Heather Solos's Blog, page 72

How to Clean Stuffed Animals

Dear Home-Ec 101,

I just was wondering how to wash stuffed animals? I want to disinfect it properly, so I was thinking of putting them in the wash – with Oxyclean and detergent, inside a rubber-banded pillow case. Or is there any other way?
Thanks!

Fuzzy in Fulton
Heather says:

Stuffed animals are beloved by children and abhorred by those of us who actually pay attention to our allergist's recommendations. As far as washable stuffed animals, you have the method exactly right. However, in my experience even on gentle and tumble drying on low or air drying, even washable stuffed animals are never quite the same afterward.

If your goal is to just kill dust mites and the stuffed animal isn't washable put the animal in a clean plastic or cloth bag and put it in the freezer for 24 hours or so. Once the time has elapsed take it outside and beat the ever loving snot out of it. Seriously, you want to get rid of any dead dust mites or their *ahem* excrement which will just trigger allergies and asthma, even after they are dead.

If an unwashable stuffed animal is just generally dirty, you can put it in a large plastic bag -seal it tight- with a cup or two of corn starch. Shake the heck out of the bag and let it sit for a while. Then brush or vacuum the cornstarch -go outside for this step- off of the stuffed animal. The cornstarch usually gets a lot of the dirt and grease. Think of it like that old trick to skip a day of hair washing, by using cornstarch. Even with my long and extremely thick hair, I have never found it to be that time saving over just washing and restyling.

If there is a beloved stuffed animal that isn't washable and the unthinkable happens to it (kid vomit or worse), pick apart one of the seams. Pull out all of the stuffing and discard it. Then gently hand wash the outer material using a detergent like Woolite and lay flat to dry.  Once the skin of the animal is dry, re-stuff with stuffing from the craft store. Finally resew the seam.

Good luck!

Submit your questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.

How to Clean Stuffed Animals is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Finding Odd Sized Clothing on a Tight Budget: Ask the Audience

Dear Home-Ec 101,

I have a problem. I need to clothe myself, and all the clothes I have had since high school and that were bought when I started college are starting to fall to pieces from overuse with dreary regularity. I'm down to one pair of jeans, one pair of yoga pants, and a skirt when it comes to covering my bottom half without holes. The sole is pulling away from my shoes, and I have one mediocre-fitting bra and one moderately well-fitting bra with seams that make it inadvisable to wear with the knit shirts that I have to cover my upper half.

I find it very difficult to fit even one piece of clothing into our budget, because everything I need to buy can't be had at cheap mainstream prices. I have to buy plus-size clothing, which is something I can theoretically change, but it isn't melting away, per se. I break out in a rash anytime I wear polyester and exert myself at all. I am also extremely busty, an H or I cup for my band size, and currently breastfeeding! I have feet that are not only WW/EE, but they are thick at the ball of my foot, causing all but a few low-cut or low-lacing shoes to fit badly. I have sandals, ankle boots, and dress shoes–one pair each, and one or the other of the first two is constantly falling apart from the season's wear. (I would think the $60-$80 I am forced to spend to cover my feet would ensure a long-lasting shoe, but no such luck.) I'm even expensive to adorn! I can only wear hypoallergenic jewelry, and am allergic to many scents in perfumes, cleansers, and hair products.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is this: What strategy can those who are forced to buy the more expensive options use to cut costs so they don't have to run around in clothes better sent to the rag bin? Assume that items that can be mended or glued have been repaired when possible. I do check at thrift stores, but because the sizes required are unusual, the pickings are slim.

Thank you!

Expensive Genes

Heather says:

You may find this hard to believe, but I can relate, if you're not within the "normal" range, clothes can be very hard to find. I'm far too tall for petite clothing and rack clothing for tall women is usually sized for a larger frame. At least short people have the option of hemming.

My personal solution is to KEEP checking the thrift stores, every single time I'm nearby. Yes, it's a pain. Yes, I hate shopping.  But occasionally I score exactly what I need and those small scores eventually add up. Just recently I scored the best fitting jeans I've ever had for $6.

E-bay and Garage sales also come to mind, but neither are a perfect solution.

Since I also  have a hard time with this exact problem, I thought this would be a great Ask the Audience question. I know many Home-Ec 101 readers have also faced this problem and have found ways to cope.

So, Home-Eccers, how do you find odd-sized clothing on a tight budget?

 

Finding Odd Sized Clothing on a Tight Budget: Ask the Audience is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Countdown to Turkey Day, the Final Update for 2011

Heather says:

This one is short and sweet:

It's time to throw out the leftovers that didn't make it into the freezer.

