The Ask Anna Blog

How to Clean a Crockpot

Question: “Do you have any tips for cleaning the un-submersible part of the crock pot? Somehow liquid drains in there and gets burnt on, especially since I didn’t clean it when the problem first started.” Answer: This is a great question! I’m sure you are not the only one out there asking this. 🙂 I have 2 tips for how to clean a crockpot, one is quick, the other needs to sit over night. 1. Use baking soda and water to make a paste the consistency of pancake batter. Use your fingers to rub the paste onto… Read More

Chicken Piccata

This is one of my favorite recipes. It’s from my America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook and it’s SERIOUSLY delicious!!! I like to make this when I have guests over because it tastes “fancy”. 🙂 This version is my own take on it though, I have changed a few things because that’s what I always do to recipes to make them “my own”. This wasn’t on my meal calendar for this pay period but one of my husband’s customers brought him a bunch of lemons from their lemon tree so every time I walked by this bowl I thought, “I should really… Read More

Spring Cleaning Event!!!

Spring is almost here! Of course you might not know it because it’s still raining, snowing and storming in most of the country but ladies (and gentlemen) it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning our homes! I will be hosting a spring cleaning event here on Ask Anna that will go from April 2nd-16th (I know those are odd dates but it begins and ends on a Saturday). We will be cleaning everything from our windows and draperies to our doors and vents. Tasks will be given every other day so you will have 2 days to complete each… Read More

How to Clean Hard Water Buildup

I had a reader ask me how to clean hard water buildup and I had a little grime around my kitchen sink faucet so I thought I’d demonstrate for you! The key to getting off water grime is actually something that I learned from my father in law. The house we built a few years ago had really hard water so we were constantly battling water build up on our faucets and shower heads. So here’s the trick: white vinegar. Before Step 1: Pour white vinegar all over the grimy area. Step 2: Cover with saran wrap to seal… Read More

Birthday Party for my 2 Year Old

We had my daughter’s birthday party this weekend and it was so much fun! Who would have thought that 14 toddlers, 3 babies and a lot of adults could be so much fun? My awesome friend Bethany took these pictures for me so I wanted to share them with you. She captured some great moments from the party, I hope you enjoy them. 🙂 This was my first attempt at making a fondant cake. I was extremely excited with the outcome, I will definitely be making more in the future! Here are the cupcakes I made to go… Read More

Creamy Artichoke Chicken Recipe

My friend Bethany came up with this creamy artichoke chicken recipe (of course I put my own spin on it because that’s just what I do). She is an amazing cook and I have to admit this recipe is definitely in my top 10 favorites. It’s jammed packed full of fresh, creamy, delicious flavors. I know you love it as much as I do! Ingredients:For the topping1 can artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained and chopped (I also pat them dry with a paper towel so there’s no water on them)3 TBS mayonnaiseZest from 1 lemonJuice of 1/2 a lemon1/2 cup Parmesan… Read More