Weekly Menu with Printable Shopping List Week 3

And we’re back. With holidays and off-kilter schedules, I assumed many people would have no need for a menu last week. We’re back with another menu that utilizes winter vegetables as often as possible. I’m working as fast as I can to incorporate a larger variety of side dishes that utilize what is in season. …

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Hoppin’ John

Heather says: In my corner of the south, Hoppin’ John is a traditional New Year’s dish believed to bring good luck. I’m not superstitious, but some traditions, like this one appeal to me. Every year on New Year’s Day we serve Hoppin’ John, collard greens, and cornbread. Hoppin’ John is a nice, flavorful version of …

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Banana Muffins

Heather says: Muffin recipes are a great introduction to baking. They aren’t fussy and a flat muffin is still a delicious muffin. Don’t get smug and try to pass these off as health food; they aren’t. They are however delicious and semi-portable. What is semi-portable? Great in a lunch bag, not so great while driving. …

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Gearing Up for Christmas 2010 & a Confession

Heather says: Before reality hit, I was thinking of doing a Countdown to Christmas in the same style as Countdown to Turkey Day, but then I began to think of all the extra traditions that some families have and the whole concept became overwhelming. If you’re trying to make sure you have everything ready for …

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How to Clean a Drip Coffee Maker

Dear Home Ec 101: I just discovered your site – very, very cool – and wondered about easy ways to clean coffee makers. I have been doing a cycle with a few tablespoons of vinegar and the rest of the pot water about once every month or so. I have also heard you can use a …

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Locate Your Water Main Today

Heather says: All homeowners (and renters, too) should know where and how to shut off their water main. Turning off the main water valve can prevent the minor hassle of a broken pipe from becoming a major water damage headache. If you have never needed to learn where the water main shut off valve is, …

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Cooking Light: Complete Meals in Minutes Review and Giveaway

Heather says: With the Countdown to Turkey Day Series safely over, I’m ready to jump back into Home Ec 101 Cookbook Reviews. This week I have Cooking Light’s Complete Meals in Minutes. This 5 ring binder style cookbook checks in at 532 pages with “over 700 great recipes.”  Now most of you should know by …

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