DEAR HELOISE: I read a woman was having trouble getting the bottom pie crust cooked thoroughly. Here's what I do: I put a cast iron skillet in the oven "upside down" when I turn on the oven. Then I place the pie directly on the cast iron skillet, and I have a done crust.
-- Ramona E., Texas
DEAR HELOISE: Ever have a piece of chicken, a pork chop or a piece of steak left from dinner that's not enough for another meal? I freeze the leftovers and use them later in a stir-fry. I let them thaw, cut them into bite-size pieces and mix with vegetables for a delicious meal. "Waste not ..."
-- A Reader
in North Carolina
DEAR HELOISE: Would you please reprint your recipe for salmonettes? My family loved them, and I've lost the recipe.
-- A Reader in South Carolina
DEAR READER: I'd love to! This was a favorite of my mother's. You'll need:
14 ounces canned salmon (or you can use tuna)
1/4 cup liquid from the salmon
1/2 cup flour
1 egg, slightly beaten
Pepper (optional, to taste)
1 heaping teaspoon baking powder
Oil for deep frying
Drain the salmon and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Put the salmon in a mixing bowl and break it into small flakes using a fork. Add the flour, a little at a time, the slightly beaten egg, then pepper (no salt). Mix well, but don't over mix.
Add the baking powder to the reserved liquid and beat well with a fork until foamy. Pour this into the fish mixture and blend together. Do not over mix.
Using two teaspoons, scoop out the mixture with one and then use the other to push the mixture off the teaspoon into a deep fryer that is half full of hot oil. After they are browned (it doesn't take long), drain on a paper towel and serve.
Wonderful family memories often include tasty dishes passed down from generation to generation.
DEAR HELOISE: When I bought my house a few years ago, the appliances were brushed aluminum. They were dull and water-stained. I saw a video of a woman who said to put olive oil on a clean cloth and wipe them down. Afterward, wipe with a cloth dampened with vinegar. My appliances look new. This also can be used on stainless steel.
-- Barbara E., Ohio
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Food on 04/17/2019