Heather Solos's Blog, page 75

How to Clean Velveteen

Dear Home-Ec 101,
I'm making my husband a velveteen cloak for Halloween, and it's already got cat hair all over it just from measuring and cutting the fabric. Can I throw it in the washing machine, or does it have to be dry cleaned?

Signed,
Hairy in Hailey

Heather says:

Do not throw your velveteen material in the washer.

Velveteen, whether made from cotton or synthetic fibers is a very persnickety material. Due to the manufacturing process it isn't very colorfast (the dye will often bleed with normal use) AND the pile -the velvety side is very easily damaged.

To get rid of the cat hair get yourself a lint brush and brush only in the direction that the material feels smooth. This is referred to as "with the nap."

If you have stains or dirt to remove from the velveteen, take it to a professional dry cleaner. In a pinch, you can spot clean a velveteen article with a solvent cleaner like what you would find in the Dryel or Woolite home dry cleaning kits, but be very careful. Spot test the solvent first and follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter.

Hang your velveteen, do not throw it on the floor or fold it.

If your velveteen material becomes wrinkled, do not iron it.

You can steam it carefully to remove the wrinkles, but you have to use an exceptionally light hand to avoid crushing and permanently damaging the fabric. If you must press your husband's cloak before this weekend, cover your ironing board with another piece of velveteen. (I'm assuming you do not have access to a needle board) Make sure that the fabric covering your ironing board is pile side up. Place the piece you would like to press pile side down.

You can only press velveteen from the wrong side, the other piece of fabric will help keep you from crushing the pile of the fabric. Use the lowest steam temperature possible and try not to actually touch the fabric.

Good luck!

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

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

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Apple Cider Oatmeal

Heather says:

Autumn mornings require the scent of apples and cinnamon. This apple cider oatmeal gets all the sweetness it needs from the naturally occurring sugars in the cider, apples, and raisins. Please taste it before adding any additional sugar at the table, I'm certain you'll agree that it's perfect as is. If you want to make this breakfast extra decadent reach for half and half or cream instead of the usual 2%.

If you use gluten free oats, this recipe is gluten free. As always check with your doctor before consuming oats if you are on a gluten free diet.

This recipe for apple cider oatmeal is a ratio recipe. As written the recipe serves four, but it multiplies or divides easily depending on the number of people you are serving. The method remains exactly the same. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of diced apples in this recipe. Dried cherries or cranberries would also be an amazing addition.

: Apple Cider Oatmeal

: Use apple cider instead of water for an amazing autumn breakfast

2 cups rolled oats or thick rolled oats (NOT quick oats)3 cups apple cider1 cup water1/4 – 1/2 cup raisins (optional)1 – 2 apples, diced preferably tart like Granny Smith1 tsp vanillacinnamon to taste InstructionsIn a heavy pot combine: rolled oats, apple cider, water, raisins, and diced apples.Bring to a simmer over medium heat – medium high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally until thickened. 10 – 15 minutesAdd vanilla and cinnamon. Serve

For extra creamy oatmeal and plump raisins, combine the cider, oats, and raisins at least an hour early. (No more than 1.5 hours) Allow the oats and raisins to soak until 15 minutes before you'd like to serve and then proceed with the recipe as written.

Preparation time: 2 minute(s)

Cooking time: 15 minute(s)

Diet type: Vegetarian

Diet tags: Gluten free

Number of servings (yield): 4

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Enjoy!

Apple Cider Oatmeal is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Home-Ec 101 Weekly Menu Plan #18

Heather says:

Here is the 18th free menu and easily edited shopping list for Home-Ec 101 readers. The printable shopping list is under this link. You'll want to add a box of spaghetti noodles, to the list, you can do that with just a couple clicks thanks to SayMmm.com. Keep in mind that the order below is just a suggestion, you can move meals around to fit your schedule. I typically put meals with the longest hands-on work on the weekends just to keep weeknights a little simpler.

Feel free to ask any questions or share what's on your menu in the comments below.

