Via Twitter: what exactly is mince meat pie? it isn’t meat, i know that much, but [what] is it? ~Concerned *Updated December 2022* Dear Concerned: The gag factor seems to be running high here on Home Ec 101 today. Lisa here — I love mince pies. In fact, I order them for delivery every December …
Dear Home Ec 101: My neighborhood will soon be throwing its annual block party. I don’t want anyone to know that I can’t cook for beans. Do you have a recipe for me? Please don’t tell me just to go to the deli and put it in a new bowl. I want to try, but …
Dear Home Ec 101,I’ve been noticing this micro tiny bug that is gray with black spots, it looks identical to a ladybug, but it is not the Asian beetle. It does have wings, I know that. They’re also very tiny, sometimes you really have to strain your eye to see them. Then sometimes you can …
Hello,I have searched online on whether you can use automatic dishwashing machine detergent in a laundry/clothes washer, and the results are all over the place. When I say automatic dishwashing machine detergent, I mean the powder sort and the generic store brand, not the pods, gel, or other types. I know you can use hand …
Hello,I know someone who picks up their dog’s poop using kitchen utensils. They think it’s okay because they bleached the utensils and or wash them in the dishwasher. They also use these utensils to prepare their own food.I do not agree! Please advise!!!Signed,Horrified in Horseshoe Bay Dear Horrified, There’s some stuff to unpack here, and I’m …
Dear Home Ec 101: I live in Hurricane Country and there are often boiling water advisories after a storm. How long am I supposed to boil the water before it is safe to drink? ~Avoiding the Runs in Ravenel Heather says: Boil water advisories are much more common than you may think. Advisories can be …
Hi! I’ve been reading a lot about the need for preservatives in homemade products, especially those made with water. I always use either distilled or boiled water and most of what I make is made in batches of 32oz or less. The main exception to that is my laundry detergent and fabric softener which I …
How to use a product like Smelly Washer with a front loading washer that drains instead of soaking.
Dear Home Ec 101, I have a condition called schizoaffective disorder (schizophrenia and bipolar). My life and my house are a mess. I don’t even know where to start. Is there a step-by-step online course I can take or anything like that? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thank you. Anonymous Heather says: Before I …
Dear Home Ec 101, I just read your desperate help post. I see some great things with it. I need help badly. It is my daughter. She is 21 and has 2 children ages 3 and 7 months. Her husband left them about 2 months ago. She is struggling so badly with everything. She is …