Heather says: One of the best things about summer is my stepdaughter gets to spend more than a quick visit. Aside from all the other positive things, it’s nice to have a willing sous chef. Last week a miscommunication on my part lead to an unexpected, but excellent new salad. In addition to the fried … Read more
Heather says: This will probably sound like a cop-out post and in a way it is. I’ve spent the last few weeks pretty much locked in my closet/office finishing up the rough draft. Today, I’m packing a big picnic lunch and taking the kids and inviting their usual sitter to the beach. I need a … Read more
Heather says: I’m in the home stretch, the last deadline for the rough draft is Thursday, but I need a few anonymous confessions to fill in a couple of gaps in the cooking section of the book. Don’t worry, the book is pretty full of my own embarrassing anecdotes and bizarre sense of humor. I’m … Read more
Heather says: Today instead of the usual Menu Monday, I wanted to start a discussion with advice for those who feel there isn’t enough time on a weeknight to cook a meal. I don’t live in a 9 – 5 world, sometimes I know I lose sight of what that is like1 -and sometimes I … Read more
Heather says: I have two things on my mind this fine Saturday morning. For years, I’ve tried to describe the funky, furry mouth-feel of overly processed foods. Last night, while doing research for the book, I came across this in Professional Cooking1 by Wayne Gisslen: Solid shortening also has the disadvantage of having a high … Read more
Heather says: Yesterday I forgot to mention something very important, or at least important to people with my whacked out metabolism. When I stretch meals as outlined in the planned over post, I usually alternate with our normal lower carb, lots of vegetable and protein meals. Other times I freeze the leftovers of the original … Read more
Heather says: I didn’t get to the pot roast last week, it’s still safe in the freezer, instead the stewed chicken recipe stretched further than I ever thought it could. Everyone wanted it again the next night -with the exception of pizza, this is rare with the kids- the rest I shredded. The shredded chicken … Read more
Heather says: Even good cooks screw up. Tonight I went to throw dinner together and after adding the noodles to the water turned the burner off. Nice. It was edible, but only just so. I’m not salvaging the leftovers, judge if you must. What I want know, so I don’t feel goofy all by my … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101,Okay, so I have a ton of things I want to ask you. I searched the internet for cleaning tips, and I came upon your site, which I have now subscribed to. I need some pointers. First, my mattress has yellowed stains on my husband’s side for some reason, but we can’t … Read more
Heather says: Have you ever noticed when you’re just plowing along trying to keep up with life that some things start to slip? For me I’ve gotten into a bad habit of simply heading to the store, grabbing sale items, and planning the menu from that. Our grocery spending isn’t too terribly out of control, … Read more