Cooking Basics - Home-Ec 101

How to Hard Boil an Egg

Learn four methods to easily make hard-boiled eggs, perfect for salads, sandwiches or eating as is.

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 …

Questions About Making Homemade Chicken Stock

Q: How do you make chicken stock? Is there a basic recipe for making chicken stock? A: I have two, one is based on the French method and the other on an Asian method of stock making. The ratios for chicken or turkey parts to water and vegetables is similar in both. While the methods are …

Salmon Skin, A Query

Dear Home-Ec 101: I scored a box of salmon fillets for a deal and am wondering if I should bake them with the skin on, or peel it off before it goes in the oven? Does the skin serve a purpose? Does it taste better? Signed, Squicked by Salmon Skin Heather says: Believe it or …

Green Beans, Roasted

Heather says: Fearless Fridays are a chance for readers of this site to share what they’ve been trying in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all I ask is that it be a new recipe or a new technique. Share a link to your effort in the McKlinky or tell us about it …

Heather says: This recipe for roast chicken tastes like effort marinated in herbs and vinegar. Really, it’s a throw together and toss in the oven kind of dish. I won’t tell if you don’t, sometimes I like to pretend I’m working harder than I am. The chicken can be set to marinate the night before …

Heather says: Want killer -figuratively, you keep a sanitary kitchen, right?- dressing, gravy, or mashed potatoes? The secret is in the stock. Before Tom, the turkey heads into the oven (or deep fat fryer, just sayin’), remove the neck from the cavity and fearlessly reaches up under the neck flap and pull out the bag …

Heather says: I won’t lie. My hands down favorite way to cook turkey is to head outside and plop that bad boy into peanut oil. However, that’s not an option for many of you. Since turkey is running at $0.69 lbs and my 6 year old has a hollow leg, I call that a bargain …

Butternut Squash: A Simple Side

Heather says: With cooler temperatures come falling prices, at least for squashes. Take advantage and enjoy one of the easiest side dishes known to man, baked butternut squash. It’s so simple, there’s not really even a recipe. Preheat your oven to 350F. Cut your butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out …

Dear Home Ec 101, How does a microwave work? Also, if you’re not supposed to put metal in a microwave, why do my Hot Pockets™ come with a foil lined sleeve? Signed, Dyspeptic in Des Arc Heather says: I have some deliciously geeky friends who will probably rip the explanation I’m going to give you to …