LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Cabbie (our mini schnauzer) and I love fresh carrots. An average-size carrot has 35-48 calories per 100 grams, so they are healthy for both of us. Carrots are excellent for eye health, among many traits, and it’s because an average carrot has 2 1 /2 timesthe recommended daily allowance of vitamin A.
But did you know that cooking carrots releases more vitamin A than consuming them raw? And juicing a raw carrot makes a vitamin packed drink, too.
Carrots are orange, typically, but around the world, they can be red, yellow, white and even purple. Texas A&M University has a maroon one, the Beta Sweet.
How best to store carrots? The vegetable drawer of the refrigerator is the place. Remove the leafy tops if there are any, but don’t cut into the flesh, according to our experts, and keep them in a plastic bag. Separate carrots from other fruits and vegetables, such as apples.
And baby carrots? Are they a special miniature variety of carrot? Nope. They are regular carrots that are cut down to about 2 inches long.
DEAR HELOISE: Ever go to make your kids’ lunch and find you’ve run out of lunchmeat? A good substitute for bologna is packaged hot dogs, most of which are precooked. Simply thin-slice lengthwise and place on your favorite sandwich bread, add your favorite condiments, and they’ll never know the difference.
- Will in California
DEAR HELOISE: I have a great hint for using decorative tins for baked goods/candy, etc. I use a coffee filter to line the bottom of the tin. Do not cut the filter. If it extends up the sides of the tin, that is fine.It gives a more professional look than seeing the bottom of the tin.
- Mary Lou in Pennsylvania 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 HELOISE@CompuServe.com
Family, Pages 38 on 09/29/2010