Cooking Frozen Vegetables

I have a dirty little secret ~ I love instant mashed potatoes and frozen peas. I never imagined I would need such detailed instructions for cooking them, however. These important tips are from a home economics book called How You Plan and Prepare Meals, written by Byrta Carson and MaRue Carson Ramee. Read carefully, then go […]

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What Should I Cook Him?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: Any tips on what to cook a guy for a romantic meal? I am thinking of his birthday. Thank you! Signed, Katie A Dear Katie: I do believe I’ve located some fabulous advice for you in Robert Loeb’s She Cooks to Conquer. It should help you plan your dinner. I’m sorry I […]

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Cooking Breakfast

In the preface to 2002 Household Helps, editor Janet D. Myers wished the book would “be called upon many times to shorten the labors of those who are responsible for the welfare of our American families.” Since I’ve mostly been cooking breakfast these days (who needs lunch or dinner, when there are so many sugared cereals […]

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Eat More Vegetables

Q Dear Miss Abigail: How can I get my my boyfriend to eat vegetables? Signed, Matthew A Dear Matthew: I searched high and low for some good advice to pass along about the value of eating vegetables, and found many standard references in home economics books teaching young women how to plan menus for their […]

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Meals Out-of-Doors

Ah, summertime. Hooray for our Red, White, and Blue, and for the season of hot dogs, lemonade, and popsicles. Here’s a few tips about the fine art of eating outdoors, from Mary Lockwoods Matthews’ somewhat repetitive Elementary Home Economics. 1928: Meals Out-of-Doors Most boys and girls like to go on picnics. A picnic lunch may consist […]

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The Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me! Yes, it’s that time of year again. Although it would seem that I should be mature and respectable in my old age, I’m not about to give up my birthday party. I decided to do a bit of research to learn more about one important aspect, the […]

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Tea, Anyone?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: What can you tell me about the proper way to serve tea? If this is too general, would you kindly address afternoon tea service in the home? Still too general? Perhaps you might look at the question of accompanying food service (e.g., pickled jellyfish, toast points, hot buttered brioche &c.). With […]

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Odoriferous Food

This week, I’ve pulled out something completely frivolous. Let’s just say it’s in the spirit of getting back to normal. This is from Manners for Millions, which was penned by Sophie C. Hadida, who instructs her readers in the introduction to “take notes upon the points which reveal to you your own shortcomings.” While you’re doing […]

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Fingers ~ Chicken ~ Good?

Q Dear Miss Abigail: Can I eat chicken with my fingers? Signed, Cat A Dear Cat: I’m glad you brought up this important topic. It’s about time for a little review on dinner etiquette and the proper use of forks, knives, and other utensils. Shall we dig in? 1897: Dinner-Parties As little noise as possible. […]

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