For home cooks all over the country, the most important meal of the year is just three weeks away. Sure, Mom, Dad, or Grandma can occasionally burn a pizza, undercook some vegetables, or even hammer that fish in the oven from time to time and all will be quickly forgotten – but screw up the Thanksgiving Day turkey? The family will talk about and remember that indiscretion for years to come. That’s a lot of pressure on the host, and…
With more and more folks working from home during the pandemic, I have to be honest – it’s about time some of you learned some basic etiquette and common sense when it comes to video conference calls. Now I realize that this technology is new to some of you, but still – there are some basics you need to understand before displaying your mug on that important phone call with the company president or key client. Be On Time (and…
The summer months are upon us. Now is the time to get out on that grill! If you’re like me, you use the grill all year round, but the summer months are a special time for cooking outside. How can you beat a juicy steak, burger, chicken thigh, or sausage – flame-kissed and beautifully browned with those distinguishing grill marks? Grilling is also a fast and easy way to make a delicious lunch or dinner, and also helps to cut…
Not to brag, but I’m often complimented on my cooking. My wife and kids have their favorite dishes that I make, and I warn the young ones that one day they’ll be off at college and pining for some of Dad’s chicken pasta, pork tenderloin, or maple-glaze salmon. It’s gonna happen. My wife (God bless her) gives me free reign in the kitchen (she’s no dummy). Her attitude is that if I love cooking dinner every night, then by all…
Grocery shopping. Next to the home mortgage, it’s probably your family’s biggest monthly expense. According to the USDA, the average family of four spends $239 a week on what they call a “moderate” cost food plan. That’s almost $1,000 a month. Wow, that’s a hefty sum. Is there a way to save at the market? Well, you could diligently cut out, sort, and try to use dozens of coupons each week, but that often results in deals on items or…