Ivy says: Well, it’s the big day! I hope we’ve helped you prepare for it. I hope you all have a wonderful day, whether you’re cooking for a houseful of people or you’re enjoying the day with just your immediate family. And if you’re not an American, happy Thursday! Heather and I are thankful today …
Heather says: We are closing in on the home stretch. Here are some items to look over today to ensure tomorrow is smooth sailing. Ensure all necessary appliances are functional. Call and confirm guests. Remind your sister she’s bringing the green bean casserole (Got that, Steph?) Double check your pantry and fridge to ensure all …
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 …
Ivy says: A Twitter buddy of mine was wondering how to avoid the buildup of shoes, coats, mail, etc. from when you walk in the door. I think most people struggle with this, since it’s really easy just to toss down your stuff and sack out in a chair the second you get home. The …
Heather says: Hey there, Home Eccers! Sometimes those of us with young children have days where we need 45 minutes to cook, to clean, or simply to hide in the bathroom to avoid pulling our own hair out by the handful. Lizzie Swan of the award winning group Swingset Mamas was kind enough to send …
Howdy, ladies! I checked the archives and found the cure for musty towels and musty jeans, but have you got any advice on de-musting things that can’t be washed? How do I de-stink the unwashable? We’ve inherited some German Christmas decorations from my husband’s family, some of which are handmade dolls constructed of fabric and …
Dear Home Ec 101, I can’t get to the store today and this recipe calls for buttermilk, do you have an easy substitution? Signed, Sour Sue Heather says: Most recipes that call for buttermilk do so for the acidity it brings to a recipe. Sometimes the acidity is used to help tenderize meat such as …
Ivy says: As regular readers of Home Ec 101 know, my inability to cook is legendary. I have to give my family credit, though, they keep on letting me try to cook things. Hence, The Great Turkey Debacle of 2002. I was totally unware of how long you have to let turkey thaw in the …
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 …
Ivy says: There’s something really special about Fridays, isn’t there? People in the olden days thought it was an unlucky day and advised not to get married or do practically anything else on a Friday. But all my life, Friday has been a good day- all the promise of the upcoming weekend, and at most …