HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I use a drip coffee maker, and my coffee loses heat as it sits in the cup. So, with the first cup, I pour hot coffee into it to prewarm the cup. I then pour that cup back into the carafe and pour a second hot cup of coffee. The coffee stays warmer longer in the preheated cup, and the firstcup is re-heated in the carafe. - R.K., Columbus, Ohio

DEAR READER: This is such a simple hint - I love it! Coffee and tea are so popular - in fact, January is National Hot Tea Month - during the cold winter, a hot, delicious cup is the perfect treat. When you make a cup of your favorite tea, stir it with a cinnamon stick for added spice flavor.

DEAR HELOISE: Recently, I used a recipe that called for 2 tablespoons of half-and-half. That left me with a nearly full carton. Since I’m not a coffee drinker, could you tell me some other uses for half-and-half?

• Christi A., via e-mail

DEAR READER: You can use leftover half-and-half for several things. Add it to scrambled eggs, as a substitute for cream in recipes, for chocolate ganache (an icing, decoration or glaze on desserts), or in favorite cream sauces. You also can freeze it for up to two months.

DEAR READERS: When my husband or I use the last of a product, we tear off the label and leave it on the counter or put it in the clothespin attached inside the pantry door. Whoever goes to the grocery store first knows exactly what item size and brand to buy.

DEAR HELOISE: We buy our deer corn in bags that are reinforced plastic. Very sturdy! Does anyone out there reuse these bags? We use them to store items in the workshop/ garage, but I have so many and would like to do something with them. Any ideas would be appreciated.

• A Reader, via e-mail

DEAR READER: They can be used to cover plants in the winter or collect leaves in. They are great as a stronger garbage bag. Also, they can be used as a second bag around birdseed or animal food bags.

DEAR HELOISE: My solution for removing tea stains from cups is using lemon juice. I buy the fake lemons with juice to leave sitting on my counter. After drinking the tea, I rinse the cup, then add a few drops of lemon juice, swish with a finger and the stain is gone.

• Carol in Minnesota 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