DEAR HELOISE: Instead of scraping the jar for that last bit of peanut butter, I stick the jar in the microwave for a few seconds, allowing the "dregs" to reach a very soft to liquid stage. Timing depends on the amount left in the jar, so keep an eye on it.
I mix the softened peanut butter into pancake batter. Even 1 or 2 tablespoons adds noticeable flavor. I also use this mixture to make "poor man's crepes," spreading them with a thin layer of jam or jelly.
-- Betsy S.,
Fredericksburg, Va.
DEAR READER: Betsy, this sounds delicious to me. I make "peanut-butter milk" by pouring some low-fat milk into what's left in the jar. I add a teaspoon of honey and a dash of cinnamon. Add some ice, and I'm set.
DEAR HELOISE: Once again, I am going to have to toss a batch of turnip greens. Although I rinsed and drained them thoroughly, some sand or grit remained. Do you have any hints for this problem?
-- Karen C., Clinton, Miss.
DEAR READER: Karen, don't throw out the greens just yet. Washing (really, rinsing, since you don't use soap) turnip greens can take some time. But they are worth it when you are eating them along with a slice of cornbread and a cut-up red, ripe tomato. Fill the sink or a very large pot with cold water. You should cut up the greens first, removing the stems and ribs. Let them soak a short while, then rinse thoroughly to remove all of the grit. Repeat this process a few times to get out all of the sand and grit. Some folks add a glug or two of vinegar to the water -- they say it helps release the grit. Sure can't hurt.
DEAR HELOISE: Many recipes I want to try call for fresh minced parsley. I hate buying a bunch for just a couple of teaspoons or tablespoons full.
Now I get one bunch of parsley. I pull the leaves off and place them, about a cup at a time, in the mini food chopper. I put them into a section of an ice cube tray and add cold water to cover. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store in a plastic, zipper-top bag in the freezer. When needed, take out one or two cubes and place them in a strainer over a cup to thaw.
-- John C., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Use old, pretty table napkins as dish drying towels. They work great on dishes and stemware, and are easy to wash.
-- Donna 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 04/15/2015