Retro Saturday: Grilling Asparagus

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. …

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Teacher Gifts Without Spending A Fortune

Ivy says: This morning, I went to “Muffins For Moms” at my daughter’s school. It was really nice, but LOUD! I admire Meg’s teacher greatly for being able to handle the loudness. I was there for 45 minutes and had to turn my radio off on the way home to enjoy the silence. I couldn’t …

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Let’s Talk: Buying Beef in Bulk

Heather says: This post is to help those who are intimidated by the process of buying beef in bulk.  If you have strong views about the ethics of beef consumption, this is not the forum for that discussion.  Inflammatory comments will be deleted at our discretion.  Home Ec 101 is a place for both omnivores …

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Mess begets mess, so try the vice versa

Ivy says: Yesterday, my mom came over because she had a little time to kill before going to work. There wasn’t any time to clean up because she called me as she turned onto my street. Thanks, mom. “Ah, Ivy,” she said, “Your home is a bastion of cleanliness.” We both laughed because, to be …

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Chicken Bog Recipe

Do you ever have a snippet from a TV show stay with you for eternity? That’s all I can think whenever I make chicken bog Now that you’ve had a peek into my twisted little mind, let’s talk chicken bog. At first glance, some long-time readers may say, “But Heather, that looks just like chicken …

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Let’s Talk Teflon

Dear Home Ec 101, My popover pan that has been with me through thick and thin (and one husband and a couple of boyfriends!) has suddenly started misbehaving. Where before I could simply tip the pan over and golden fabulous popovers will pop right out.. Now when I pull the pan out of the oven, …

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How To Remove Mud And Grass Stains From White Pants

how to remove mud and grass stains

Dear Home-Ec 101, I managed to get that reddish Tennessee clay all over the cuffs of my favorite pair of white pants. Can you help me get the stains out? Signed, Mr. Lavender Ivy says: What in the world were you doing wearing white before Memorial Day!?!?! Just kidding, if I didn’t have 3 Pigpen-like …

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Advice for a cross country move

Dear Home Ec 101, I wanted to know whether you could offer any advice in preparation for moving. I will be moving across the country in the end of July! Signed, OnTheMove Ivy says: Moving across the country is a pain. Since you have plenty of time in advance, it won’t be nearly so bad. …

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How to tell Green Onions and Spring Onions

Dear Home Ec 101, I’m sorry if this is a silly question, but is there a difference between chives, scallions, and green onions?  Can I substitute? Does it matter? Signed, Addled Allicae Heather says: Here’s a brief rundown that should help. Chives: These are the smallest onions and are grown primarily for the leaves.  They …

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Attack of the stinky fish shirt

how to get rid of bad smell on shirt

Dear Home Ec 101, I recently bought a linen type shirt. I think it is linen. Anyway, it has this scent that smells like fish. The shirt is dry clean only. My mother has bought clothes that have had this scent, and I’ve always been turned off by it. I really like this shirt, but …

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