DEAR HELOISE: I love black olives and eat them regularly. However, there are occasions when I don't need the entire can and want to save the remaining olives. What is the best way to save them?
-- Richard W., via email
DEAR READER: Once a can is opened, it's suggested to transfer the olives to a different container. Some say to put a lid on it, and others say to cover loosely with plastic wrap. Make sure to keep them covered in the brine. One olive producer said nothing about keeping them in the can; another said not to. They are fine in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
DEAR HELOISE: I had a problem with the accumulation of condiment packages that we'd bring home with fast food. Now, I open them (mayo and ketchup) and squeeze them into the larger condiment containers in my refrigerator.
-- Charlene W., Colorado
DEAR READER: Readers? How many of you transfer mustard, mayo or ketchup?
DEAR HELOISE: I've been preparing microwave oatmeal for years, using the same bowl I eat it from. Recently, I began eating some combos that have flax seed and chunks of dried fruit. These expand far more while cooking than the oats do. In fact, the packages suggest an extra-large bowl, even for only one package.
I tried a glass, 4-cup measuring cup, and it worked great. The cereal expanded about halfway, but stayed well in the cup. These obviously are still usable as measures, but they were bought for cooking these cereals.
DEAR HELOISE: Bacon packs a lot of flavor, but is not very healthful. Here's how to keep intake low, enjoy the flavor and reduce messes:
I buy two packs of the thin-cut, low-sodium bacon. I fry all of it to just before crispness, take a long piece of paper towel and line up the bacon on it. I roll it into rolls so it doesn't stick together, then place this in a large, zipper top freezer bag and freeze.
When needing bacon for a recipe or salad, I take out just the amount needed and microwave it on a paper towel for 20-30 seconds. I never have to throw out "old" bacon, and the mess is contained in one morning's work. Plus, we use only what we really need.
-- Donna T. in Alabama
-- Lisa D., via email
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
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Family on 07/20/2016