Halloween Drunken Noodles: Perfect for Chilly Nights

 Get cozy this fall with a simple and delicious sausage pasta meal, featuring Halloween-themed pasta!

Although the only thing particularly festive about this recipe is the shape of the pasta, it's most assuredly a warm, comforting, carb-heavy meal great for cooler weather. It's a go-to, quick recipe that frequently appears on our table every fall and winter.

We saw adorable tricolor Halloween shaped pasta at Aldi and just had to make this. It's not even cool here yet - the thermometer reads 82 degrees as we write this, and was pushing 90 last night when this dish reached the table - but it is October, and that means spooky season is in full swing under this particular roof. The neighbors have already complained about our skeleton lawn flamingoes.

Anyway, back to the reason you're actually here - the food.

Tools:

Knife

Cutting board

Measuring cups and spoons

Can opener

Large, heavy-bottomed pan or stock pot with lid

Slotted spoon

Ingredients:

+/- 1 pound pasta of choice

3 1/2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup alcohol of choice (vodka or white wine recommended)

1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot)

1 yellow bell pepper

1 orange bell pepper

1 shallot

1 28-ounce can crushed tomato

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

black pepper and crushed red pepper to taste

Although the only thing particularly festive about this recipe is the shape of the pasta, it's most assuredly a warm, comforting, carb-heavy meal great for cooler weather. It's a go-to, quick recipe that frequently appears on our table every fall and winter.

We saw adorable tricolor Halloween shaped pasta at Aldi and just had to make this. It's not even cool here yet - the thermometer reads 82 degrees as we write this, and was pushing 90 last night when this dish reached the table - but it is October, and that means spooky season is in full swing under this particular roof. The neighbors have already complained about our skeleton lawn flamingoes.

Anyway, back to the reason you're actually here - the food.

Before doing anything else (you already know what we're going to say) - wash your produce!

Dice your peppers and shallot to desired size, but leave them on the cutting board for now.

Place your pan on a burner and turn the heat up to medium. Add your olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up for a minute, then add the minced garlic and the black pepper. You may think this looks like a lot of garlic. We feel it is barely enough. Adjust to your own liking as necessary. Let the garlic and pepper cook until fragrant.

Add in your Italian sausage, crumble it and let it brown. Be momentarily awed at how little fat it lets off, side-eye the colander or similar implement you had out despite it not being in the list of tools, and put it back where it belongs. Open the can of crushed tomato while you wait for the sausage to finish browning.

Add the oregano, basil, parsley and onion powder and sugar to the pan. Sprinkle in a little crushed red pepper if your family is spice tolerant; otherwise save it to add to your own plate later. Give everything a good stir, then add in the peppers, shallot and whole can of crushed tomato. Stir again. Cover the pan and reduce the heat by half. If you have a stubbornly hot electric burner (we do) that HATES to drop even a degree, remove it from the heat entirely while you wait for the burner to cool down, or shift it to another burner that has been set where you want it. Letting it sit on a too-hot burner will scorch the sausage to the bottom of the pan and make cleanup much more demanding.

Wait a couple minutes until you see the tomato start to bubble, but don't bring it up to full boil... mostly because boiling tomato sauce makes a BIG mess.

Tear into the box or bag of pasta you plan to use. We paused a minute to move some of the pasta to a dish in order to show off the cute shapes - owls and pumpkins and witches and bats and spiders! - in a photo for you. You probably have no reason to waste time or energy on that step, but do what makes you happy. Dump the pasta into the pan.

Measure your alcohol (we used white cooking wine because we rarely keep anything else on hand, but vodka would be fantastic if you have it around) and pour it into the pan. Measure your chicken broth in the same measuring cup, then add it, too.

Keeping the heat no higher than medium, allow the pasta to simmer uncovered in the tomato/broth/booze mixture for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta has reached the desired tenderness level.

Definitely enjoy with garlic bread if at all possible.

