How to Cook with Dried Beans

dried black eyed peas, kidney beans, split peas, and pinto beans on a black background

Dear Home Ec 101, I thought if anyone might have the answer to my questions about how to cook with dried beans, it would be you – I need a “definitive” guide to dealing with dried beans. So far, my Internet and even cookbook searches always yield really varied results.  Should I add salt? Vinegar? …

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Meringue 101: The Great Meringue Caper

Heather says: I’m out of town, getting my geek on at a the Type-A Mom Blog Conference. Patrick Stuckart, an excellent photographer and all around cool guy (don’t let him say otherwise), volunteered to write this post on his meringue making adventure. As I occasionally try to engage the brain cells I still have, I …

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Site Admin and Retro Saturday 9/18/2010

Heather says: If you like the chore post-it note here on Home Ec 101, I have good news. I’ve added, thanks to the design talent of Janet Edens, a printable version of the weekly chore schedule. Print out the chore chart and voilà you’re set. If you’re the type that loves to cross things off, …

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Fall Outdoor To Do List

Fall is just around the corner. –Try telling that to the marketing people in our inbox. They keep sending emails that say, “Fall is officially here.” Um, no, not until next week; try again.– That said, in most areas of the country, the triple-digit days are over, and it’s time to head outside and check …

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Why Do We Leave the Lid off When Making Stock

Dear Home Ec 101, I would like to know why we have to leave the pot uncovered when we are making stock or broth? Is there any particular reason? Signed, Lidsy Lohan Heather says: It’s all about ease and evaporation in the case of making stock with the French method. During the first hour of …

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Site Admin and Retro Saturday

Heather says: It’s official, I have ordered the first run of Home Ec 101 t-shirts. (It took a little longer than I hoped, but it’s all in the screen printer’s hands now). I’m excited and nervous. I hope you love the designs as much as I do. Here is a sneak peek at the first …

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Freezer How To

Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m completely lost when it comes to freezing food. I know this is a great way to have meals on hand, but once it’s in the freezer I don’t know what to do with it. Just last night I made too much enchilada filling. So I made an extra pan, covered it in foil …

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Spanish Baked Cod with Olive Tapenade

Heather says: Remember a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned I would work on adding more seafood to my cooking repertoire? This week I didn’t venture too far as type of fish, but I thought it would be nice to share a company-worthy recipe such as this baked cod with olive tapenade. If you …

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