Heather says: This lentil casserole recipe is light on the budget, simple, and filling. 2 cups dried lentils 4 cups water 1TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 onion – diced 2 cloves garlic – minced or pressed 2 celery ribs chopped 2 carrots – chopped 1 red bell pepper (optional) 1 green bell pepper (or …
Dear Home-Ec 101, Could I throw a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine? Mine’s really dirty and needs to be washed, but it’s too cold to take it outside and wash it like I have before. Thanks, Bummed in Buffalo Ivy says: Short answer: yes. I usually use a warm water cycle and I …
Dear ladies, Please forgive my lack of experience, but I am staring down a rock solid 25 pounder and I MUST thaw it by Wednesday night. My mother in law is cooking it her special way which is a slow overnight roast. So, lead me! I just found out that usually, you thaw for 24 …
Dear Home Ec 101, Do you have a good cornbread recipe or tips on baking cornbread? I generally use a corn meal mix and it always comes out too dry and “crummy”. I like for the outside to be crisp but for the inside to be soft and to stay together instead of falling apart …
Heather says: Growing up, I always knew it was Thanksgiving when I awoke to the smell of onions, butter, and celery and to this day the scent evokes nostalgia. Almost everyone has a key item that makes or breaks their Thanksgiving meal. For my sister it is green bean casserole, for me it’s the dressing. …
Ivy says: I have struggled with the proper way to set the table my entire life. I finally learned what order to put the knife, fork, and spoon in when my dad said to set the table alphabetically. In other words- fork (plate), knife, spoon. Prior to that tip, I’d just slap down the silverware …
Heather says: Don’t let the upcoming holiday turn you into a grouch no one wants to be around. Take a moment and look at the disaster stories pouring in for our contest. If they can laugh, so can you. I have a few things for your to-do list today. Don’t despair, it is mostly a …
Dear Home-Ec 101, What is the best way to clean infant toys? Signed, Stink, Rattle & Roll Ivy says: When cleaning toys that are going to go into a baby’s mouth (which is everything baby gets her hands on), you want to go with cleaning products that are both natural and safe. I have two …
Heather says: Your mission for today and tomorrow is to clean out your fridge and be sure you have room for: the thawing turkey, produce, and made ahead sides. Don’t be scared to use a cooler with ice if fridge space is a premium. Wash it first, drain it often, keep the lid closed, and …
Ivy says: I was going to do two Thanksgiving centerpieces for you guys, but I couldn’t. I still may get my act together and be able to get another centerpiece in for the big day, but I think this one is really cute and it’s easily done with kids. It took about a 45 minutes …