Heather says: Digging through old cookbooks you may come across some strange ideas, especially concerning gelatin. However, there are many classic recipes forgotten or replaced by new convenience items. A perfect example is tomato gravy. Sure, the name doesn’t invoke images of glamour or haute couture, but not everything in life has to. Tomato gravy …
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: Never worry that a question is too basic or too “stupid” to ask. I was reflecting on simple techniques I’ve had to demonstrate in the past. If you are stirring anything you are worried about scorching, don’t just stir circles around the edge of the pot. Keep the spoon or spatula in contact …
Heather says: Ever bite a bitter cucumber? The compound that causes the bitterness is created when the plant is stressed. Hear that farmers? Be nice to your veggies. Many recipes call for seeded cucumbers, don’t be daunted it’s a simple process. Peel your cuke and slice it in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop …
Heather says: Tomatoes, while botanically classified as a fruit are treated as a vegetable in the kitchen. While this tidbit may get you two hundred on Jeopardy, it certainly will not help much at all when deciding how to get the most from summer’s bounty. Delicate soups and sauces often call for tomatoes that are …
Heather says: Lots of recipes call for peeled tomatoes, but just how does one go about removing the thin skin from these stubborn fruits? There is a simple trick to peeling tomatoes. Heat a pan of water to a roiling boil. Be sure to leave enough room to add your tomatoes without overflowing. Drop the …
Heather says:
While it is true that thighs and drumsticks often go on sale, nothing in my opinion beats a whole chicken for the price. However, it is not every day that I’m in the mood for roast chicken or its planned overs.
So, when whole chickens go on sale and I am feeling particularly industrious, I cut them up myself. All you need is a sharp knife and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Out of respect for the squeamish and vegetarians, all raw poultry pictures will be after the jump.
BBQ is something we crave frequently. You can’t live in the Carolinas and not crave it. Of course, there is the issue of who has the better sauce between Heather and Lisa and even a few heated conversations on the validity of smoking a Boston Butt versus Whole Hog barbecue. Heather is team whole hog, …
Heather says: So in addition to fruit leather, strawberry shortcake, and ripe berry goodness what does $25 and an hour at the farm yield? Why, strawberry jam, of course! There is no reason to be afraid of home preserving. We’ve all heard horror stories of the family that never got up from the table because …
Dear Home Ec 101: How do you make gravy? Does it all come from a jar? ~Dry in Dover Heather says: There is a knack to gravy, but it’s simple to make once you understand the secret. When the meat (roast, chicken etc.) has finished cooking, pour all of the drippings* into a fat separator. …