Dear Home Ec 101, I’d like to make some thing to keep in our freezer to help us avoid the convenience foods at the hectic dinner hour. Â Do you have a rule of thumb for what freezes well without losing much quality/texture? Â What’s the best way to thaw and bake things that have been frozen? …
Brian says: Honing your blade is one of the main aspects of good knife care. But it often gets confused with sharpening, even though they’re not the same thing. To break it down to first principles, sharpening is taking away material, and honing isn’t. Instead, honing is straightening out the edge of an already-sharp blade. …
Heather says: Beef stroganoff is not attractive comfort food, which is why it has taken me nearly five years to get around to posting this slow cooker recipe. It’s not the beef stroganoff’s fault it’s unattractive. The recipe itself is quite simple; it’s just a homely dish. People on the internet can be rude and …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m really trying to cook more at home, but sometimes I’d like to make substitutions, but I’m just not sure when it’s ok to substitute round steak for cube steak or vice versa. I’m just not comfortable talking to the butcher. I just want to grab whatever happens to be in the …
Bobbie says: Nuts are one of my favorite snacks. Some folks think I’m nuts. Wait – does that make me a cannibal? Nevermind…you need to make these Rosemary Walnuts for your next party or even for your family just because you want them to feel special. Aromatic rosemary complements the rich, toasted walnuts perfectly, and …
Bobbie says: This savory Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread is a perfect hearty appetizer or snack for holiday get-togethers or any time. Serve it as a warm dip with breadsticks or veggies. On Christmas Day, I served it chilled as a cracker spread, and it was a huge hit, especially with one of my …
Bobbie says: Buttery, crunchy, goodness topped with chocolate and nuts. What’s not to love? Not much, in my mind, even without the chocolate. Toffee is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Greater, delicious-er, abundantly gift-worthy and not too difficult to master. The hardest part about candy making …
Heather says: In the past I did a Sweets for the Season series with many Christmas treat recipes, but this year I just didn’t have time. So, here is a quick round up of all the cookie, biscotti, and other possible Christmas treat recipes here on Home-Ec 101. Some of these old posts are in …
Bobbie says: Now is the perfect time of year for hearty soups to warm the body and spirit. Served with bread (homemade or from the store) and perhaps a salad, this thick, creamy soup makes a great lunch or light supper, and pea soup is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Once upon a time, …
Beans and rice, rice and beans, We’re told to eat them to save money. Here’s how to make it a delicious experience.