As you enjoy this delicious meal, spend a minute thinking about your stove. All of this was done with just one pot but there were a few steps that could go wrong if your stove isn't functioning properly. Whether you have a gas or an electric stove, it is vital to your cooking for it to function properly. You know that and so do we. So if you have started noticing that maybe your food is coming out burnt more often, or burners are staying on for too long, you might want to call in the professionals. 

Some electric stoves, like ours, just stay hot longer. It's part of the way that they're constructed and the reason why professionals love gas stoves so much. But if you know something is wrong with yours or if you know that it is staying hotter for far longer than it should, we can help. You can reach out to appliance rescue service via our website link below, or by giving us a call. We will work with you to find a time and date that fits your schedule and send our technicians to diagnose the problem. Whatever the problem, we are here to help.

Website

Call  (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Halloween Horrors In Your Home? 

Pumpkin Soup From Picking to Serving 

Harvest Bliss: Cranberry Pumpkin Nut Bread

Laundry 101: Extend the Life of Your Washer with These Tips

Avoid wear and tear on your appliances with these laundry tips.

Laundry might seem routine, but small habits can have a big impact—not just on your clothes but on the longevity of your washer, too. Over time, forgotten pockets, detergent overload, and oversized loads can wear down your machine. With these simple laundry tips, you’ll not only keep your clothes in great shape but also help your washer run smoothly for years to come. Let’s go over some easy steps to make both your laundry and appliance maintenance a breeze.

Laundry Tips

While we always think we know exactly what to do when doing laundry, it helps to cover the basics. Sometimes, we forget or just don't think about one or two steps because there are so many other things we have to do. So, let's brush over these quickly just to cover our bases.

Empty Every Pocket

Courtesy of RDNE Stock project

Leaving different items in your pockets can damage your clothes and your washer. Papers with ink or paint on them can end up dyeing clothing, and metal items like keys and nuts can damage the interior of your washer. So, before running anything through, make sure to turn pockets inside out. A fun tip if you have children is to put a change jar in the laundry room, and any change left in the pockets can then be used toward something fun for the family. This is especially useful if you have someone who always leaves loose change in their pockets before laundry day.

Limit the Detergent

No matter how many times we do it, there's always some part of our brain that thinks "more detergent equals more clean!" Sadly, that's not really the case. In reality, it just means you're creating more suds in the washer, which can cause a second rinse to be needed or make the washer work harder.

Limit the Load Size—Not Too Big or Too Small

This one is tricky. On the one hand, you don't want your load to be too small because then the sensors don't work quite right, and the computer brain of the washer essentially gets confused. So, throw in an extra towel or two if all you're trying to wash is one or two things.

Courtesy of Anna Shvets

On the other hand, you don't want the load to be too large. As we've covered in a different post, making continually oversized loads will cause your washer to run down its motor much faster than normal.

Wash Bras Carefully

Just like leaving keys or other metal parts in your pockets can be dangerous to the washer, bras can be too. If the bra gives out and the underwire starts poking out during the wash, it can damage the inside of your washer. To avoid this, always wash your bras on delicate and inside a lingerie bag.

Maintenance Tips

Make Sure It’s Level

Whether you’ve just purchased your first washer or you’re doing a checkup, start by making sure that it's level. Not only does this keep your laundry from destabilizing the washer during a cycle, but it also ensures that the water level inside the washer is accurate.

Check the Water-Fill Hoses

Courtesy of Ketut Subiyanto

Take a minute or two once a month to go over your water-fill hoses. Make sure they're connected properly and that they are not becoming brittle or cracked. When these start showing damage, it's time to replace them ASAP before you end up with a leak.

Descale Regularly

Just like the hoses, check once a month. All it takes is one load of vinegar to descale your washer. Not only will this prevent buildup in spots like your hoses or other nooks and crannies, but it also keeps the washer fresh and prevents any gross smells.