Monday – Two Bean Tamale Pie, Oven Roasted Brussels SproutsTuesday – Garlic and Soy Chicken Thighs, Rice and Peas, Broccoli RabeWednesday – Beef Stew, Sweet Cornbread (it is really time I updated the pics on that recipe, sorry)Thursday – CORNFriday –  Dilled Salmon, Baked Potatoes, Roasted BroccoliSaturday – Chicken, Mushrooms & Peppers, Butternut Squash – use thyme instead of rosemarySunday – Company Spaghetti, Tossed Salad

*Clean Out Refrigerator Night

So Home-Ec Readers, what's on your plate this week?

Submitted to OrgJunkie's Menu Monday.

Home-Ec 101 Weekly Menu Plan #18 is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Heather says:

My inner twelve-year-old is having a field day as I try to describe this spaghetti sauce without sounding like a pervert. In fact, I give completely up, snicker away, it's a thick and meaty sauce that is perfect over spaghetti noodles or sauteed vegetables for the gluten free and low carb crowd. Personally, I prefer zucchini and yellow squash with garlic rather than spaghetti squash.

I frequently double this recipe, just remember you'll need a large pot. Freeze the leftovers flat in zippered freezer bags or in freezer safe mason jars.

Printable Grocery List

: Spaghetti Sauce

: Thick and Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

1 lb hot or mild bulk Italian sausage1 lb lean ground beef1 onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced3 cloves garlic – minced1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes1 6oz can tomato paste2 6.5oz can tomato sauce (or just use one 15oz one, it's not critical)2 TBSP white sugar (cuts the acidity of the sauce, omit if you use seasoned tomatoes as they frequently already contain sugar)1 1/2 tsp dried basil (or use 2 – 3x as much fresh1/2 tsp fennel seeds1 tsp Italian seasoning1 tsp salt1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper Spaghetti Sauce Directions:In a large, heavy pot brown the beef and sausage over medium heat, drain and set aside. I set the meat on paper towels to soak up any remaining grease. Do not wash the pot, all of the browned bits from the beef and sausage add flavor to the final sauce.Place the pot back on the burner over medium heat and add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, dried basil (wait if you are using fresh), Italian seasoning, fennel, salt, and pepper. Once the onion begins to soften, add the minced garlic.To the onions, garlic, and seasoning add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar and if you choose, fresh basil. Return the meat to the pot, stir until well combined and lower the heat to low.Cover and simmer for 1 – 1.5 hours. Alternately, place all the ingredients in a large crockpot and cook on low all day.

Serve over sauteed vegetables for a gluten free option. Toss with cooked elbow noodles, ziti, or rigatoni, cover with cheese and bake until bubbly for a simple variation.

Preparation time: 15 minute(s)

Cooking time: 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

Culinary tradition: USA (General)

Enjoy!

Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Can I Save My Rust Spotted Knife?

Dear Home-Ec 101,

This morning I stumbled out to the kitchen to discover whoever (I have my suspects on a short list) had done the dishes last left my good knife in a sink full of water overnight.

This is what it looks like now.

Can it be saved? Are these rust spots harmful? Will the rust ruin my knife blade? Will the culprit live to see another day?

Signed,
Spotted in Spateford

Heather says:

While the blade looks a little worse for wear, it's only surface rust. Check out the comments of Why Is There Rust on My Stainless? If you want the lowdown on how rust can occur on stainless steel.

To fix your knife it's time to break out our good friend Bar Keepers Friend¹. Wet the blade of your knife, sprinkle with Bar Keepers Friend and use a soft cloth to buff until all of the rust has been removed. You need to do this as soon as possible. Stainless steel, like all steel, can rust, it just occurs at a much slower rate than other formulas. Removing the rust will prevent it the corrosion from spreading.

Once you've cleaned up the blade go ahead and sharpen your knife.

In all honesty, I'm more concerned about the handle which is not pictured.

If it your knife has a wooden handle, has the wood swollen and warped? How is the handle secured to the tang of the blade? Can you see the bolts that secure the blade to the handle? A wooden handle may split after soaking in water. Keep an eye on it. If the wood does split, a knife repair shop can replace the handle. You'll need to decide if it would be more cost effective to just replace the knife. If the handle is made of man-made materials you may be fine.

