Quick frugal tip about dryer sheets
Heather says: If you just cannot manage without dryer sheets, try cutting them in half. Yes, yes, it’s earth shattering, I know. Send your domestic questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.
Frugal Living
Quick frugal tip
Heather says: Have you ever wondered what to do with that last cup of coffee? OK, me neither, but I have brewed extra especially for this purpose. Rather than letting it sit on the hot plate and perfume the house with an aroma of burnt coffee, immediately pour the extra into a clean ice cube …
Beans, beans. . . you know the rest
Dear Home Ec 101: I am working to improve our diet and I’ve read that dried beans have a lot less sodium than canned. I’m not a planner and can never remember to soak the beans the night before. Can I do a big batch and freeze them in portions? ~Trying in Trenton Heather says: …
Be a hottie on the cheap
Dear Home-Ec 101, I know Ivy’s a total hottie. I’d like to know how she manages to have such fab hair and makeup when she claims to be so po’. Signed, Ivy fan Ivy says: Aww, shucks. This would have been so much better if I hadn’t written the question myself because I wanted to …
Frozen assets
Dear Home Ec 101: A friend of mine recently recommended investing in a deep freeze. We have the room, I just can’t see how spending extra money on an appliance (and the electricity!) can save money. ~Not Frigid Yet Heather says: Mary, is that you? I whole heartedly agree with your friend. A deep freeze …
Lentil Enchiladas Recipe
Heather says: I have debated posting this recipe for several days. It was good, but not a slice of heaven on a plate like the recently posted tomato pie. Once the enchiladas were smothered in salsa, I did enjoy them. The filling recipe is vegetarian and makes enough for 16 enchiladas, I made half and …
Wannabe no more!
Dear Home Ec 101: I hope one of you two can help me myself from a want’er to a doo’er. I want a lot- I want save money, I want to keep my kitchen clean, I want to keep up on the laundry, I want to plant a garden, I want to landscape my house, …
U-Pick yields: fruit leather
Heather says: This weekend I tried my hand at making fruit leather for the first time. I found a recipe in Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. Ingredients: 2 cups pureed fruit (cooked or raw) Yes, that’s all that goes into these magical strips of yum. The key to the technique is patience. Cooked fruit …
Spicy Shrimp Over Spinach Alfredo
Dear Home Ec 101: I can boil water, I’m not THAT helpless, but I’m no Emeril. I need a quick dish that looks as though I put a lot of effort into the meal. My girlfriend is coming over, but I don’t have a whole lot of time to invest in the meal. Signed, Busy …
I pick, U-Pick!
Heather says: In South Carolina strawberry season is peaking. I like to take advantage of this by taking a trip out to our local U-Pick farm. Not only do I support local farmers and do my part for the environment, as local produce has less of a carbon footprint, I also get to enjoy some …