Heather says: Now I know you are just dying for a way to use your new-found basic marinara. How about eggplant parmesan? Those alien looking vegetables are quite tasty when oven fried in breadcrumbs and cheese. Eggplant Parmesan 2 ripe medium eggplant 1 cup breadcrumbs 2/3 cup grated parmesan (+shredded for garnish) ~ 1 tsp …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have a very large window that bears the brunt of the western sun in summer. Do you have any suggestions for easy, inexpensive window coverings that will block or reflect a lot of heat? Thanks! Trying to Keep My Cool In Montana Ivy says: What, it gets hot in Montana? …
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. …
Ivy says: I’d like to have engraved on my headstone: Here Lies BadBadIvy. She never paid full price for anything. There are just 2 small problems with that. The first problem is, I am planning on being cremated because burial is expensive. The second problem is, there are just a few items I will gladly …
Heather says: Feeling lonely? In the mood for someone to just drop by? Ignore your guest bathroom for any length of time and guests will come out of the woodwork.
Dear Home Ec 101: I hate and when I say hate, I mean it is with a loathing complete with skin crawling, heart palpitations, and cold sweats, to deal with customer service reps. Do you have any tips? ~Feeling shafted in Shakopee Heather says: I feel your pain, in every day life I am not …
I haven’t quite figured out what I’m slowly weaning my family from, but it took a while for them to decide to like homemade mac and cheese more than the stuff from the box. My husband has finally begun asking for my version specifically, so I believe I have hit upon a winner. This recipe …
Dear Home Ec 101, I’m on a fairly tight budget but I want to get my children’s teacher a gift to show my appreciation. Do you have any ideas? ~Pinching Pennies in Pennsylvania Heather says: I think it is wonderful that you want to do something for the teachers in your children’s lives. I firmly …
Dear Home Ec 101:Where can I get sodium percarbonate?Thanks,Short and Sweet Heather says: For those not in the know, sodium percarbonate is the generic name for the active ingredient oxygen bleach products like Oxo-Brite, OxiClean, or Clorox Multi-Purpose Stain Remover. The short answer is you can find sodium percarbonate on the laundry aisle in almost every grocery …
Dear Home Ec 101: A friend of mine recently recommended investing in a deep freeze. We have the room, I just can’t see how spending extra money on an appliance (and the electricity!) can save money. ~Not Frigid Yet Heather says: Mary, is that you? I whole heartedly agree with your friend. A deep freeze …