Send your questions to helpme@home-ec101.com

¹There's no disclosure, they don't sponsor the site in any way, it's just a wonderful product I've used for years and recommend highly. You can find it near the abrasive cleaners at most big box (Target / Walmart style stores). It's in a gold can and very cheap.

Can I Save My Rust Spotted Knife? is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Hard Water Stains on Light Colored Material and Clothing

Dear Home-Ec 101,

I live in NH and have hard water well water, which has been staining all of our light colored clothing and towels since we moved here 6 years ago. I figure I probably can't get out the stains in our towels by now, but to prevent future stains, and to be able to wash whites in my frontloading HE machine (which would be a blessed miracle!), would the use of Borax help? If so, how much should I use? I have a Bosch 500 Nexxt series frontloader which uses the He detergents.

If you have any other ideas on what would help with my white/lights (until I can afford to put in a permanent water softening system), I would appreciate hearing them. I wish I had known about your website a long time ago!

Thanks so much!

Signed,
Disgruntled in Durham

Heather says:

Until you can purchase a whole house water softening system you can use a non-precipitating water softener which you should be able to find in the laundry aisle of your local chain grocery or big box (Target style) stores. It'll probably be near the borax and RIT dye rather than with the actual detergents. Follow the directions on the box, if they have any specifically for high efficiency washers. If the box lacks these instructions begin your experiment with a little less than a third of the recommended amount and increase in small increments until your desired results are achieved.

The same goes for Borax, you'll probably use 2 TBSP per load in a high efficiency washer. Just be sure that you are not placing the borax powder in the same dispenser as liquid detergent. Why not? The combination of thick liquid and powder may cause a fun little caking problem, clogging your dispenser.

Your solution for the hard water stains is going to depend on the color of the stains. If the staining on your light colored fabric is the dull, grey or dingy discoloration and stiffness that occurs with calcium deposits you do have a chance of saving some of your clothing. Since you have a high efficiency washing machine, I recommend using your bathtub  or sink to soak the articles you wish to try to salvage, but you can also follow the instructions in Solving the High Efficiency Washer Soaking Problem.

Safety note: If you have mobile infants, toddlers, or small children in the house, be absolutely sure that the bathroom remains locked while items are soaking. (The same goes for if you use a bucket or basin, kids are drawn to water like flies to, well… you know.)

In a standard washer use the hottest water possible for the fabric + 4x the recommended detergent + 1 cup non-precipitating water conditioner, agitate just long enough to make sure the clothing has . The next morning allow the cycle to finish. Run the load again, but this time adding only the non-precipitating water conditioner. Check the rinse cycle to ensure that the suds are gone. If the water is still sudsy, run another rinse cycle and do not forget the water conditioner.

If your stains are yellow, your water may have a high iron content. These stains are notoriously difficult to remove. You can experiment with a cleaner designed to remove rust stains (like CLR) however you'll need to test this in an inconspicuous location and RINSE thoroughly before washing in your clothes washer. Some people have luck removing iron stains with lemon juice, salt, and sunlight.

If your laundry has red, blue, or green stains from the water, you may have what is known as acid water. You'll want to consult with your local agricultural extension office. They will be able to point you in the direction for the problems specific to your locale.

Good luck!

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

Hard Water Stains on Light Colored Material and Clothing is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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What About Soap Nuts?

Dear Home-Ec 101,

Are soap nuts ok to use in my high efficiency washing machine? Since HE washers don't agitate like standard top loading washers, I was curious if the soap nuts would be effective.

Signed,
Curious in Cupertino

Heather says:

I have never used soap nuts, so my answer is based on the manufacturer's claim, my understanding of chemistry, anecdotal evidence, and a huge pet peeve.

To answer your question, yes soap nuts are fine to use in a high efficiency clothes washer. Soap nuts help clean your clothing by releasing saponin -a type of chemical- that helps reduce the surface tension of water. You know how we've talked about how washing machines clean clothing and how vinegar and borax in the laundry work by making your wash water able to more effectively allow dirt to come out of your clothing and into solution. Well, the saponins in the soap nuts do exactly the same thing, only the come from a renewable resource, the Chinese Soapberry tree.