Think Ahead

Courtesy of Bia Sousa

If you're looking to move at some point, either find or get hold of the moving bolts for your washer. Having those keeps your washer from being damaged in transit, and once you get to your new house, you can have them removed and save them for the next time. If you've recently purchased a new washer, you can do that when it's delivered. Put them all in a labeled bag together and toss them in the junk drawer. Eventually, you'll use them.

Remove Any Lint

This one always comes up, and it should because of the dangers it poses to both your washer and dryer. Remove lint buildup. We talk about it more often with the dryer because it can catch fire, but lint buildup in your washer can just as easily cause damage—in this case, flooding. It's not common because it takes a lot of lint buildup, and normally your washer will have issues before that point with standing water. But it can happen. To that end, just as you would with your dryer, regularly take a washcloth, sweep through everything, check the seals and other nooks, and get rid of the lint. Three minutes and you're done.

With just a few small adjustments to your laundry routine, you can extend the life of both your clothes and your washer. By paying attention to things like detergent amounts, load sizes, and regular maintenance, you’ll save yourself from costly repairs down the road. But if your washer ever does need a little extra care, our team at Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full repair, we’ll keep your appliances running smoothly so you can focus on everything else. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website or give us a call, and we’ll work with you to find a date and time that fits your needs. At Appliance Rescue Service, our number one priority is making sure your home is running smoothly again.

Website
Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Running Smoothly

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

The Labyrinth of Limescale

Weeknight Dinner: Easy Pork & Ginger Stir-Fry

Simple, fast, and full of flavor—your family will thank you.

There’s something about a quick stir-fry that just works. It’s colorful, it’s simple, and it’s fast. You’ve got tender pork, bright peppers, and a zing of ginger to keep things interesting. Best of all? It’s ready in a flash. Perfect for those nights when time is short, but you still want something homemade. Plus, it’s a great way to switch things up, whether you’re serving it for dinner or stashing leftovers for lunch. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Ingredients:

1.5 pounds pork

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 yellow onion

3/4 pound matchstick carrots

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

3 knobs fresh ginger

3 tablespoons minced garlic 

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

Black pepper, to taste

Tools:

Knife

Cutting board 

Wok or heavy bottomed frying pan

Measuring spoons 

Tongs

Serving spoon

Meat thermometer

As everyone who's read one of these before already knows, we're going to ask you to wash your produce before we do anything else. Granddad may have said dirt is good for you, but he didn't mean as part of your dinner.

As your ginger will likely be the most time consuming part of this - especially if you're not very familiar with fresh ginger - it's easiest to start with it.

What we're calling a "knob" of ginger is a sizeable lump, a bit larger than an inch and a half in length. Ginger root is irregularly shaped and honestly kind of weird to peel. If you're not unhappy with the idea of eating the skin, you can skip the peeling step. Most people will tell you to peel it with a spoon. We find this too time consuming, so we just trim with a knife. It wastes a bit of the ginger, but it saves time, and we had an extra ginger root on hand if we fell a little short and found ourselves wanting more.

If you want to dice or mince or crush your ginger, go right ahead, but we like the zing of larger pieces of ginger interspersed in the food. We chose to cut it into matchsticks, to match the carrots, which we purchased pre-cut for convenience.

(While adding a starch is totally optional, we served this dish with rice. If you want some and don't have any ready to go, this is an ideal time to start it.)

Slice your two peppers and single onion into whatever shape you like. We chose thin strips for the peppers and slightly wider pieces for the onion to ensure quick cook time. Set them aside with the carrots because it will be a couple minutes before you add them to the pan.

Heat your vegetable oil in the pan, then measure in your minced garlic and the ginger you just crushed/minced/diced/julienned. Let it get fragrant and sear over medium heat.

Use the time waiting for the garlic and ginger to heat up to trim up your pork. Trim any bones and excess fat, then chop it down to bite size chunks. We cut the pork into one inch pieces, again to ensure a faster cook time. Quick dinners are the best dinners during the school year.

