Bobbie says: Ah, summer. The scorching heat, the overwhelming humidity. Fun times. Well, when life hands you lemons, shake things up a bit and make Lemon Shake-Ups. Depending where you live, you may have had these treats at a local fair or carnival. For the uninitiated, a Lemon Shake-Up is basically a freshly made, individual lemonade….
Simple Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing and Dip Recipe
Note from Heather: When I updated the images on this recipe, I added 3 green onions, chopped, used fresh ground black pepper, and used *gasp* bottled lemon juice. Don’t tell Bobbie 😉 Bobbie says: This recipe for Simple Chunky Blue Cheese Salad Dressing and Dip was the result of the quest of a lifetime. I…
Butter Toasted Walnut Green Beans
Bobbie says: If you live in the U.S., green beans are probably still “in season” for a little while, so you’ve still time to try Butter Toasted Walnut Green Beans – a savory side with a couple unexpected ingredients. Things to like: short ingredient list, simple prep and short cooking time. Things to love: Butter…
Simple Scalloped Potatoes from Scratch Recipe
Bobbie says: Lately, Home Ec 101 has been focusing on cooking basics, and in my opinion, Scalloped Potatoes are about as basic as it gets when it comes to side dishes. They go with practically anything, and with the right recipe, made-from-scratch scalloped potatoes are almost as easy as a boxed mix, so much better…
Slow Cooker Smoked Sausage Potato Cheese Soup Recipe
*plus an unrelated note from Heather at the end* Bobbie says: “So, is it cold enough for ya?” I don’t think I’ve made it through a winter in my entire life without hearing this lamest of questions at least once. I just smile and nod at the crazy person as I move along. “Cold enough” implies that…
Not Remotely Amusing: The Broken Car Remote
Bobbie says: I love my car-unlocker button thingy. Car Remote. Keyless entry. Key fob. That plastic bit with buttons on, that hangs off your key ring and unlocks the car for you miraculously while you’re still walking to it with your arms so full of shopping and children that you can’t possibly manage keys, but…
Plato’s Potato Salad Recipe – The Requisite Summer Cookout Side Dish
Bobbie says: Am I the only one who thinks a summer cookout just doesn’t seem right without potato salad? Whether you’re planning a barbecue for the July Fourth Independence Day here in the states, or planning a small family picnic; this easy potato salad recipe will round out the menu nicely. I had a fear of…
Picnic Perfect: Classic Macaroni Salad Recipe
Bobbie says: It’s Memorial Day weekend and many of you will be marking the day with the first cookout of the summer. Here’s a perennial picnic favorite: Classic Macaroni Salad. This is a pretty basic recipe – no suspicious vegetables or epicurean excesses here. For some people I know, this is comfort food, pure and…
Getting past the ick factor: Boiled Beef Tongue – a Fearless Friday Post
We haven’t done it for a while, but Fearless Fridays are where readers of this site share their culinary adventures. For some, it’s simply the act of preparing a meal in their home instead of hitting the drive through. For others it’s trying new foods, recipes, or techniques. It’s a chance to push against our…
Obvious as a Heart Attack? Know the Warning Signs, Save a Life
Bobbie says: As you probably know, February is Heart Month – all month long there have been events & promotions to turn everyone’s attention toward heart health. Since this is a leap year, today is like a Bonus Day – so I thought I’d share my story. I feel like the rest of my life is Bonus…
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe – Like Mom Used to Make
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…
Quick Beef and Cabbage Skillet Recipe – Hearty Winter Fare
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…
How to Use Bay Leaves: The Misunderstood Herb
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…
Rosemary Walnuts Recipe – Party Pick-up Nibble or Anytime Snack
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…
Hearty Mushroom, Bacon and Green Onion Spread or Dip Recipe
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…