Ivy says: So Heather’s having problems with her internet connection being spotty and I’ve been sick for the last 2 days. I am feeling loads better today although I’m still not totally up to par. So Heather asked me to make the cookies today and I told her, “No problem!” Except, since I was sick … Read more
Ivy says: These cookies aren’t quite as tasty as Heather’s peanut butter cookies, but if you are in a major hurry, or are craving cookies and are out of most ingredients, or feel like eating some cookies but don’t want the fuss of making something that takes a long time, these are your best bet. … Read more
Ivy says: Ah, Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we’ll have lots of tasty food to eat. Or will we? I’m not cooking, so it’s bound to be at least somewhat good, but certain foods are just not my cup of tea. What are the worst Thanksgiving foods? My money’s on cranberry mousse, green bean casserole, and … Read more
Ivy says: Okay, now that I’ve told you my kitchen disaster story, I want to hear yours! Blog or email me your kitchen disaster story. I’ll pick the best story and the winner will receive a $45 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse. Everyone who participates will get some Home-Ec 101 link love (provided you blog … Read more
Ivy says: Southern Beale brings us the news that Peg Bracken, author of the “I Hate To Cook Book”, has passed away: I was surprised and saddened to read Peg Bracken’s obituary in yesterday’s New York Times. Peg Bracken wrote the “I Hate To Cook Book,” a huge bestseller that became a staple in the … Read more
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 … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I need help cooking rice. I can’t do it-brown rice, white rice, minute rice, not-minute rice. I just can’t seem to get it to the right texture. Help me? Signed, Riceless in Reno Ivy says: Rice can be tough. I cannot begin to tell you how much rice I have messed up … Read more
Ivy says: There is nothing in this world that tastes more like “home” than monkey bread. My Auntie used to make it- though she called it “sticky buns”- and she never told anyone her recipe. We’d ask and she’d change the subject. We’d try to at least get an idea of how she made them … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, Is there any way to keep rice good in the fridge? I love that nice and sticky rice they give you from take-out Chinese places, and I’ve never been able to recreate it, so I usually keep it in the fridge for the next day or so. When I heat it back … Read more