Most mustards can stay out at room temp
Dear Heloise: Do you have to refrigerate mustard after opening it? I would prefer mine at room temperature.—Jim D. in
Nebraska
No, you don’t! And I’m with you about the temperature. Commercial mustard does not contain anything that might spoil. However, manufacturers still do suggest refrigerating specialty mustards, like Dijon or horseradish-style mustards, for best taste, but they still will not spoil if left out.—Heloise
CLUB WAFFLES Dear Heloise: I am a native Texan and resident of Spring, Texas. I enjoy the columns in the Houston Chronicle and recall my father-in-law reading your mother’s column for many years—he swore by her guidance.
I recently bought biscuit mix and club soda in order to prepare those terrific pancakes from your mom—but now I cannot locate the recipe. Please reprint it so we can once again enjoy their great taste and fluffy texture.—Sandy B., Spring, Texas
Sandy, how nice, and thanks for the kind words. It always makes me smile when someone mentions a hint that was learned from my mother’s (the original Heloise, 19191977) column.
HELOISE CLUB WAFFLES Gather the following ingredients: 2 cups biscuit mix 1 egg 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 1/3 cups club soda
In a large bowl, place all the ingredients and mix with a large spoon. Do not overmix! Cook immediately, or the mix will go flat. Delicious waffles are on the way!— Heloise
TEA BALL USES Dear Readers: A recent column asked for hints about other uses for tea balls. Here are just a few:
Marian Ballard, via email, said: “Though I do occasionally use a tea ball, I have two. I fill one with cinnamon or a cinnamon-sugar mixture and have an instant shaker that gives even coverage.” (LOVE IT!—Heloise)
Mark W. in Reading, Pa., wrote: “A couple of other uses for tea balls: Put a couple of garlic cloves in one and suspend in cooking soup for the flavor but not the chunks.
“Tea balls make great scent diffusers. Put a few drops of scented oil on a cotton ball in a tea ball. This can then be placed in drawers, hung in closets or even put in your car.”
All good hints. Keep them coming!—Heloise
EASY OPEN Dear Heloise: When I empty a can of refried beans, I open the can and turn it upside down on a plate or bowl. Then I use a can opener (that makes a “v” shape) to make a hole on the bottom of the can. Lift it up and all the beans come out clean. Same thing works for dog-food cans, etc.—Luis M., Brea, Calif.