HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: After I finish a glass or container of milk, I pour a bit of water in the glass or container, swish the water around and pour the liquid on my houseplants. It’s a good source of calcium. Also, I stock my pantry like they stock grocery shelves. If I have multiples of an item, I put the oldest item in the front of the shelf and the newer items behind it in order of age.
— M.C.H., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Here I am wondering if marinades can be frozen and reused. I use marinade one time. It seems such a waste.
— Curt in California DEAR READER: The word from FoodSafety.gov is no, don’t reuse a marinade. Discard it or boil it to kill harmful bacteria. Every time you use a marinade on meat, fish or poultry, the bacteria levels increase. There is also the possibility of cross-contamination between reused marinades. So the short answer is no, don’t reuse marinades.
DEAR HELOISE: I have cast-iron skillets and pots. How do I clean them?
— Jean B., Baton Rouge, La. DEAR READER: The following is how a cast-iron skillet should be cleaned:
1. Clean the skillet or pot immediately after you’ve used it, preferably while it’s still warm.
2. Use lots of hot water, and wash by hand with either a sponge or stiff nylon brush (not metal scouring pads) and a mild dishwashing liquid. Never soak iron skillets in soapy water or use harsh chemicals.
3. Rinse the pan well and thoroughly dry it over a low heat on the stove for a few seconds.
4. Rub the pan with a light coating of vegetable oil, and store in a dry place.
DEAR HELOISE: I’ve never seen an expiration date on those little single-serve condiment packets in fastfood restaurants. How do we know they’re safe to eat?
— Harold M., Baton Rouge, La. DEAR READER: The box that the packets come in is stamped with an expiration date, but restaurants usually go through the packets so quickly that it is not an issue.
A restaurant we spoke to goes through one case of ketchup packets every three days, and has a similar turnaround for dipping sauces. Ask the manager if you are concerned.
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