Whipping up substitute for sour cream easy
Plus: more cooking and cleaning solutions
Q Do you have any ideas for a good substitute for sour cream?
A Combine 4 drops of lemon juice with one cup (250 mL), whipped cream. Let sit for 30 minutes. Or use plain or vanilla yogurt, depending on what you are making.
Q I bought a package of gravy mix but found it salty; is there anything I can do so it’s not so salty?
A Here are a few suggestions to try: Next time you purchase store-bought gravy, look for sodium-reduced packages. If the gravy is already cooking in the pot, add a potato to the gravy to absorb some of the saltiness. Another option is to add milk, sodium-reduced broth or water to dilute the flavour. If this is the case combine flour or cornstarch with the liquid while it is still cold before adding it to the gravy, so that the gravy thickens.
Q I have a 10-year-old dishwasher, which has worked well, but over the last couple of months it has left a chalky white film over areas of some (not all), dishes, especially the periphery of larger dinner plates and bowls. This rinses off easily, although on some less expensive dinnerware it needs to be rubbed off. I’ve cleaned the dishwasher, put vinegar through it, and altered the volume of rinse solution and amount of detergent, but with no effect. The operations manual suggests that using phosphate-free detergent may do this, but it seems that’s the only kind available now. Any explanations or recommendations?
A I can tell you that when this happened in my household, I switched from liquid to powder detergent and the problem immediately corrected itself. If your challenge continues, run a small amount of “Iron Out” through the dishwasher for an intense cleaning. If the problem remains, call for professional repair service.
ASTUTE FEEDBACK FROM CONTRIBUTORS
Re: Bathtub Ring Regarding the question about how to remove a bathtub ring, I recommend a product called GelGloss. It comes in a pink rectangular can at hardware/home stores such as Canadian Tire. It requires a bit of elbow grease (wipe on, let dry to a haze, then buff off with a cloth), but the results are fabulous! The tub, sink etc. will be super clean, smooth and shiny. And, bonus, it makes cleaning easier for months afterward. — Catherine
Re: Bathtub Ring
Use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! — June
Re: Cleaning Cast Iron Frying Pans My very old cast iron frying pan had years of encrusted food, oil, etc. on both the inside and outside surfaces. When we purchased a new self-cleaning range, a friend suggested I put the pan in the oven when it was in the self-cleaning mode. It worked like a charm! Of course, I had to “cure” the pan again before using it. — Jan
FABULOUS CLEANING TIPS
For extremely greasy vent covers:
■ Boil them in a stainless-steel pot filled with half a cup (125 mL), baking soda and enough water to cover the metal. Boil 10 minutes. Rinse and repeat. For mildly greasy vent covers wash in the dishwasher.
I often found spiders sitting in
■ the same area of my screen room. I decided to soak a few cotton balls with peppermint essential oil, which is different than peppermint extract. I have noticed fewer spiders ever since. — Tyler
I sprinkle cornmeal onto weeds
■ to discourage them. Cornmeal is inexpensive and biodegradable. Submitted by: Sparky
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena. ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
Disclaimer: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.