DEAR HELOISE: We got some new salt and pepper shakers. One has a few tiny holes; the other has lots of bigger holes. Which one holds the salt?
-- Cynthia M. in Tennessee
DEAR READER: According to the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, it is your preference. There is no law that I know of, so don't worry if someone tells you otherwise.
Since many people are watching their sodium intake, it is generally agreed that the shaker with fewer holes is for salt. The other thought is that because salt flows more easily than pepper, it should be placed in the shaker with smaller holes, so the pepper has the larger holes to come out of. Bottom line, though, is that it is your decision -- unless you buy shakers that are clearly marked "S" and "P."
DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint for readers who like English muffins but prefer to eat only one half at a time: Separate the muffins in halves and stack them, back to front. Place them back in the plastic sleeve and then freeze. One half at a time can easily be separated from the rest and toasted as needed.
-- L.N. in Maryland
DEAR HELOISE: Could you please tell me the ratio of water to tomato paste when attempting to make tomato juice? With the cost of canned tomato juice, it would be nice to be able to mix this up instead of paying the high cost of tomato/vegetable juice.
-- Cydney M. in Texas
DEAR READER: Mix 3 parts cold water with 1 part tomato paste. Now all you have to do is make adjustments so it tastes the best to you. Place this mixture and any other ingredients in a blender and blend until it is smooth.
Try adding salt, pepper, other vegetables and spices to really make this juice your own.
DEAR HELOISE: Sweet mini peppers are my newest addiction! Packaged in bags, they are red, orange and yellow. Mini peppers have lots of flavor, which makes them a great snack. These have hardly any seeds and can be eaten right from the bag, but I always rinse mine before eating them. I toss some on the grill and use them in salads to add color and crunch.
-- Juan in Laredo, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: The individual plastic cups for apple sauce and other fruit treats are perfect for gelatin. I place six in my muffin tin and make gelatin as usual. I fill the gelatin to the rim of the plastic cup. Since I now live alone, I find this a handy way to portion out my meals. The same process can be used for instant puddings.
-- Thelma D. 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
Food on 09/03/2014