SIZE MATTERS FOR EGGS USED IN BAKING

Also: Try these chemical-free alternatives to get stainless-steel kitchen faucets clean

Q When purchasing eggs for a baking recipe, does it matter what size eggs I use?

A Great question! Most recipes are calibrated with large-size eggs.

Extra tip: Eggs for baking should be at room temperature, so that the egg disperses better, making the batter lighter. Bring eggs to room temperature quickly by soaking them in a bowl of warm water for five minutes.

Q What is the best way to clean a stainless-steel kitchen faucet?

A Wipe the faucet with a small amount of olive oil. Or cut a lemon in half and wipe fixtures to remove hard water and rust marks — this method avoids using harsh chemicals and smells fresh.

Q The last few times that I’ve made butter tarts, the brown sugar has settled on the bottom of the shell. Can you tell me why this happens?

A Here are a few possible reasons why the brown sugar is settling on the bottom of the shell. The shells are not chilled before adding the filling. The high humidity in the air may affect the outcome of the butter tarts. The sugar is not incorporated well before the shells are baked. Consider chilling the filled tarts before baking.

Extra tip: Ever run out of brown sugar when you need it? Mix 2 tbsp (30 mL) molasses for every cup (250mL) of white granulated sugar. Voila!

Q I bought a dress, it was absolutely, beautiful! I didn’t realize it was rayon, and I tossed it into the dryer, and shrunk it. Is there anything that I can do to save my dress?

A Don’t give up yet. Put the dress in cold water and hair conditioner. Gently stretch the bottom and it should return to the original length.

FEEDBACK FROM SMART CONTRIBUTOR

Re: Watermarks on wood

I read your tips about removing watermarks on wood furniture, and they really work. Here is another suggestion: Heat the watermark using a hair dryer on the high setting. Hold the hair dryer in place, and watch the mark disappear! Submitted by: Helga

GIVE THESE HINTS A TRY

A great substitute for a rolling pin is a wine bottle. Submitted by: Olivia

My best kitchen secret to prolong the life of a jug of milk, add 1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda to the jug. Shake it. The milk lasts several days longer. Submitted by: Chef Tony

I found the best way to sear steak is to dry theme at with a paper towel. Next, I rub the steak with cornstarch and salt to season. Place the meat in the freezer for 30 minutes before grilling. Submitted by: Chef Tony

Reduce freezer burn: I buy a bucket of ice cream once every summer. Since I live alone, it lasts me for months. To prevent freezer burn, I remove the lid and lay a piece of plastic on top of the ice cream to prevent freezer burn, and then I replace the lid. Submitted by: Q

Another way to reduce freezer burn: Purchase a roast; leave the roast in the plastic wrap and wrap it one more time in aluminum foil. Submitted by: Q