On a side note, I bought three fresh turkeys this weekend and am heading back to the store to buy three more, if they are still available. Why? $0.59 a lb should answer that pretty quickly. These fresh turkeys are marked to use or freeze by November 30. Perfect.

Roasting a turkey takes no more effort than roasting a chicken and the leftovers can be frozen for quick meals in the future.

I also still have the oil from the October pre-Turkey Day event and I want to get my money's worth out of that, so I'll be frying turkey again in the near future.

Finally, don't forget the additional benefit of having plenty of homemade turkey stock in my freezer for use in soups.

Countdown to Turkey Day, the Final Update for 2011 is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard with Q-tips

Heather says:

A couple months ago I was approached by Q-tips and asked if I would like to be a brand ambassador. As you may assume, Q-tips wants me to let you know that their cotton swabs are good for so much more than health and beauty, after all they are handy little things, aren't they? Head over to Facebook and fan the Q-tips brand for more tips on how to use Q-tips and while you're there check out their Q-Tip-a-Thon. Share your tips, and you could win a $100 weekly gift card or the grand prize, a $1,000 gift card and a year's supply of Q-tips.

Here's a quick video on how to use Q-tips to clean a computer keyboard. After you are through watching the video I'd love to read your favorite household uses for Q-tips cotton swabs. Details are below the video. I'll be sharing a few more of these videos in the coming year and hopefully I'll get a little more comfortable on camera.

 

To encourage you to share your favorite tips here on Home-Ec101, I'm giving away 3 $50 dollar gift cards to Amazon. Christmas is coming and since you know Amazon can ship the gifts for you, that's like winning twice. Who wants to go to the post office this time of year? Not me.

This is open to US residents only, no purchase necessary. Just leave a comment with a tip as your entry. The comments will be closed Sunday December 4th at 9pm Eastern. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday December 5th.

This is a sponsored post.  Q-tips® product was  provided by Unilever, the makers of Q-tips®; my tips and usage suggestions are my own. Always consult your owners manual and manufacturer's recommendations to avoid voiding any warranties. 

How to Clean a Laptop Keyboard with Q-tips is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Gluten Free Corn Chowder Recipe

Heather says:

Gluten free doesn't have to be complicated. This recipe for gluten free corn chowder is almost identical to the regular corn chowder recipe on this site. Now, I changed the proportions a little bit for a thicker soup and because I was using a smaller pot. This recipe makes three quarts of a very thick soup, if you want a thinner soup, just use another quart of liquid (milk or chicken stock, your choice) OR reduce the amount of rice flour you use in the roux by 1 or 2 tablespoons.

If you want, add crumbled crisp bacon or garnish with chopped jalapeno for a kick.

: Gluten Free Corn Chowder

: A gluten free version of a classic corn chowder recipe

2 large white potatoes, peeled diced (1/2″ or smaller dice)1 quart chicken stock4 TBSP Butter or Bacon Grease6 TBSP Rice Flour2 whole jalapenos1 onion, diced2 cups half and half or milk4 cups frozen corn kernels3 cloves garlic, dicedSalt and pepper to taste4 oz cheddar, shredded  Gluten Free Corn Chowder DirectionsIn a small covered pot, heat the chicken stock and diced potatoes over medium heat until fork tender.In a heavy pot (4 quart minimum size) heat the butter or bacon fat over medium low heat and add the two whole jalapeños and stir frequently. The skin of the jalapeños will blister and turn dark. Remove the jalapenos from the fat and add the diced onion, cook until translucent. (I discard the jalapenos, if you want to do something with them, be my guest)Stir in the the rice flour, one tablespoon at a time. Stir until the flour and fat have formed a consistent roux. Unlike wheat flour, you don't have to cook away the raw taste. Once the flour and fat are fully incorporated, pour the chicken stock that was used to cook the potatoes, in small additions into the roux.Stir the roux quickly until it's smooth between each addition of the chicken stock. .Once the liquid is fully incorporated into the roux, add the cooked potatoes and stir gently.Turn the heat to low and add the frozen corn kernels. Slowly add the half and half or milk and the diced garlic.Finally add in the grated cheese, stir until melted, season with salt and pepper, and then serve.

Preparation time: 5 minute(s)

Cooking time: 30 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 8

Enjoy!

