Ivy says: Inspired by this thread on LiveJournal, let me repeat with all the clarity and force I have in my typing fingers: RENT-TO-OWN IS NEVER A GOOD DEAL. I don’t care if your washing machine broke. I don’t care if you don’t have a television. And I especially don’t care if you don’t have …
Heather says: The first time I heard this, I assumed the person was off their rocker, but I tried it years ago. Have you ever noticed that coffee tastes better when your server pours from a height? Try it, but please practice with cold water until you are quite sure you have the method down. …
Heather says: It is time to use ’em or lose ’em. Here are some guidelines, and recipes for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Substitute turkey in any of the chicken recipes below. Turkey should be frozen or used within 2 – 6 days. Frozen cooked turkey should be used within 2 months and should be cooked …
Heather says: This lentil casserole recipe is light on the budget, simple, and filling. 2 cups dried lentils 4 cups water 1TBSP extra virgin olive oil 1 onion – diced 2 cloves garlic – minced or pressed 2 celery ribs chopped 2 carrots – chopped 1 red bell pepper (optional) 1 green bell pepper (or …
Ivy says: The holidays are coming up, and with them come the floods of visitors. Nobody wants to come to hot, miserable Nashville in the summer; so I go visit everyone up north in the summer, and all my Yankee relatives come see me in the winter. It works out. But when the guests get …
Dear Home Ec 101: After several trips to the doctor for migraine headaches we’ve pinpointed one of my triggers. It’s MSG and boy is it in a lot of foods. What is MSG anyhow? I love casseroles and cream based soups, but I have been reading the ingredients and they are off limits. Is there …
Heather says: In an effort to “keep learning exciting” teachers often turn to food and there comes a time when almost every student has to research period foods for a school project. Maybe one of your more eccentric friends will decide to host a Victorian Era tea or 50’s Night. Where do you turn …
Dear Home-Ec 101, How do I know if a cut is serious enough to go to the ER? Signed, My knife skills need work Ivy says: This is a very good question. Many people question when an expensive trip to the ER is warranted, and when you can do for yourself at home. Now, neither …
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 Dear Avoiding the Runs in Ravenel, Boil water advisories are more common than you may think. …
Dear Home Ec 101: How long will butter last in the freezer? ~Freezing my Assets Heather says: It depends, at 0°F butter will last 6 – 9 months and still retain its quality. I have frozen it for much longer with no noticeable change, but our deep freeze is only used for long term storage. …