Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

brussel sprouts on wooden cutting board

Bran says: I thought I hated brussels sprouts. I think a lot of us have felt that way. After all, to many people, the boiled things that get served up to us as children, sodden and vaguely buttered, are not exactly the most appetizing of vegetables. But brussels sprouts can be a great winter green, …

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Corn Chowder Recipe

Heather says: Frozen corn, potatoes, bacon, stock, and half-and-half, that’s the stuff dreams -and corn chowder- are made of. I know I should make this in June or July when sweet corn is in season, but with the heat index soaring into the triple digits, there is no way a heavy soup such as this …

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Cheeseburger Macaroni

Some meals are so simple that I’ve forgotten to include them in the recipe files here on Home Ec 101. This easy recipe for Cheeseburger Macaroni is one of the forgotten go-to meals. This quick dinner is great for busy weeknights. It is as simple as it sounds, but the key difference between cheeseburger macaroni …

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Chili Maple Pork Chops

Heather says: This recipe for chili rubbed maple pork chops is amazing and pretty easy, too. It does take two pans to prepare, a large, oven-safe skillet with a lid and either a small skillet or sauce pan. While I have this recipe pictured with two vegetables (steamed snow peas and  cooked carrots tossed in …

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Vegetable Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Heather says: Winter is officially here, and eating seasonally in the winter can certainly be difficult. Well, difficult if you like variety that is. For the most part, we’re reduced to vegetables that store well, like squashes and potatoes, along with hardy vegetables from the brassica genus: brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, etc. I’m not …

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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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Chicken Marsala

Heather says: There’s a rule of thumb when cooking dishes that involve wine: don’t use anything you wouldn’t drink. What if you don’t drink wine or what if you just don’t like the kind of wine called for in a recipe? I know if you look at my wine rack, you’ll usually only find cab, …

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