Bobbie Bobbie says: Have you ever caught a whiff of an unexpected scent that suddenly sent you back in time? Figuratively speaking, of course. The sense of smell is a huge memory trigger, and if there’s a smell that says “home” to me, it’s the comforting aroma of simmering Vegetable Beef Soup the way our mom used to make … Read more
Bobbie says: Winter was almost ignoring us here in south-central Pennsylvania: not too frigid and hardly any snow, and heck, I even wore shorts last week. Well, indoors, at least. Then that stupid groundhog saw his shadow on February 2, signaling six more weeks of winter. And then, someone must have passed the message along … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101: A friend told me that bay leaves are poisonous, and that’s why you remove them before serving. Isn’t it kind of…insane to cook with a poison plant? If they are ok, would you tell me how to use bay leaves? Signed, Is it safe? Bobbie says: You know, that never made … Read more
Bobbie says: Nuts are one of my favorite snacks. Some folks think I’m nuts. Wait – does that make me a cannibal? Nevermind…you need to make these Rosemary Walnuts for your next party or even for your family just because you want them to feel special. Aromatic rosemary complements the rich, toasted walnuts perfectly, and … Read more
Bobbie says: This savory Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread is a perfect hearty appetizer or snack for holiday get-togethers or any time. Serve it as a warm dip with breadsticks or veggies. On Christmas Day, I served it chilled as a cracker spread, and it was a huge hit, especially with one of my … Read more
Bobbie says: Buttery, crunchy, goodness topped with chocolate and nuts. What’s not to love? Not much, in my mind, even without the chocolate. Toffee is an excellent example of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Greater, delicious-er, abundantly gift-worthy and not too difficult to master. The hardest part about candy making … Read more
Bobbie says: Now is the perfect time of year for hearty soups to warm the body and spirit. Served with bread (homemade or from the store) and perhaps a salad, this thick, creamy soup makes a great lunch or light supper, and pea soup is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Once upon a time, … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, Hi! I really enjoy your website and am constantly quoting it to my husband. He loves this, I promise. My question is regarding your previously posted recipe for basic béchamel, and variations, to use instead of “cream of something” soups in recipes. Your recipe suggests it will sub for one can … Read more
Heather asked me to do a quick post to let you know she’s at the Cooking with the Troops Veterans Day event today, at the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York City, and she sounded very excited about it. She told me about a veteran who was shown on the big screen for all to … Read more
Dear Bobbie, I’m curious if you have a recipe for tzatziki sauce? I’ve tried several that I’ve found online and can’t seem to get any of them to taste right. There are so many out there and they all use varying amounts of olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, etc. I’ve tried using just Greek … Read more