How effective soap nuts will clean your clothing depends on several factors, the dirtiness of your clothing, the hardness of your water, the temperature of your wash water, the amount of saponin released by the soapnuts and the amount of wash water in which the clothes are washed. (Are you tired yet?)

High efficiency washers DO agitate clothing as much, if not more than standard washers, they just do it in LESS water. Agitation can happen in any direction, in a standard washer, the clothing is in water and chugs around the agitator, in most high efficiency washers the clothing is tumbled and lands in a pool of water. So don't worry about that portion of your laundry equation, physical energy is used to clean the clothing in both cases.

If your water is hard, saponin may not be enough to clean your clothing.

Now on to my pet peeve.

While I was researching this question I kept coming across claims like:

"[T]here's nothing between you and your clothes but Mother Nature! "

To quote the professor of a friend of mine, "Most of nature is out to kill you."

I mean seriously, there's a lot of nature I don't want anywhere near my clothing: poison ivy, poison sumac, fire ants, wasps… you get my point, right?

Saponins ARE chemicals, salt is also a chemical, and so are the compounds in bee venom. Don't buy into a product because you're scared of the word chemicals, the word can be applied to so many things both harmful and benign.

If you want to use soap nuts because they may have a lower environmental impact than some other detergents, that's fantastic. Just don't buy it on the basis of that stupid slogan*.

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

*I think I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, take me with a grain or silo of salt.

What About Soap Nuts? is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Friday Free for All: Planning for the Countdown to Turkey Day Series & Other Odds and Ends

Heather says:

First of all, if you are  Facebook fan and use Facebook to follow this site, you should be aware that the recent changes may be causing you to miss a majority of Home-Ec 101 updates. If you look at the upper right hand corner of this site, there are several other ways to stay current with Home-Ec 101. You can receive updates by e-mail, Twitter, or use an RSS reader. If you want to stick with Facebook and not miss any updates, it's important to "like" a few things on the Home-Ec 101 fanpage. Facebook has its own method for determining what they think you want to see and it takes more than a single like to see the status updates in your news feed.  Trust me, I don't enjoy saying, "Like my stuff!" In fact, it makes me feel a little dirty.

On to the Friday Free For All.

Today and tomorrow I'll be gearing up for my big pre-Turkey Day cooking marathon. What is that, you ask? Well, Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday and each November I put together a Countdown to Turkey Day series where I break up the monumental feat of hosting a company-worthy Thanksgiving into manageable daily tasks. Things like: finding your dining room table extensions, figuring out the guest list, determining how much to serve, getting the house company ready, etc. This Sunday, a bunch of local friends will descend on my home and pitch in with preparing many of the recipes I'll be sharing over the month of November. I've found it's a lot of fun to have extra hands in the kitchen and knock it all out in one marathon cooking session and photo-shoot. In the process my kitchen will be utterly destroyed, one of my tables will probably end up in the front yard for better light, and a lot of fun will be had.

How else would you end up with photos like this?

So the question for today's FFA is:

What is your favorite Thanksgiving Dish?Is there a particular recipe or technique you would like me to cover in this year's series?

Foodies, feel free to link to your favorite recipe (one per comment or the spam filter will eat you alive).

Have a wonderful weekend, I have a turkey to brine, but I'll be checking in throughout the day.

Friday Free for All: Planning for the Countdown to Turkey Day Series & Other Odds and Ends is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

Can I Substitute Chicken for Fish in a Recipe?

Dear Home-Ec 101,

I see a lot of recipes that sound really good that call for fish–salmon, tuna, and so on. The thing is that I don't like fish. With recipes like "Glazed Salmon," can I substitute chicken in the recipe?

Thanks,
Truly Chicken When it Comes to the Sea. . .food

Heather says:

Absolutely.

The end.

Oh, you wanted details? Don't worry, I always have details, I carry them around in my head like other people carry their fantasy football league stats. Some people have decided this means Heather wants to play Stain Removal Pop Quiz at parties, but let me assure you, this is NOT the case. At a party, I'll happily stand off to the side and watch you guys sing karaoke or I'll find the nerds' table and happily geek out.

Where was I?

Print out this handy table, using the Print Friendly button at the bottom of the post. It will pull up a printer friendly version of this post where you can get rid of my chatter with just a few clicks.

