Three knives for your kitchen

Dear readers: As those of us who like to cook know, knives are a best friend in the kitchen. Did you know you can do most everything — dicing, chopping and cutting — with only three knives?

1. A paring knife with a 2- to 4-inch blade is best for peeling vegetables and fruit.

2. A serrated knife does a good job of slicing bread.

3. A long chef ’s knife is great for slicing and chopping.

When you go to purchase a knife, seek out a quality one that’s made of high-carbon stainless steel. Be aware that the blade should extend into the length of the handle. And always keep them sharpened.

When cutting pies, cakes or cookies, food won’t get stuck on your knife if you use these hints:

To cut cakes, soak the knife blade in hot water for several minutes and then dry off right before slicing. To slice pies, rub the blade with butter or vegetable oil. To cut rolled-out cookie dough, use a knife or pizza cutter that’s spritzed with nonstick vegetable spray. — Heloise

PAINT WRINKLING?

DEAR READERS: When you are painting a room and you notice that the paint is beginning to wrinkle, take these steps fast to stop or correct it:

First, check the area to see if you have been putting on too much paint or if the paint is too thick. Then, to correct it, you should thin the paint, which will create a lighter application. Directions on how to thin it should be on the paint can. Also, you can sand the surface and reapply a lighter coat. — Heloise

PHOTOS CURLED UP?

DEAR READERS: If you are looking through photo boxes and are going to place some photos in albums, you might notice that some of the edges have curled up. Here’s how to uncurl them:

If the pictures are newer, put them between the pages of a big, heavy book. You also can very carefully iron them on a low (NOT HIGH) setting. Place the photos pictureside down and press for ONLY several seconds.

If the photos are fragile, brittle or old, take them to a photo shop for assistance. It is always a good idea to scan or make copies of your favorite valued photos. — Heloise

SAVING BANANAS

DEAR READERS: If you have bought a large bunch of bananas and they ripen faster than you can eat or use them, here’s how to save them: Peel and mash bananas and add just a tad of lemon juice. Freeze in an airtight container for up to six months. Defrost just before using in a recipe. — Heloise

HAIRSPRAY STICKING ON SURFACES?

DEAR READERS: Whenever we spray our hair, whether in the bathroom or bedroom, the spray seems to fall everywhere. To remove this sticky stuff from walls, tubs, mirrors or sinks, use these hints:

To get rid of dried-on hairspray from glass, porcelain or fiberglass shower stalls, pour rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and wipe. To lift off hairspray from acrylic-painted walls or washable wallpaper, use a multipurpose cleaner or rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth. Test a bit on a hidden area first. — Heloise

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.