LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Have you seen the hydroponically grown lettuces that are sold in plastic, clamshell containers? I just love them! It is amazing how long these lettuces last. The container is designed to be a “mini-greenhouse,” which is what helps make the product last. The lettuce still has itsroots attached, and it sits in a small amount of nutrientrich liquid. When ready to eat, just take off the number of leaves needed,rinse and eat.
Here’s another lettuce hint:
DEAR HELOISE: Before cutting a wedge from a head of lettuce, I remove one large outer leaf. Then I place this leaf over the cut surface like a bandage before wrapping it and putting it in the refrigerator. It greatly reduces the browning of the cut edges.
- Gayle M., Monroe, La.
DEAR HELOISE: Here is my recipe for easy deviled eggs: Cut peeled, hard-boiled eggs in half. Make a topping of mayonnaise, mustard and any other condiments you would like. Spread this mixture on top of the cut eggs. You may add olive slices on top, minced parsley, etc.
- Elaine W., Harrisburg, Pa.
DEAR READER: Deviled eggs are so popular, and this is a clever shortcut, with a fun twist, to making them.
DEAR HELOISE: When cooking or baking something that requires eggs, I hate throwing the shells in the garbage can, especially if pickup isn’t for a few days. I take the shells or any offensive-smelling object and put it in a plastic bag, like one the newspaper comes in, and stick it in the door of the freezer. On garbage day, I just open the freezer door and throw out the plastic bag. This works well with shellfish, too. The only trouble is that you have to remember to throw it out!
- Judy B., Hobe Sound, Fla.
DEAR HELOISE: Here are two of my favorite baking hints:
I use an ice-cream scoop with a scraper for placing cupcake batter in liners. This ensures that every cupcake is the same size, and it makes the process mess-free.
My second hint comes in handy when making brownies. I scoop the brownie batter into cupcake liners for bite-size brownies. This is a great hint for anyone needing a dessert for a potluck dinner.
- Holly in Austin, Texas
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@Heloise.com
Food, Pages 39 on 12/19/2012