Helpful Hints/Opinion

Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: When I get home I'm usually tired and hate to bother with dinner. So instead of a big meal, I make soup from leftovers. I grab a big pot or saucepan, pour in water with a couple of bouillon cubes and bring it to a boil. Any leftover chicken, beef or pork gets chopped up and added. I season with spices and add any leftover vegetables or open a can of white beans to add to the soup. I usually rinse canned vegetables to remove any excess salt. You also can add leftover rice or macaroni to your soup. This with a salad and some warm rolls can make a hearty soup on a chilly evening.

-- Lisa B., Newport, R.I.

DEAR READERS: Can you name the most popular type of cheese in the world? You can make delicious grilled cheese sandwiches from this cheese, add to eggs to enhance the flavor or add to a sizzling burger. It's cheddar cheese, and it can be added to so many recipes. An ounce of cheddar cheese has about 1 carbohydrate and 7 grams of protein. Although cheddar cheese contains fat, a moderate amount of cheese will not harm your diet.

DEAR HELOISE: I loved your Shrimp Spread recipe, but I gave my copy to my sister-in-law and she lost it. Would you reprint this yummy treat that's so easy and quick to make?

-- Lois B., Oklahoma City

DEAR READER: This is a favorite at my house as well, so here is the Shrimp Spread recipe.

Heloise's Shrimp Spread

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup mayonnaise

4 ounces tiny cocktail shrimp, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons seafood cocktail sauce

½ cup finely chopped onion, yellow or white

½ teaspoon garlic salt

Thoroughly mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until well blended. Mash or chop the shrimp and add to the mixture; stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until needed. Serve at room temperature with crackers or as a dip for vegetables, or spread on bread for a sandwich. Don't let it sit out for more than an hour. This recipe makes two cups.

If you have a pool party or Hawaiian theme get-together, this shrimp spread will be a party favorite with all your guests.

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

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