Gluten Free Corn Chowder Recipe is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Leftovers and the Great Thanksgiving Postmortem

 

Heather says:

First here's a table of recipes to use up your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers:

Leftover Turkey RecipesTurkey Pot PieCreamy Turkey and Wild Rice SoupTurkey BogEnchiladasTurkey SoupPilauTurkey SaladJambalaya

Leftover Guidelines

Turkey should be frozen or used within 2 – 6 days.Frozen cooked turkey should be used within 2 months and should be cooked thoroughly, immediately after thawing.If you have gravy or leftover mashed potatoes they should have been used within 1 – 2 days after Thanksgiving.Leftover gravy is an excellent addition to "Mustgo Soup," mashed potatoes are, too. Both thicken and add flavor.Cranberry sauce can be stirred into yogurt, served over ice cream, or it makes a nice accompaniment to pork chops, ham, chicken, or fish. It should be used within 7 days. (The sugar acts as a preservative.)

After big events or projects, a lot of companies like to get together and do what they call the postmortem. It's a way to figure out what went well, what didn't, and what you should do differently next time.

You could do this privately and save it for yourself, but what's the fun in that?

I and other home eccers would like to know:

What was your favorite part of the meal? Will you make it again?

What will you never make again?

How were your estimates, did you have the right amount of food or was there too much or little of an item?

And of course,

Were there any disasters?

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Leftovers and the Great Thanksgiving Postmortem is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Thanksgiving Eve

Heather says:

Tomorrow's the big day. Are you ready? Did you follow along with this year's Countdown to Turkey Day Series? If so, let me know what you thought.

Just for fun, here are some pics from the event I hosted to get all of the pictures for this year's series. I'll be adding a few more recipes to the site for Christmas and next year.  I also want to thank Butterball for giving me the opportunity to work with them. The people running their Turkey Talkline (1-800-BUTTERBALL) are amazing and I had a wonderful time participating in their turkey training in Naperville, IL last month. Feel free to call them if you have ANY questions. They are happy to help.

For many families today is for baking and food prep.

Here are few last minute tips to help everything go smoothly.

Check the turkey now. Has it completely thawed?
No?
Use the water bath method to finish defrosting the turkey.

Are your knives sharp? No? Read this tutorial How to Sharpen a Knife, it'll help you get through tomorrow safely. Did you really just ask why? Sharp knives are safer than dull knives.

If you have several recipes calling for diced onions, bell pepper, and/or celery, go ahead and chop it all today. Cover tightly before refrigerating.

Do not pre-cut your potatoes and toss them in the fridge, it's a bad idea.

If you want a head start on mashed potatoes, you can make them today and then bake in a covered, oven-safe dish to reheat (with lots of butter, please). Alternately, tomorrow morning, peel and dice the potatoes, then hold them in a bowl of cold water. Rinse the potatoes before cooking in salted water. The same goes for sweet potatoes and apples, exposure to air makes them oxidize. Oxidation doesn't hurt anything, it's just quite unattractive.

If you are pre-cooking your side dishes, don't forget to check your Thanksgiving Day Timetable to ensure everything will be hot and ready to serve at the same time.

If you're using your own bread for dressing, go ahead and tear / cut that up today, too.
Still looking for a traditional sage dressing? Try this apple, cranberry sage dressing. It's wonderful. If you need a vegetarian dressing recipe, just follow that one and replace the chicken / turkey stock with vegetables stock, easy peasy.

Cornbread for the dressing? Make that today, too. Remember cornbread dressing is gluten free dressing, provided you use plain cornmeal and NOT cornmeal mix for your cornbread. Do you need a sweet cornbread recipe or a plain cornbread recipe for your dressing?

Cornbread Dressing with Andouille Sausage - Excellent recipeShrimp and Andouille Sausage Cornbread Dressing -Amazing recipe Don't worry, you can use turkey stock if you don't feel up to making your own shrimp stock.

If you don't have young children or pets and you have a formal dining room vs the every day table, you can even go as far as setting the table. Put the plates and glasses on the table upside down or cover them with a large -clean!- sheet so they don't catch any dust. Tomorrow, just before the guests arrive, flip or uncover everything. Do not pre-set the table if you have young children or pets. Somehow or another they'll just make more work for you or create an embarrassing fur / sticky fingerprint situation.

If you're playing host to friends and family, please check the guest bathroom. Make sure there's enough TP, soap, and something with which to dry their hands. Please make sure that the guest towel doesn't look like its only purpose is decorative. I can't be the only person who worries about messing up someone's starchy, frilly towel arranged over sea shells. Make sure the towel for hand drying is in an obvious, convenient spot. It's better than having guests forced to wipe their hands on their pants.

If you have room, go ahead and chill any beverages that will be served.

If you choose to truss your turkey for roasting, it can be trussed today. Need a tutorial? See How to Truss a Turkey. Just don't forget to take the turkey out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking.

Do you have any last minute tips?

