HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: When I plan a buffet, I like to write the names of the dishes I plan to serve and put them where they’ll be positioned on the buffet table. This way, I won’t forget a salad or dessert, because everything sits on its assigned name. — Marianna F., Kokomo, Ind.

DEAR HELOISE: My cakes always seem to stick to the cake plate, which makes a mess when I go to cut a slice for company. How can I avoid this mess? — Morgan L., Bedford, Va. DEAR READER: Just sprinkle powdered sugar on your cake plate before you place your cake on the plate, and it won’t stick.

DEAR HELOISE: I went to an open house and tasted a delicious shrimp spread that the hostess said came from your column. Would you reprint that for us?

— Wendy H., Oregon DEAR READER: I’d be happy to! You will need:

8 ounces cream cheese,

softened

½ cup mayonnaise

4 ounces tiny cocktail shrimp,

drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons seafood cocktail

sauce

½ cup finely chopped onion,

yellow, white or red ½ teaspoon garlic salt

Thoroughly mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until well-blended. Mash or chop the shrimp and add to mixture; stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until needed. It’s best when served at room temperature with crackers and veggies as a dip, or on bread for a sandwich. Don’t let it sit out for more than an hour.

DEAR READERS: For a nice afternoon pick-me-up drink, try this: In a teapot, pour 2 to 4 cups of boiling water over 3 to 5 tea bags. Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and add 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint. Sweeten to taste with sugar or honey, or any other sweetener.

DEAR HELOISE: I make various cabbage dishes, and while I love these dishes, they leave a nasty smell in my house. How can I get rid of that odor?

— June A., Athens, Ga. DEAR READER: To mask that smell, try adding a few drops of vanilla or cinnamon oil to a pan of water and let it steam while you’re cooking cabbage. It should help kill the odor.