DEAR HELOISE: Tired of wasting all that goodness in the bottom of cartons, cans and bottles? Add coffee to the containers you are about to throw away, and shake. Try maple syrup, honey, molasses, corn syrup, jelly, jam, etc. Before throwing out the precious liquids or washing them down the drain, think, "Would it be good in coffee?" The best thing about this hint is that you can put in only a small amount of coffee to decide if you like it.
Don't limit yourself to coffee. How about using this hint with other liquids, such as milk, cocoa, tea, soft drinks or any other drinks you like? The possibilities are almost endless.
-- Barbara S., North Little Rock
DEAR HELOISE: Is it safe to reuse insulated foam trays that come with chicken/beef/pork? I have a relative who washes these off with dish soap and then places dessert items on them (cookies, etc.). Is this safe?
-- Terry H., via email
DEAR READER: No, it is not safe for food. The foam trays are meant to be used only one time and then tossed. Think about it: There is no way to really clean and remove all the potential bacteria from the foam material.
If your relative resists stopping, ask that the tray at least be covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
DEAR HELOISE: After using baking soda to deodorize the refrigerator, can it be used in recipes?
-- Roberta W., via email
DEAR READER: Good question, Roberta. The answer is no. This baking soda has been sitting in the refrigerator for a long time, and likely has absorbed some unwanted odors. Therefore, use a fresh, new box for all your baking needs. Don't throw away that refrigerator baking soda. Use it to scrub the kitchen sink and counters, and to deodorize the sink.
DEAR HELOISE: I always look for ways to make meals more attractive when serving. One of my favorite vegetables in the summer is cucumbers. I like to take a fork and score the skin lengthwise all around the cucumber. When sliced, it shows the beautiful edges.
-- Lily W. in Florida
DEAR READER: Sure does, and if the skin is a little tough, this makes it easier to eat.
DEAR HELOISE: I have found a good use for my egg slicer other than helping me slice eggs for egg salad. I use it to evenly slice avocados, which I love to add to sandwiches.
-- Linda T. 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 06/22/2016