Please remember even if nothing comes out right, your mom, sister, and drunk uncle Roy are driving you nuts, or if it's just not turning out as planned,  that Thanksgiving is a celebration in the spirit of gratitude. The fact that we have friends and family willing to even begrudgingly come together is a sign we are truly blessed. If you know someone, perhaps a serviceman or woman far from home, set an extra place and welcome them to your table. It doesn't matter how simple the meal, the intention is what matters.

We have two families in this life, the one we are given and the one we create; embrace them both this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from Home-Ec101.com.

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Thanksgiving Eve is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Partially Frozen Turkey?

Dear Home-Ec 101,

I bought a fresh turkey yesterday just so I don't have to deal with the thawing issue. Well after handing it to my husband once I got home, he then put it in our deep freezer! I realized this 4am in the morning, so ran to the garage and pulled it out. It seems pretty frozen. It's now in the fridge but I'm not sure what to do since I can't tell if it's frozen solid. Do you know how long it takes to freeze a turkey solid. My turkey is 14lbs. I guess my only options would be to thaw the turkey out in cold water since I don't have enough time to do it in the fridge.

Signed,

Frazzled in Frampton

Heather says:

You are on the right track choosing to thaw your turkey with the water bath method. I don't know how long your turkey was in the deep freeze, but I'm betting it was long enough to fully freeze, unless you were out shopping late in the evening.

Stick to the usual guideline of 20 minutes per pound. After 5 hours, go ahead and put the thawed turkey in the refrigerator where it will be just fine too cook on Thanksgiving day.

Isn't it frustrating when our best efforts are foiled by the well-meaning?

Submit your questions to helpme@home-ec101.com.

Partially Frozen Turkey? is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Two Days Prior November 22

Heather says:

Tick. Tock. Your time is running out. However, you've been following along with this year's Countdown to Turkey Day and aren't stressing, right?

Grab your Thanksgiving Shopping List and buy your produce and other perishables.If you went the fresh route, pick up your turkey.If your turkey is thawing, take a moment to get rid of the condensation that may be pooling under your thawing turkey.
You don't want to have your turkey resting in a bacterial swimming pool.If your turkey is still in the deep freeze, pull it out and put it in the refrigerator. Give it as much of a head start on a water bath thaw as possible.  If you need tips, check out: How to Quickly Thaw a Turkey in a Water Bath.Take some time today and get the house as close to company ready as possible.Find your meat thermometer, roasting pan, the blades for the food processor, and any other kitchen gadgets that don't often see the light of day.

Don't worry, it looks like more than it is. Finally take a moment and confirm that you have enough servingware, silverware, plates, etc for your guests.

Are you ready?

Countdown to Turkey Day 2011: Two Days Prior November 22 is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Heather says:

This recipe comes to Home-Ec 101 courtesy of my friend Ellen Adams, also known as RedHotDish. She is a wonderful lady I met through my volunteer work with Cooking With the Troops (yes, I will work that in, every stinking chance I get). You should have seen the look on Ellen's face when she saw this her logo on the NASDAQ building.
[image error]

While I typically would enjoy this recipe for couscous salad as a summer side dish, it goes perfectly with the Mediterranean Turkey Recipe  Butterball had me try earlier this fall. It's a very pretty dish with bright colors and flavors that complement the light, citrus flavors more commonly associated with Mediterranean recipes than your traditional Thanksgiving fare. I thought I would share Ellen's recipe for those looking to try something new this season.

 

: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

: Couscous with the tang of lemon, and cranberry, and a hint of mint

1 (10 oz) pkg. plain large pearl couscous1 Cup dried cranberries¾ Cup green onions, chopped½ Cup mint, roughly chopped¾ Cup sliced almonds, toasted1/3 Cup lemon juice¼ Cup olive oil½ tsp paprika¼ tsp sea salt1/8 tsp pepper[image error]

I told you it was pretty. To print the recipe, look for the PrintFriendly button at the bottom of the post. This will let you quickly get rid of unwanted images and text.

DirectionsPrepare the pearl couscous as directed on the packageWhen the couscous is cooked, place it in a large salad bowl and use a fork to fluffCover the bowl and refrigerate 30 minutes or until chilled completely throughoutToast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for approx 2-3 minutesWhen the couscous is chilled remove from the refrigerator and stir in the cranberriesAdd the onions, mint and almonds and toss to combine all the ingredientsPlace the lemon juice into a small mixing bowl,  add the oil, paprika, salt and pepper and use a whisk to mix the ingredients together.Drizzle the dressing into the salad and toss to coatCover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving

Enjoy!

Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011