HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: Today is Thanksgiving 2020. This year has been unlike any other, but we have learned so much. Let’s continue to follow our covid-19 protocols (social distancing, handwashing, masking up, staying home if we feel sick), and let’s also always look for the good in every situation. That’s how we grow. DEAR READERS: After today’s feast, you could have lots of leftovers. What to do? Here are some hints:
■ Foods should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. The Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov) actually recommends food that sits out for too long be discarded. Freeze or refrigerate all leftovers in a timely manner.
■ Strip turkey off the bone. It can hold in the freezer for up to six months. Be sure to label and date it.
■ Delicious stuffing/dressing can last three to four days in the refrigerator, but really, will it last that long? The same for mashed potatoes, yams and other sides.
■ Reheating gravy should involve boiling it to kill any bacteria.
DEAR HELOISE: We start to plan for Christmas events now. We need the time to coordinate with the whole family, and with covid-19 this year, things are really odd. But to lessen stress, we plan now. There are the questions of who’s coming, what to take/give, and where the party will be held. The why is simple. It’s Christmas and it’s family.
— Marta S. in Illinois DEAR HELOISE: Even with the quarantine, we’ve had family over, and boy, do they go through the coffee cups and leave them stained. What works for me are denture cleaning tablets — one per cup with some hot water, and overnight, stains disappear.
— J.W. in Texas DEAR READER: This is easy, safe and cheap, as is my solution — baking soda. Baking soda is a workhorse in the home. Nontoxic, safe, cheap and readily available, I keep several boxes on hand.
Sprinkle some baking soda on a damp sponge and gently scrub your kitchen sink. It will be odor-free and sparkling. Baking soda will not scratch porcelain sinks or bathtubs.
DEAR READERS: As the holidays approach, let’s all remember to wear our masks, wash our hands frequently and stay happy and healthy for the coming new year.