Ottawa Citizen

IT’S RISKY BUSINESS QUADRUPLIN­G YOUR CHEESECAKE RECIPE

For optimal quality, stick to baking desserts one at a time and in a springform pan

- REENA NERBAS Solutions & Substituti­ons Reena Nerbas is a popular motivation­al presenter for large and small groups; check out her website — reena.ca — to ask a question or share a tip. Disclaimer: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting

Q I am having a dinner party and would like to make cheesecake for dessert. Can you tell me if I can quadruple my cheesecake recipe and bake the cake in a large rectangle pan?

A Quadruplin­g the recipe is risky. Chances are the cheesecake will brown on the sides and the centre will remain underbaked. You are better off using a round springform pan and baking several cakes (one at a time). Here is another cheesecake tip: after baking cheesecake­s, partially freeze them. Doing this will make cutting easier and you will end up with profession­al-looking slices.

Q I am trying to incorporat­e fish into our family diet. How do I determine how long to cook fish?

A Measure the thickest part of the fish and cook it for six to eight minutes per half-inch in a 425 F (220 C) oven.

Q Do you have any suggestion­s for removing baked-on grease from the sides and bottoms of frying pans without ruining the finish?

A To clean the outside of a frying pan, the easiest solution is to ventilate and apply oven cleaner. The downside to oven cleaner is that this method can actually void the warranty on your pan. Another option is to scrub the outside of the pan with Bar Keepers Friend and a damp non-scratch pad. Leave for a few hours and scrub well.

Q Taking baths according to the instructio­ns on a box of baking soda are a relief to my oftenitchy skin, especially from mosquito bites. However, I notice that my skin is getting whiter and my freckles are fading. Is that a problem? Is it good to apply it to my head and rinse with water after washing my hair to ease my itchy scalp? Or is it dangerous? Will it bleach my hair, which I do not want.

A Baking soda has a mountain of uses: deodorizin­g, soothing insect bites, reducing dandruff, drain deodorizer, teeth whitener, microwave cleaner and silver cleaner, as well as an effective and powerful scrub. Baking soda is a natural chemical compound and carries mild bleaching properties. Your hair has a good chance of lightening as you use baking soda for an extended period of time. I have not encountere­d any dangers of using baking soda for hair or skin throughout years of research; however, if you have any concerns, please consult your physician.

FEEDBACK FROM SMART CONTRIBUTO­R

Re: In Hawaii, a woman wearing a flower on the right side of her head signifies that she is available. A flower on the left signifies that she is single and a flower on the top centre of her head means she is taken, but still looking.

I think you got it wrong, it’s the opposite. According to my research, if you wear a flower behind your left ear, it means you are married, taken, have a significan­t other or maybe you just don’t want anyone bothering you! If you wear a flower behind your right ear, it means you are single, available and approachab­le. Submitted by: W.C.

TIP OF THE WEEK

To prevent breading from falling off meat during frying, add 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of sugar to the batter.

 ?? IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOT­O GETTY ?? If making a cheesecake for a large group of people, it’s recommende­d that you use a round springform pan and bake several cakes one at a time instead of increasing your recipe.
IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOT­O GETTY If making a cheesecake for a large group of people, it’s recommende­d that you use a round springform pan and bake several cakes one at a time instead of increasing your recipe.
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