How to Make Drop Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings is a classic cool weather comfort food. However, many people find dumplings intimidating, thinking there is a big secret to making them.  We bet you will find that this ratio recipe for drop dumplings is easy to make and a great technique to keep in your toolkit. Nothing says comfort food like …

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The Secret’s in the Sauce

Brian says: Buffalo wings are the quintessential “man snack”. Granted, there are a handful of women that I know who enjoy a hot plate of wings every once in a blue moon, the true die hards are definitely of the male persuasion. Now, wing aficionados around the world will argue as to which method of …

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Chili Honey Chicken Thighs

Heather says: This easy recipe for baked chicken is extremely versatile, not only is it great for chicken thighs, it can be used on a cut-up whole chicken, and boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. This chili rub and honey brushing sauce would also be fantastic for grilled chicken. [pullshow=”instr”]The recipe is written for 4 …

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The Many Uses of Bacon Fat

Brian says: Growing up in my house, bacon fat was practically the Salve of the kitchen. My mother, aunts, older cousins and grandmothers down the line all used bacon fat for everything. I do mean everything. For example, whenever it came to Sunday dinner ideas, mom would always make sure there was a can of …

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Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Heather says: I know a can of sloppy joe sauce is easy, but it’s often loaded with high fructose corn syrup, something we work hard to avoid. This recipe is our go-to alternative. If you’re also trying to cut out hfcs, be sure to check the label on your hamburger buns. Oh, and even though …

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Peach Salsa

Heather says: Summer dreams are topped with this simple  peach salsa, well mine are anyway. I haven’t met a fish yet that doesn’t get along with the peach and jalapeno medley: catfish, salmon, halibut, mahi mahi, and tuna all work equally well, so go with your favorite.  It also works as as a condiment for grilled …

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Substitution 101

Brian says: I’m talking to all the guys in the room for this one. I know there have been -and still are- times when you decide to go all out and make yourself something relatively good to eat. You break out the dusty knife set your parents bought for your new apartment and tie on …

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Home Preservation and Pressure Canning

Dear Home-Ec 101: I’m taking your advice about building an emergency food supply seriously. I’d like to do some of it by canning and preserving foods from my own garden. Besides pickles, jams and jellies, (which are yummy, but don’t exactly fill a belly) what kinds of foods should I be growing so that I …

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