DEAR HELOISE: I have an inexpensive package of clear plastic processing caps, used in hair salons. Can I also use these elasticized caps in the kitchen as bowl covers for food storage and/or microwaving?
-- Doris in California
DEAR READER: Doris, you can use them to cover food. However, technically they are not food grade the way plastic wrap is. Food storage is fine, but do not use them in the microwave. Use a paper towel or paper plate.
DEAR HELOISE: My husband and I are trying to lose a few pounds. When we make sandwiches, we don't use bread, but we make lettuce wraps.
You can put any type of salad (egg, tuna or chicken) in a wrap. They also are good with your favorite cut of meat, cheese, chopped tomato, onion, etc., and salad dressing.
I made all the taco fixings to go with taco meat, and we had "taco wraps" for dinner.
-- Kay C. in San Antonio
DEAR HELOISE: Some recipes call for whole milk. If I have only 1 percent milk on hand, plus some whipping cream, can I substitute some cream for the 1 percent I have and thus create whole milk? If so, how much do I use?
-- Donna S. in Montana
DEAR READER: Well, Donna, I'm not sure about using whipping cream, but it's worth a try. A lot depends on the recipe and what you are cooking/baking. General wisdom suggests to combine 1 cup of skim milk with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Or mix 1/2 cup of evaporated milk with 1/2 cup of water. If you cook or bake a lot, it's worth having some staples on hand. My must-have list is powdered (instant) nonfat dry milk, a can or two of evaporated milk (I use this in my coffee) and condensed milk.
DEAR HELOISE: I found that you can reuse pie pans. I cut a hole in the bottom of one, turn it upside down over the pie I am baking, and the crust will not burn. You can wash and then reuse them.
-- Donna H.,
Princeton, W.Va.
DEAR HELOISE: I've had a panini grill for years, and I still love to make sandwiches. However, when not making sandwiches, I use it to heat up tortillas. Up to four can fit at one time and be cooked to desired crispness.
-- Barbara D. in Connecticut
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Food on 07/13/2016