Lima, Ohio

Dear Heloise:

Sometimes we have leftover french fries when we dine out. Whenever possible, we ask for a “doggie bag” and save the ones we don’t eat. I take them home and put them in the freezer and use them for breakfast potatoes. Sometimes I chop them up and mix them with peppers or onions in a potato pancake, or use them as hash browns. My whole family has now started to copy what we do with leftover fries.

— Karen W. in San Antonio

since I don’t like to cook, she told me to make an easy meal, but make it look really pretty and your guests will think you’re a great cook.

Alice, thank you. A beautifully set table always makes food look even better.

— Heloise Dear Heloise:

My husband loves going out for sushi, but I don’t care to eat raw fish. I’ve heard too many stories about parasites in raw fish, and am worried that we’ll pick up something.

— Sarah N., Chandler, Ariz.

Sarah, I did some investigating and found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that seafood be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees (about 64 C). However, for diehard sushi lovers, there are some dishes that have cooked fish. Sushi also includes dishes that have no seafood, or whose main ingredients are vegetables or egg. The likelihood of picking up a parasite is small in a clean, reputable restaurant, and there are several health benefits of eating sushi.

Heloise —