Dear Home-Ec 101,I’ve recently noticed a layer of scum around the agitator. I’d probably find it throughout if I could get my head in there. Is there a way to get this out without scrubbing the thing?Signed,Build Me Up, Buttercup This response focuses on top-loading clothes washers, but the same problem often occurs in front-loading …
Bobbie says: Come on over to the dark side* – dark, leafy greens are good for you, and can be quite tasty. It’s time to leave the relative comfort zone of the mild-mannered spinach. This easy Braised Kale recipe is an excellent choice for venturing into greens unknown. It’s quick to prepare, even for a …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am coverting to Lacto-ovo vegetarian diet and several books suggest using a pressure cooker as a good tool in the kitchen. My questions are: 1. Are the European models better than the American ones? That was suggested in one book. 2. Are they safe now? My grandmother never had an accident with …
Heather says: Yesterday a reader commented on Beet Sugar vs Cane Sugar: Where do you purchase organic beet sugar? Have you found it in powdered form? I have only found it on an Austrian site so far and would prefer to buy US grown if it exists. As I am not, nor was I ever, …
Brian says: For some men, the kitchen can be a very scary and awkward place. For a small few, it’s even forbidden to step into the kitchen for anything other than a thoroughfare. The rest of us? We tend to find ourselves on one of two sides: the curious, closet chef or the unabashed kitchen connoisseur. …
Here we are, another week, tomorrow’s Fat Tuesday party will colorfully mark the passing of time, as on Wednesday we, and at least a billion others, solemnly begin the season of Lent. I know most of you don’t come here for reasons related to religion. Just tell me how to get the mustard out of …
Heather says: I can’t remember the last time I made country fried steak for dinner. Heck, it’s been a long time since I’ve fried anything, the last frying adventure was when I made fried chicken thighs almost a year ago. -Running this site, makes it pretty easy to keep tabs on our lives. So don’t …
Heather says: I shouldn’t have so much affection for a robot. There, I said it. I am far too fond of this vacuum, heck it even has a name. Internetz meet Gertie, my newest minion¹: Do you remember the story, There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury? Nine-fifteen, sang the clock, time to clean. Out …
Dear Home Ec 101, Why is it that sometimes when I heat foods in the microwave, the bowl is screaming hot, and the food is still a block of ice? Signed, Scalded in Scranton* Dear Scalded in Scranton, Here on Home Ec 101, we’ve written previously about how microwaves work. So if you missed it …
Heather says: Four years ago I was scared. Was this a project people would be interested in? Would people care at all about what we had to say? Well, I’m still here plugging away four years later. Today I’m launching the Home Ec 101 Forums. Some of you have been asking for forums for a long …