Approximate Chicken Cooking Times¹Type of ChickenWeightRoasting 350°FSimmeringGrillingWhole broiler fryer+3 to 4 lbs.1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hrs.60 to 75 min.60 to 75 min*Whole roasting hen+5 to 7 lbs.2 to 2 1/4 hrs.1 3/4 to 2 hrs.18-25 min/lb*Whole capon+4 to 8 lbs.2 to 3 hrsNot suitable15-20 min/lb*Whole Cornish hens+18-24 oz.50 to 60 min.35 to 40 min.45 to 55 min*Breast halves, bone-in6 to 8 oz.30 to 40 min.35 to 45 min.10 – 15 min/sideBreast half, boneless4 ounces20 to 30 min.25 to 30 min.6 to 8 min/sideLegs or thighs8 or 4 oz.40 to 50 min.40 to 50 min.10 – 15 min/sideDrumsticks4 ounces35 to 45 min.40 to 50 min.8 to 12 min/sideWings or wingettes2 to 3 oz.30 to 40 min.35 to 45 min.8 to 12 min/side*Grilled indirectly with a drip pan
+without stuffing¹Source: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/c...

Now whenever you run across a glaze, marinade, or rub intended for fish, turkey, or pork, you can easily reference this chart to modify the cooking directions used in the recipe. Do keep in mind that if a glaze has a lot of sugar, you may not want to add it until the last few minutes of grilling or if you are cooking in the oven, the dish may need to be covered the first half to prevent over-browning.

What about taste conflicts?

Have you ever noticed how people like to say, "Oh come on, it tastes just like chicken," when it comes to trying more exotic meats? This is because chicken is pretty neutral when it comes to its flavor profile -However, I'm not sure about its stance on politics. Plain chicken just doesn't taste like much, since it has such a mild flavor. This is why wing joints have 50 different flavors to try and most are good, even if you may regret the really spicy ones the next day.

Finally, regarding marinades, do keep in mind that fish is generally only marinated for a few minutes to an hour, while chicken can be marinated for much longer (2 hours – overnight)  provided you do so in the refrigerator and not on the counter. You do remember the bacterial danger zone, right? Keep cold foods below 40F and hot foods above 140°F. If your food (exceptions  for shelf stable items like breads, crackers, etc)  is held between these two temperatures for more than two hours, it should be discarded.

Questions?

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

Can I Substitute Chicken for Fish in a Recipe? is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011

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Simple Autumn Skillet

Heather says:

This autumn skillet recipe is a simple framework, feel free to use your imagination and modify it however you see fit. This recipe is great for a new cook who wants to become comfortable with the art of substitution.

Don't like squash, try peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, toss in some apple slices. Turnips on sale? Great! If you want to go vegetarian, skip the sausage, substitute vegetable stock and add great northern beans or maybe cannelini beans. Personally I would stick with the lighter, mildest beans which will allow the flavor of the squash to shine. Want more color in the dish? Add a handful of collards, kale, or even spinach. Since spinach is more delicate than the other greens, I'd only add it toward the end.

Don't want to use a 1/2 cup of stock? That's fine substitute some apple cider, beer, or wine. Use your imagination.

The one thing I insist? Use a pot with a thick bottom or you'll need to stir frequently. I like letting the vegetables braise undisturbed while I read and rattle the occasional dish, pretending I'm busy in the kitchen and cannot be disturbed -wouldn't that be nice if it worked more often?

Questions?

: Simple Autumn Skillet

: Flexible recipe for autumn vegetables cooked with sausage

1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa2 sweet onions, sliced1 butternut squash peeled and cubed1/2 head of green cabbage roughly chopped1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stockSalt and fresh ground pepper to taste DirectionsCut the sausage into coins and cook in a heavy pot over medium low heat until the fat begins to render.Add the onions and stir, cooking for 2 – 3 minutes, then add the cubed butternut squash, the chicken stock, and cabbage.Reduce the heat to low and cover.Stir occasionally and cook until the squash is fork tender, 15 minutes or so.

Number of servings (yield): 6

Enjoy.

Simple Autumn Skillet is a post from: Home Ec 101 ©Home Ec 101.com 2007 - 2011