I may be the last to know about online audio book rentals through the library. It’s a parenting sin to admit this, but I hate, loathe, despise, and dread taking my children to the library. Well, not my stepdaughter, but in this scenario, she doesn’t count, being above the age of reason and all. The …
Dear Home Ec 101, Should I be cleaning my floor broom? Can I clean my broom, if I use it on something really disgusting? Currently, I have a synthetic fiber broom, but I suppose the question is relevant for any types. And then how? Nasty things I may have to sweep up include: sticky foods …
Heather says: If you are in the market to buy a new electric range, be aware that there is an additional cost to factor into the purchasing decision; you may need new cookware. If you have older nonstick or thin bottomed pans, the pans may have warped which makes cooking on a smooth top range …
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 …
Here at Home Ec 101 there are a few rules when it comes to commenting. Commenters must use a name or handle that is not offensive, vulgar, or only based on SEO keywords. Keep it PG. The occasional mild swear word may get a pass, but everything else heads straight for the trash. I and …
Questions for Home Ec 101 show up in the strangest places. Sometimes I’m minding my own business on Skype and they pop out of nowhere. This conversation has been re-enacted with permission, the name was changed to protect the innocent. MarshaMarshaMarsha: Sometimes I hate living out in the country. One of the of the kids …
This post is part of the Home Ec 101 series on emergency preparedness. Heather says: Keep a charcoal grill for emergencies. Sounds simple enough, but what if you’ve never used one? A charcoal grill is for outdoor use only. Got that? Outdoor only. Every time there is a hurricane or ice storm, someone hurts themselves or …
Heather says: Frequently I’m asked, “Heather, what cookware do you recommend?” I find it a difficult question to answer. I have my set I’ve used for years to which I’ve slowly been adding a few enameled cast-iron pieces, and of course I have experience with restaurant grade equipment. At this time I don’t have a large …
Heather says: I found this a few months ago via Andre Pope. South Carolina’s youngest Certified Senior BBQ Judge, naturally. It’s quite silly, but gives a good overview of the many kinds of BBQ out there. I will admit to never having been brave enough to try it Alabama style and yes, when I’m through, …
Heather says: I’m usually pretty plain Jane when it comes to tuna salad, a little mayo or cream cheese -or both if I’m really pushing the envelope. Dill weed1, salt, pepper, and some celery finish it off. Everything’s nice, everything’s beautiful, everyone wins. Then, one afternoon I was poking around my friend Linda’s site and …