Chicken in the Crockpot

Dear Home Ec 101, What can I put in the crock pot with some chicken breasts? I’m not wanting to dump a hunk of cream of salt and fat, Ummmm I mean cream of chicken in on top. other suggestions for something a bit different. ~Starving in Stirling Heather says: Who am I to knock …

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Recipe Contest Winner

Heather says: Congratulations Boogiemum.  Your jap chae was fantastic and ranked high not only for its taste as written but also for its versatility.  This recipe seems very flexible and would be a hit with any number of vegetable variations. 3 ounces of Korean vermicelli ( is made from sweet potatoes & has a grayish …

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Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe

Dear Home Ec 101: After several trips to the doctor for migraine headaches we’ve pinpointed one of my triggers. It’s MSG and boy is it in a lot of foods. What is MSG anyhow? I love casseroles and cream based soups, but I have been reading the ingredients and they are off limits. Is there …

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Save money and time DIY oatmeal packs

Heather says: Try making your own oatmeal packets. There’s no need to worry about measuring or digging for sugar and spices first thing in the morning. If you are cooking for one, add as listed to a baggie. Otherwise multiply the amounts by the number of servings you require. Use the cheap fold over baggies* …

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All the calcium, none of the dairy

Ivy says:  It is extremely important to get enough calcium in your diet. Unless, of course, you like the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” look. In that case, skip the calcium altogether. Calcium is more readily absorbed when it is eaten in a food, but some foods are more readily absorbed than others. For example, kale is …

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How to Use a French Press

Home Ec ladies, Do you know anything about making coffee with a French Press? I am not a coffee-drinker, but some caffeine addicts are staying with me this weekend, and I would like to provide them with a nice way to wake up in the morning. My French Press came with instructions on how to …

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What Covered Dish Would You Bring?

Ivy says: First, thank you to all of you who offered condolences on the loss of my grandmother. We are all finally beginning to get somewhat back to normal. One of the reasons we have been able to do so is thanks to the generosity of friends and our church family bringing food. I had …

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Meatless Sloppy Joes

Heather says: This little number is easy on both the wallet and your waistline; it is also surprisingly filling.  I served it on onion rolls, but hamburger buns will do. ~  1 TBSP olive oil 1 small onion – chopped 1  medium bell pepper – chopped 2 ribs celery – chopped 2 carrots peeled and …

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Croutons

Heather says: Have you been laying out good money for boxes of croutons?  Look what you’re getting in a box of Marie Calendar’s Classic Seasoned Croutons: How about making your own croutons for a fraction of the cost and without all the unpronounceable ingredients from leftover bread?  This is a wonderful use for day-old or, …

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