DEAR HELOISE: I love fresh grapefruit. To keep it fresh for the next morning, I place the cut side upside down on a coffee-can lid or other plastic lid.
-- Brandon S., Little Rock
DEAR HELOISE: When I go to a potluck luncheon or dinner, I make a casserole. They are quick, inexpensive and easy. I invariably get inquiries about the recipe.
I print out the recipe on pretty paper and make several copies. I tape the copies to the dish so that those who want to can grab one. People seem really happy to get the recipe.
-- Mary K., Lincoln, Neb.
DEAR READER: Great hint all around. This also lets people "read" the recipe to see what's in the dish. Be sure to put your name on it.
DEAR READERS: Buying fresh carrots with all of the plushy green tops? Before you store them in the refrigerator, cut off the green tops, pat the carrots dry and put in a sealable plastic bag. They are best kept in the vegetable bin, not on a shelf.
Rinse the tops and chop up to add to soup or a salad. Why waste a morsel?
DEAR HELOISE: I love garlic in a salad, but too much is not good. I rub halved garlic cloves around the inside of each of my salad bowls. This infuses enough flavor without being too much.
-- Diane G. in Florida
DEAR HELOISE: Dinner rolls are delicious and can make a meal complete. Here are some hints I have for preparing them:
• Sprinkle a tiny bit of water on them before baking.
• Split each roll and insert a wedge of butter, with paprika or onion powder.
• Put the biscuits around the edge of the baking sheet; the heat will radiate evenly.
-- Ana G., Texas
DEAR HELOISE: When I run out of tomato sauce and need some in a hurry, I grab some canned tomato soup. I can season as I like, and each batch turns out just a little bit deliciously different.
-- Irene B., Missouri
DEAR READER: Irene, condensed soups should be in every pantry in America. It can be a quick base to start soup or make a cream sauce or serve as a main dish. With a few seasonings, some leftover vegetables and that last piece of chicken, you have soup or a thick stew.
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 03/22/2017