LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Is there some way to clean the inside of the dishwasher without using the pricey cleaners available at the grocery store?
- Kathy Logsdon, via e-mail
DEAR READER: Yes, there is. Here are the steps:
Turn on the dishwasher when it is empty; don’t use any detergent.
Let the bottom of thewasher fill with water, stop the cycle, then pour in 2 to 3 cups of plain white or apple-cider vinegar. Let the dishwasher finish the cycle.You might need to repeat if you have extremely stubborn hard-water stains inside.
Do this periodically to keep the dishwasher clean and fresh. Did you know that vinegar is a workhorse around your home?
DEAR HELOISE: I was just canning tomatoes. When I went to take water out of canner after it cooled, I used my turkey baster until I could take the jars out.
- Wanda Waid, Interlaken, N.Y.
DEAR READER: You also can use the baster to remove any excess juice that is in the jars before sealing them.
DEAR HELOISE: When I purchased onions at the farmers market, I asked the best way to store them. The onion grower told me that a paper sack is the best way to keep onions - it works for several weeks.
- Tommie in Tyler, Texas
DEAR READER: Our favorite way of storing onions? In a pantyhose leg. Wash and dry a pair of nylons, and drop one onion in, then tie a knot and continue. Store in a cool, dry place.
DEAR HELOISE: When I boil chicken, I save the broth. I let it cool and skim off the fat. I have good broth with no salt. I put it in the freezer (in freezer bags or containers), and it is good for a fairly long time.
- Bill in Louisiana Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Family, Pages 36 on 11/24/2010