DEAR HELOISE: The French usually use bouillon when a recipe calls for adding water. This is useful when making soups and stews. You can get bouillon in liquid or solid form (cubes), and either way it will improve the flavor.
-- Rosemarie S., Idaho
DEAR HELOISE: Before I head to the grocery store, I go through my coupons and get out the ones for products I plan to purchase. This saves time, instead of trying to find the ones I need at the checkout. Here are a few ideas:
• Tuck a few coupons in a baby gift for things like diapers, baby food, etc.
• Share with co-workers.
• Give some to a family or friend in need of help with their food budget.
-- Agnes R.,
Ashland, Mass.
DEAR HELOISE: I have no luck making pico de gallo. Please print your recipe.
-- Erica D., Pine Hill, N.J.
DEAR READER: Here is my version of pico de gallo. You'll need:
1 cup coarsely chopped tomato
1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 or 3 fresh serrano peppers, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
Stir together the tomato, onion, cilantro and peppers. Add salt and mix well. Makes 1 1/2 to 2 cups. Pico de gallo is best made fresh and eaten the same day, although it can be refrigerated for a day or two.
DEAR HELOISE: What can be used to eliminate a smell in the microwave after you warm something up?
-- A Reader in
Finger Lakes, N.Y.
DEAR READER: If your microwave needs some cleaning and freshening, put 2 tablespoons of either lemon juice or baking soda and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Let the mixture boil in the microwave for about five minutes so that the steam condenses on the inside walls. Then wipe off the walls and the inside of the door.
DEAR HELOISE: I read in a magazine about making hamburgers with buffalo meat. Why buffalo meat?
-- Sandra Z.,
Waterbury, Conn.
DEAR READER: Buffalo (sometimes called bison) meat is lower in fat than regular hamburger meat. It also has more vitamins, minerals and iron, and is said to be sweeter in taste.
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 02/13/2019