DEAR HELOISE: I bought a bottle of real vanilla extract at least eight years ago. I was told it would keep forever. Is this true? How long can I realistically keep it?
-- Jo in New York
DEAR READER: Some things are not meant to be kept forever. Yes, the experts say that if it's really pure vanilla extract and is stored properly, it should last for longer than we need it to.
DEAR READERS:You came through again. I knew you would. Here are two hints that were sent in about how to keep pie crust from sticking to the pan:
• Roberta H. in Arkansas wrote: "To keep refrigerated pie crust from sticking to your dish, remember to flour the bottom of the crust before putting into the dish, just like you would if you had made it."
• Carol, via email, said: "I find that crusts don't stick to the pan if you thaw them thoroughly before adding the filling."
DEAR HELOISE:I grew up loving my mom's homemade sloppy Joes. To my surprise, when I asked for her recipe, it was just cocktail sauce and ground beef. That's it! So delicious!
-- Susan B., via email
DEAR READER: Isn't it fun to discover that a family "recipe" is really pretty simple? Cocktail sauce can add just the right "zing" without much effort. Recipes can be a strong connection, and more so when passed down from generation to generation or shared with friends. Collect favorite family recipes in a binder or holder and then make copies to give as gifts to siblings.
DEAR HELOISE: I found an easy way to clean inside artichokes: by using a grapefruit spoon. It comes out so much easier and cleaner. Being Italian, I make stuffed ones all the time.
-- Dolly L., Irvine, Calif.
DEAR HELOISE: I buy olive oil in the large cans and find it difficult to get the last bit of oil out. I use a nail to punch a hole in the corner opposite the spout and tilt the can so it drains into a cup. I get 1/3 cup more of oil that way.
-- David H., Rindge, N.H.
DEAR HELOISE:If you have struggles with resealing those resealable bags that products come in, here is a hint: Turn the bag around so you're facing the backside of the bag. I struggled with a cat-food bag for months. On a lark, I turned the front to the rear, and it now works every time with ease.
-- Not Struggling in Ohio
DEAR READER: I gave this a try, and it did seem to work. Really not sure why, but who cares?
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 05/13/2015