HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I use sweet pickle relish and mayonnaise for an economical tartar sauce, and make cocktail sauce from ketchup and horseradish. — Betty D., Faulkton, S.D. DEAR READER: I love the homemade helpers. Let’s look at horseradish. A root vegetable, horseradish is rich, bitter and spicy. Its strong odor comes after it has been grated, primarily from the mustard oil inside. Horseradish is used to make sauces and garnishes, and is served with roast beef and seafood. It also can be mixed with sour cream or mayonnaise for a tangy sandwich spread. DEAR HELOISE: If parents allow their children to run around a store, they can’t get offended when store personnel ask them to stop. There are dangers, such as sharp corners, glass and other breakables, and slippery floors. It’s not the store’s job to discipline your kids. — L.E., Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I bake muffins for my husband, and I substitute ingredients to make them healthier. In place of white flour, I use gluten-free flour, ground-up oatmeal, coconut flour, whole wheat flour, etc. Instead of vegetable oil, I use apple sauce, coconut oil or olive oil. I add ingredients that increase nutritional value, such as chia seeds, chopped nuts, fruit, etc. — Sharon P., via email P.S. I was trying to read a recipe on a package, and the print was so small that I couldn’t tell if the recipe stated 1/2 1/3 or cup. I took a photo of the recipe on my cellphone, enlarged it, and it was easy to decipher the quantities.

DEAR HELOISE: When an elderly person is alone, a good hint is to keep a small cellphone in a pocket all day. If anything should happen (like a fall), the phone is available. Also, when in the shower, keep the phone close by for easy reaching. — Grace D., New York DEAR HELOISE: A recent TV report showed a heaping mountain of non-disintegrating “flushable” pre-moistened wipes. However, toilet paper disintegrates in water. Instead of using three or more of these wipes per baby bottom, use toilet paper for all but the “final rinse” with a moist wipe. Dispose of the wipes in a paper bag; throw them out with the weekly trash pickup. — Lilli G., California

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email