Dear Home Ec 101, My husband loves it when I make mac & cheese from scratch, but so far I’ve yet to find a recipe that I like. It always just seems bland. The thing is, I don’t think it was the recipes, I think maybe it’s the cheese I’m using. I get a large …
Heather says: Home improvement was the name of the game today at my house. Today we’re dipping into the archives. Drop cookies refer to the method they are placed on the cookie sheet. Some are rolled into balls, other pressed into circles, still others are rolled out and cut into shapes. These are scooped and …
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 …
Heather says: Recently frequent commenter JayMonster asked: Have any tricks for getting “prepped” for Turkey Day any easier? I mean, we use dishes, chargers, silverware and goblets that typically only see the light of day here and at Xmas, so it becomes a chore as big as the meal itself to wash and polish everything. …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am perplexed. I have never had a good answer to the question: how should I dispose of cooking grease (that is, grease from hamburger, bacon, etc.)? I’ve used several methods, but it’s all pretty disgusting and probably not environmentally friendly. I’ve poured it off into old glass containers and tossed …
Ivy says: The non-parents in the crowd are probably wondering what in the world a diaper cake is. I know the first time I heard the term, I was mighty perplexed. A diaper cake is an awesome baby shower gift made from (usually) disposable diapers and made to look like a cake. Still wondering what …
Heather says: Everyone says, “Eat your vegetables.” Here’s a quick and easy way to perk up the lowly carrot stick without adding fat. We love it as a side for summer meals and as a snack to take to work or the park. They’ve been nicknamed margarita carrots, but there isn’t a drop of alcohol …
Dear Home Ec 101, A while ago you posted a recipe for fettucini alfredo and suggested adding steamed broccoli. So, maybe it makes me look an idiot and maybe it doesn’t, but is there a proper way to steam broccoli? Signed, Stymied by Steam Heather says: While you don’t need any fancy tools to steam …
Ivy says: Hi. My name is Ivy Hogan and I am using anti-depressants. That might not sound like a shocking revelation- after all, I’ve read several posts in recent weeks decrying how many doctors overprescribe anti-depressants, and how, surely, all these people who are on anti-depressants don’t really need them. I, myself, fought being put …
Ivy says: I remember reading Amy Dacyzyn’s book The Tightwad Gazette many years ago. Amy herself had said people were tee heeing at her about what would happen when her kids turned into teenagers and started wanting name brand clothing and such. I tee heed myself, since my mom was never one to care much …