Benefits of mangoes
Dear Readers: A MANGO is a fiber-rich, nutrient-filled tropical fruit that is an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C and vitamin E. Mangoes also contain a small amount of copper, which is vital in the production of red blood cells. According to recent studies, it’s believed that mangoes help to protect against breast, colon and prostate cancers.
If you haven’t done it before, give mangoes a try. — Heloise
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Dear Heloise: I LOVE your Chicken Tortilla Soup, but I lost the recipe while spring-cleaning my house. Could you re-print it for me and anyone else who loves a nice, hearty soup? — Mercy S., Sweet Home, Ore.
Mercy, this recipe is so popular that I have included it in my pamphlet Heloise’s Spectacular Soups. Here it is:
CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
12 corn tortillas
2 onions, chopped
½ cup olive oil
½ cup tomato puree 4 quarts rich chicken stock 2 cups cooked chicken,
diced
2 tablespoons chopped
cilantro
Dash each of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese (for garnish) Cut the tortillas into strips and fry in oil over mediumhigh heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Saute the onions in oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat until tender. Add the tomato puree and chicken stock. Add the chicken, cilantro and tortillas. Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese. You’ll find Chicken Tortilla Soup and many more unique and delicious soup recipes in my six-page pamphlet that you can have by sending $5, along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (71 cents) envelope, to: Heloise/Soups, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Or you can order it online at www. Heloise.com. FYI: If you need to thicken a soup, add instant mashed potatoes, a little at a time. — Heloise
Shining aluminum pots
Dear Heloise: My aluminum pots have discolored or grown very dull. How can I shine them? — Vickie A., Storrs, Conn.
Vickie, I would suggest a commercial cleaner made especially for aluminum, but DO NOT use any cleaner that contains ammonia. It will pit the aluminum. — Heloise
Dish drainer’s new duty
Dear Heloise: When I got a new dishwasher, I still had a dish drainer that was as good as new. Instead of throwing it out, I repurposed it and now use it to store my pot lids. No more climbing into the cupboard to find the correct lid for my pots! — Merrian C., Logan, Utah
School lunches
Dear Heloise: My kids always like a treat for dessert in their lunchboxes, so I pack some fruit/nuts/ cheese, but I stay away from cakes, candy and just about anything sugary. Obesity is a serious health issue with American children. Sadly, so is bullying a child who is overweight. I believe weight management begins in early childhood, and it’s up to me to teach my youngsters good eating habits. — June K., Joplin, Mo.
Household Hints
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.