabe, also called rappini or broccoli raab -pronounce it rob, not rab- is a new-to-me vegetable. I know it’s sort of common and in some areas it has been available for years. There’s no reason that I haven’t tried it. Broccoli rabe just never jumped into my cart saying, “I’m delicious,” the …
Heather says: Spring is here, despite a rather mean prank by Mother Nature on our North Eastern friends, it is time to start revamping the menu and focusing on spring vegetables and fewer starches. Over on the forums I mentioned that I’m fighting off an emotional funk. One of the signals was I have almost …
Dear Home-Ec 101,I’ve recently noticed a layer of scum around the agitator. I’d probably find it throughout if I could get my head in there. Is there a way to get this out without scrubbing the thing?Signed,Build Me Up, Buttercup This response focuses on top-loading clothes washers, but the same problem often occurs in front-loading …
Brian says: Tapping into my pseudo-Puerto Rican roots, I felt it necessary to expose you to one of the most flavorful melange of spices, vegetables and meat ever devised: sofrito. Sure, you have your run-of-the-mill roux, but there’s something very emotional and spiritual about sofrito that only a select few can really relate to. Luckily, …
Bobbie says: Come on over to the dark side* – dark, leafy greens are good for you, and can be quite tasty. It’s time to leave the relative comfort zone of the mild-mannered spinach. This easy Braised Kale recipe is an excellent choice for venturing into greens unknown. It’s quick to prepare, even for a …
Heather says: It’s no secret that I’m a fan of OrgJunkie.com. I had the pleasure of meeting the site’s author, Laura Wittman, last October and let me tell you, she is just as lovely as person as one could hope. Recently her publisher Ulysses Press sent me a copy of Laura’s book, Clutter Rehab 101 …
Heather says: Here’s another week of menus with recipes and a complete shopping list, courtesy of SayMmm.com. Click for the printable shopping list. Monday – Black Bean Burritos, Spanish Rice, Fried Green Corn (use frozen) Tuesday – Chili Honey Chicken Thighs, Lentil Pilaf, Roast Broccoli Wednesday – Clean Out Refrigerator Night Thursday – Grilled Ham …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am coverting to Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet and several books suggest using a pressure cooker as a good tool in the kitchen. My questions are: 1. Are the European models better than the American ones? That was suggested in one book. 2. Are they safe now? My grandmother never had an accident with …
Dear Home-Ec 101: I have a glass smooth-top stove. Recently I managed to burn it pretty badly – I think there were some food particles either on the burner or the bottom of my pot because when I put the pot on the burner, it sizzled and then a very bad burning smell filled the …