WHAT THE DEVIL!
Devilled eggs do not have to be filled with traditional yolk-and-mayo mixture
Q Lately you have written several columns with regards to egg salad, which reminded me of a question that I have. Aside from egg yolks, which are, in my opinion so unhealthy, is there any way to make devilled eggs healthier?
A While many people know the great properties of egg whites, egg yolk is criticized for being a high-cholesterol food. You can substitute the typical filling in devilled eggs with guacamole. Avocado adds colour and a unique flavour to the dish. Another filling option is potato salad, however, the mayonnaise ingredient will not be seen as a healthier option.
Q I would like to know if anything is added to butter these days to keep it from melting. Butter at room temperature used to spread very easily, but lately it actually tears up freshly sliced bread. Just curious.
A Typically, only salt and food colouring is added to butter; check the wrapper to ensure that nothing else was added to the brand you purchase. Consider one or more of the following: purchase a French crock or a butter bell for butter storage, the butter bell works by immersing the small pot in cold water, which creates a seal and keeps the butter cooler.
The butter bell reminds me of the little water-saturated, clay disc that people often store in their brown sugar to prevent it from hardening; this is the same concept. Store butter in a cooler area of the kitchen (far away from the oven). Change butter brands and observe any differences.
Q In error I used a Magic Eraser on the touchpad portion of my microwave, which is not glass. It left a huge “smudge” that has been impossible to remove, and I have tried everything. Is there any hope?
A The Magic Eraser is a slightly abrasive product, it has been known to scratch paint off walls and finish off cabinets. Try wiping the touchpad with household ammonia, rubbing alcohol or mineral oil; rinse with water. If none of these products budge the mark, you may be left with permanent damage.
Q Is it possible to remove a stain from a recliner head rest? A For leather: Sprinkle a liberal amount of cornstarch onto the area, do not rub it in. Allow the cornstarch to remain for four hours to absorb the grease. Brush the cornstarch away and observe whether the stain remains. If a mark remains, carefully wipe the area with dish soap and water and leave to dry. If the mark is still there, purchase saddle soap or another leather cleaner to clean the area, or contact a professional leather cleaner. Lastly, condition the leather so that it remains soft and flexible.
For fabric: Make a paste of baking soda and water; smear the paste onto the mark. Leave for a few hours. Remove the excess baking soda with a warm cloth. Let the area dry. If the stain remains, make a solution of one teaspoon Dawn dish soap and one cup water. Blot the stain. Rinse with white vinegar.
UNSIGHTLY WALL DAMAGE
Day-to-day household wear and tear is inevitable. When scratches and holes occur on drywall surfaces, consider repairing the damage yourself.
■ Purchase a small bucket of drywall compound from any hardware or department store.
■ Use a metal or plastic spatula to smear a thin layer of compound onto the wall. I prefer plastic, as this keeps the surrounding paint from becoming scratched.
■ Leave to dry.
■ Apply another thin layer of compound.
■ Leave to dry.
■ Use fine sandpaper to sand the area until the area is smooth. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove fine dust.
■ Paint the area.
Note: 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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups. To ask a question or share a tip check out Reena’s website at reena.ca.