Heather says: Today we’re continuing with our knife skills series with how to dice a tomato. Since I don’t have a photographer or an extra set of hands at my disposal -the latter would totally ruin my frequent “I only have two hands, wait a minute” excuse- the reader should know that during the actual…
How to Dice an Onion, a Step-by-step Photo Tutorial
Heather says: As we continue with knife skills, here is a photo tutorial on how to dice an onion. I did swipe some of the pics from the how to slice an onion tutorial, because why reinvent the wheel? It will take practice to pick up speed and unless you’re making an exceedingly fancy dish,…
Stretching Dinner with Planned-Overs a Menu Monday Muse
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…
How to Use a Pasta Roller: Fearless Friday May 7, 2010
Many thanks go to Candice of Ragamuffin Design. I’m still recovering and she was fabulous enough to step up to the plate so Fearless Friday would still happen, please be kind and give her an atta-girl or three. If you’re new here, don’t worry about all the text and pictures, the PrintFriendly feature at the…
Why are Sharp Knives Safer than Dull Blades?
Dear Home Ec 101, I have heard dull knives are more dangerous than sharp knives. I can’t wrap my brain around this idea. Doesn’t a sharp knife do more damage? Signed, Perpetua the Perplexed Heather says: With knives it’s all about control. Think about cutting a firm, slippery object such as an apple. When the…
How to Cook a Bread and Butter Beef Roast
Dear Home-Ec 101, I have a couple of bread and butter roasts from our beef side and I can’t figure out the best cooking methods for them. Actually, I’ve never heard of them. Can you help? Signed, Beefuddled Heather says: The cut of beef you are referring to is from the chuck region of the…
Green Beans, Roasted
Heather says: Fearless Fridays are a chance for readers of this site to share what they’ve been trying in the kitchen. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all I ask is that it be a new recipe or a new technique. Share a link to your effort in the McKlinky or tell us about it…
Spinach Salad with Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Feta
Heather says: Vegetarians rejoice, there’s no bacon in this wilted spinach salad. Also, this is more of a wilted spinach salad template than a recipe. If you don’t like feta, use a crumbly cheese you do like. If you hate pecans, but love walnuts, great! Use those. If there are no bunches of spinach at…
Soak Rolled Oats for Better Oatmeal
Heather says: Did you know the package directions for oatmeal (rolled oats) used to include directions for soaking? Eventually these directions were removed as it’s not critical if your goal is to have hot, edible cereal and many consumers are only interested in convenience. Soaked oats give an entirely different character to your morning breakfast…
How to Store Shredded Cheese
Dear Home-Ec 101, I like to shred my own cheese. How do I keep it from clumping while I store it? Signed, Louis the Lump Heather says: There’s a simple trick to store shredded cheese without clumping, whether it’s in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply add 1 – 2 tablespoons of corn starch to the…
How To Make Your Own Chicken Or Turkey Stock
Heather says: Want killer -figuratively, you do keep a sanitary kitchen, right?- dressing, gravy, or mashed potatoes? The secret is in the stock. Before Tom the turkey heads into the oven (or deep fat fryer, just sayin’), remove the neck from the cavity and fearlessly reach up under the neck flap and pull out the…
Countdown to Turkey Day 2009: Fried Turkey Talk
Heather says: My first encounter with a fried turkey had to have been around 1997. I was visiting the family of my then boyfriend down in Jacksonville, FL. The family was big and friendly, but I was extremely shy, so I lurked outside with the dad who was in charge of frying the turkey. Circumstances…
How to Roast a Turkey
Heather says: I won’t lie. My hands down favorite way to cook turkey is to head outside and plop that bad boy into peanut oil. However, that’s not an option for many of you. Since turkey is running at $0.69 lbs and my 6 year old has a hollow leg, I call that a bargain…
Pasta, From Scratch: Fearless Friday Episode 15
Heather says: Another week another kitchen challenge. This week I experimented with making noodles from scratch. I’ve made rolled dumplings in the past, so I knew it couldn’t be too difficult, but I was prepared for a starchy mess. Ready for the Fearless Friday Spiel? Fearless Fridays are an exercise in kitchen bravery. It’s not…
Pancakes 101: The Basic Buttermilk Pancake
Heather says: Nothing says weekend indulgence like a pancake and nothing tastes better than a pancake served up by someone else. But what happens when you’ve moved out and a weekly trip to IHOP just isn’t in the budget? You learn how to do it yourself. This recipe is simple and a great starting point…