As the garlic browns up, toss in the pork and give it a minute to sear. Use a pair of tongs to flip it around so another surface of the meat is in contact with the bottom of the pan, put the lid on the pan and wait two minutes.

Lift the lid, add your onions and carrots, stir, and replace the lid. Wait another two minutes with the lid on before lifting the lid to add the peppers.

Measure in your soy sauce and fish sauce, crack a little bit of black pepper over it if you like, and stir it all again. Reduce the heat to low and replace the lid. Set a timer to check on it every three minutes or so until you're satisfied with the doneness of the veggies and the pork has reached a safe internal temperature of at least 145 degrees (check with a thermometer if you're unsure).

Remove the lid, cut the heat, and let it rest uncovered for two minutes before serving. This quick pause allows the flavors to settle and gives the veggies a perfect texture—still crisp but tender. Whether you’re spooning it over a bed of rice or enjoying it as is, this dish is sure to hit the spot. And just like that, dinner’s done.. 

Just like this recipe comes together quickly, taking care of your home can be simple too. If any of your appliances are giving you trouble, Appliance Rescue Service is here to help. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, so you can get back to what matters most—your family. Give us a call or schedule an appointment on our website, and we’ll handle the rest. Let us focus on your appliances, while you focus on enjoying your home.

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Chocolate Pecan Cake for a Special Date

Layered Veggie Bowl

Healthy and Flavorful: A Caponata Recipe That You'll Love

The Risks of DIY Appliance Repairs and How to Avoid Them

DIY repair might seem tempting, but knowing your limits can save you time, money, and headaches.

In today’s age of DIY everything, many homeowners take pride in at least trying to tackle their own household projects. Thanks to shows like This Old House and Fixer to Fabulous, we often think it’s possible to fix just about anything. And the sense of accomplishment is wonderful. But it’s crucial to recognize when a repair is beyond your skill level, especially when it comes to appliances. Understanding your limits can save you not only time and money but also prevent potential hazards to your health or home. In this post, we’ll walk through when it’s best to put down the toolbox and pick up the phone.

Assessing Your Skills

Before you dive into a repair, the most crucial step is to reflect on your current skills. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I successfully repaired an appliance before? Think about the different things you’ve fixed or replaced. Fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a light bulb are examples of minor repairs.

• Are you comfortable working with electrical components? If you have a solid understanding of how to read an electrical diagram and how wiring works, you might be able to tackle simpler electrical issues. However, if electricity is intimidating, it’s best to leave this to the pros.

• Do you understand the finer points of your appliance's inner workings? Many of today’s major appliances are complex. If you struggle to identify parts or keep track of how they fit together, professional help is likely necessary.

It isn’t a mark against you if you find yourself hesitating or feeling uncertain about any of these questions. It’s just a sign to reconsider your approach. Rather than causing yourself stress or potential harm, you can shift tactics now.

When to Call a Professional

Certain appliance repairs should always be left to the experts. Here are five scenarios where it is essential to get professional help:

1. Complex electrical issues
   If you’re fighting with the wiring in your oven, refrigerator, or washing machine, please call an expert. These appliances can pose significant risks. If you believe you’re dealing with a short circuit or damaged wires, that’s when you need a professional. Complex wiring issues can lead to electric shocks, fires, or even a total failure of the appliance.

2. Gas appliance repairs
   We all know that gas appliances can be dangerous if not treated with the proper respect. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, you need to evacuate immediately and call a professional. Gas leaks not only pose the risk of fires but can also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. In the worst-case scenario, there could be an explosion. Gas appliance repairs are best left to those trained to handle such risks.

3. Refrigerant leaks
   Refrigerant leaks are just as dangerous. If you suspect your refrigerator is leaking coolant, do not attempt to fix it on your own. Handling refrigerants without proper training is hazardous, not only to your health but also to anyone else in your household. Professionals have the necessary training and equipment to safely manage refrigerant leaks.

