The attributes of almond milk

Dear Readers: Have you seen almond milk in the refrigerated case? Here’s the scoop: Cholesterol-, gluten- and lactose-free, almond milk is a sweet and nut - f l a - vo r ed a l te r n a - tive to d a i r y milk.

Original almond milk has about 60 calories per cup, and it’s pasteurized just like regular milk, which means it’s heat-treated to kill bacteria.

Almond milk is LOW in protein (1.5 grams per cup, compared with almost 8 grams per cup for cow’s milk). This makes almond milk not appropriate for infant formula.

Almond milk is plantbased, just like soy milk. Suitable over cereal, in smoothies and as a base for dressings, these drinks are becoming more popular today. Next time you’re at the dairy case, check out almond milk!— Heloise

SHE MADE IT! Dear Heloise:

I have read your and your mom’s columns in my hometown newspaper, The (Youngstown, Ohio) Vindicator, all of my life! I would love to be in your column—it’s on my bucket list! Here are my hints:

1) I put the amount of onions I’ll use the next day in plastic bags in the refrigerator, and no tears when I chop them! Also, I never start cutting at the root end.

2) To avoid spills, I keep various-shaped reusable plastic lids in the refrigerator to cover containers holding small amounts of food or drink. No need to hunt for a top!

—Margaret F., Youngstown, Ohio

GREAT GRIP Dear Heloise:

The plasticitems such as cottage cheese are hard to open; therefore, I keep a pair of pliers within easy reach.— Shirley H., via email

EASY RELEASE Dear Heloise:

When I’m done using rubber gloves for washing dishes or cleaning, before I take them off, I run my hands under cold water. It cools my hands down, and the gloves come off easily.— Debbie A., via email

HINT FROM HIM Dear Heloise:

I’ve discovered a new use for the compressed-gas dusters intended for keeping the computer keyboard dust-free: They work great on vinyl records, getting the finest of dust particles out of the smallest of grooves! There’s no residue, and it’s quick and easy.—George W., Colorado Springs, Colo.