DEAR HELOISE: I have a problem with parchment paper. Every time I use it, I cannot keep it on the pan. It slides off so easily, even when I am being careful. Cookies go everywhere. I’ve tried binder clips, but they pop off. Do you have any hints?
— Tammy P. in Texas
DEAR READER: Cut parchment paper ahead of time and lay between two cookie sheets to flatten. When you need the paper, it should now remain flat while you use it.
Use magnets to hold the corners of the parchment paper while putting cookie dough on it. Just make sure to remove the magnets before baking.
DEAR HELOISE: Some time ago, you ran a recipe for a salt substitute. I made up a batch and gave it to friends. Now I need it for myself, and I have lost the recipe. Can you please reprint it?
— Jo in Florida
This salt substitute is great for anyone watching their salt intake. You need:
5 teaspoons onion powder 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon thyme 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or
black, if preferred) 1/ 2 teaspoon celery seeds
Mix all ingredients together. Place in a tightly sealed container and store with your other spices (don’t forget to label the container) in a cool, dry place.
DEAR HELOISE: When I buy large packages of hamburger or other meats and want to repackage them in freezer bags, I turn the bag inside out, stick my hand into the bag and grasp the amount of meat wanted for bagging. When pulling my hand out, I turn the bag right side out at the same time, zip the top shut and am ready for the next one.
Since most people have sandwich bags as well, you can use them to grasp the meat when putting it into a larger freezer bag. Toss the sandwich bag away when done.
— Robin N., Omaha, Neb.
DEAR HELOISE: When I empty the dishwasher, I take the plates and silverware and put them on the bottom of the pile of clean dishes instead of the top. That way, I am rotating the dishes and silverware, and not using the same plates and silverware over and over.
— Joan in California
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com