4. Smart appliance troubleshooting
   Smart appliances often have complex software and connectivity features in addition to their hardware. If you’re encountering connectivity issues or software glitches, a professional can diagnose and repair the problem more effectively. Attempting to fix smart appliances on your own could void the warranty, making professional help a smart option.

5. Persistent problems after multiple DIY attempts
   If you’ve tried to fix an appliance several times without success, it’s time to step back. Continuing to attempt repairs can lead to lost parts or make the underlying problem worse. Both will result in a higher bill when you finally call a professional—compared to if you had done so from the start.

Risks of DIY Repairs

While we support doing basic maintenance tasks on your own, repairs come with risks. Here are a few:

• Safety hazards: As we’ve discussed in many of our articles, electrical shocks and gas leaks are serious dangers. If something isn’t repaired properly, it’s all too easy to get hurt. The risk simply isn’t worth it when compared to the safety of you and your family.

• Voiding warranties: As mentioned in last week’s article, appliances often come with warranties. Attempting repairs yourself can easily void these warranties. Always check the fine print to see if your appliance is still covered before diving into a project. It’s much cheaper to have it fixed under warranty than to attempt a DIY repair.

• Costly mistakes: An incorrect repair can lead to further damage and higher costs. It’s all too easy to try fixing one thing and end up damaging other parts, which will then also need repairs. This ends up being much more expensive than calling a professional in the first place.

Tips for DIY Success

If you’re determined to tackle appliance repairs on your own, here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

• Do your research: Make sure you’re thoroughly familiar with your appliance's manual and any online troubleshooting guides. Websites like RepairClinic or YouTube offer step-by-step instructions for many common repairs. The more expert knowledge you gather, the less likely you are to hit a wall.

• Start small: Don’t dive into the deep end. Begin with simple tasks, like replacing bulbs, clamps, or cleaning out the lint duct in your dryer. This will help you build your skills and confidence.

• Know when to stop: The most important skill in DIY repairs is knowing when to stop. If you start feeling overwhelmed or unsure if you’re doing the right thing, take a step back. It’s okay to consult a professional before creating a bigger problem. A good time to stop is if you’ve taken apart your appliance and can’t remember how to reassemble it.

Remember, your time is valuable. Weigh the potential costs of time and materials for a DIY repair against the time you could spend doing other things. There’s also peace of mind in hiring a professional. By understanding when to seek help, you can maintain your appliances efficiently, prolong their lifespan, and ensure a safe environment for you and your family.

Recognizing your limits is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner. While tackling DIY repairs can be fulfilling, there are times when it’s best to call in the experts. If you find yourself facing a challenging appliance issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to Appliance Rescue Service. Our team of skilled technicians is here to help ensure your home runs smoothly and safely.

Website

Call: ( (214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading
Minimize Waste, Maximize Sustainability: The Case for Appliance Repair

Test Your Refrigerator IQ

Unlocking Your Dishwasher: A Troubleshooting Guide

DIY Repairs vs. Your Appliance Warranty: What’s the Real Cost?

Discover why DIY repairs might end up costing you more than hiring a professional.

We’ve all been there—your dishwasher stops draining, or your washing machine begins to leak water just as you’re about to leave for work. Thanks to the rise of online tutorials, it's tempting to say I'll fix it! After all all you need is a few basic tools and a video right?  So why wait for a technician when you can DIY? Pause the moment though before you grab that wrench. It's important to ask: is it really worth the risk? While talking repair on your own seems like a great idea in the moment, One missed step or unaccounted for fact, can end up costing you much more than you think. And your appliance warranty is only the start.

The Safety Net of Appliance Warranties

Appliance warranties are a safety net many of us don't think about right until we need it. The standard warranty you will get, should cover the cost of repairs and replacements for major parts and labor. This gives you peace of mind if something happens within a specific time frame. If for instance your refrigerator is compressor gives out within the warranty period,  you can save hundreds of dollars. Without that warranty? It comes out of your pocket.

A warranty will typically extend from 1 to 5 years depending on the manufacturer. Whether something broke in transit, came off the manufacturing line with something wrong, or it just breaks, that warranty is your lifeline. However warranties also come with strict rules that you have to adhere to. This includes that all repairs are done by licensed professionals. So this means that any DIY attempts can immediately void your safety net.

The True Cost of DIY Repairs

It's so easy to fall into the trap of DIY appliance repairs. You don't want to wait for someone else to have to come, and having to take time off from work in order to be there, and then pay them on top of it. We get that. Especially with online repairs promising it's a quick 5 minute fix and you get the rush of satisfaction knowing you fixed it yourself. 

However, many warranties explicitly state that if you attempt to repair the appliance yourself, it voids the warranty. So, even if you do repair the faulty thermostat in your oven, if you break another sensor in the process of doing it? Your warranty is gone and all future repairs are paid for out of pocket, and that's even if you should have had another four years under the warranty.

You're smart though, you wouldn't try replacing the thermostat in your oven. What about a hose on your washer though? Imagine that you're washing machine starts leaking. After all, in several of our articles we tell you to pay attention to the hoses on your washing machine and to replace as needed,  so you're just trusting us. But in this case, the issue isn't on the outside. It's not easily visible by eye, and all you know is that the washer is leaking. So you find an instructional video online, and you open up the machine. That's where you find a cracked hose. At this point the video has been great so you replace the hose, but you accidentally damaged a small sensor that's needed for telling if the drum is full or not. Well since you opened up your washer, you voided your warranty. This means that you're stuck with the repair bill for the sensor as well as the hose.

This isn't just about your warranties though. Homeowner insurance policies don't always cover DIY repairs either. So this means that Financial risk can go beyond just the appliance. If our washing machine from our last example, continues to leak and damages your floor, you could be on the hook for that. Which then doubles your costs.

Safety and Hidden Risks

We've talked about your warranty and about your homeowners insurance, but doing DIY repairs can also put you at risk. Appliances like an electric dryer or a gas oven serious personal risks. If improperly handled, you can easily be shocked, start a gas leak, or a fire. There is a reason that we always say that if you don't have the proper training or if you're even a little uncertain, to call in a professional. 

A professional will have the proper training, to handle high voltage appliances. Professionals also have to know how to properly disengage gas appliances to safely fix them, without leading to gas or fire hazards.

What's more, many DIY attempts are due to misdiagnosed problems. It's easy to mistake one issue for another without professional training. This leads to improper repairs that not only can worsen the initial problem but they end up costing you time and money. And because it's difficult to get hold of the actual parts you need most fixes end up being temporary at best.

Why Professional Repairs Are Worth It

While DIY repairs may seem like a cost-effective solution at first, the risks involved usually make professional repairs the smarter choice. Licensed technicians are trained to diagnose and fix problems without causing additional damage. More importantly, hiring a professional ensures that your warranty remains intact, allowing you to take full advantage of any future coverage if needed.

Professional repair services also save you time and frustration. They also keep you from the potential of medical bills if something goes wrong. What would take one of us several hours to disassemble research and troubleshoot, is fixed by a technician in a fraction of that time. Certified professionals also have access to trademarked tools and original parts to ensure that the repair is done correctly the first time.

Conclusion: Protect Your Warranty, Protect Your Home

In the end, your appliance warranty is a valuable asset that you shouldn’t risk on a DIY gamble. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to fix things yourself, the potential costs of voiding your warranty and causing further damage simply aren’t worth it. By trusting professional repair services like Appliance Rescue Service, you can rest assured that your appliances will be fixed correctly, keeping your warranty intact and your home running smoothly.

If you do have something that has gone wrong around your home, we hope you'll give us a call. You can reach us through our website or our offices where we will work with you to set up a time and date that fits your schedule. 

Website

Call ((214) 599-0055)

Additional Reading
Prepare Your Home for Fall: Essential Maintenance Tips

Household Hauntings: The Frightening Reality of Appliance Neglect

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly