A solution to a messy situation

Dear Heloise: Years ago, when I was very young, my mother would collect grease in an old, empty coffee can. She never threw it down the sink drain because my dad was a plumber and told her to not to clog the drain with grease.

Today, when I fry anything and there is leftover grease, I use paper towels to soak up the grease while it’s still in the pan. Then I place the greasy paper towels in the trash. At least this way I don’t have to worry about clogging my drains. — Amy M., Ocala, Florida

Generic Cream Soup

Dear Heloise: You had a generic cream soup recipe that I loved! I’d usually add leftover chicken, celery, onions and carrots chopped very fine to add flavor and color. Sadly, I lost the recipe for the cream soup. Would you please reprint it for me and others who love a cream soup as much as I do? — Claudia F., Gorham, Maine

Claudia, I love this recipe, too! It’s so easy to make, and I make it often in chilly weather. You’ll need:

1 cup nonfat milk powder

1 tablespoon dried onion flakes

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. To make soup base, add 2 cups cold water to the mix in a large saucepan and stir CONSTANTLY over medium heat until thick. You can use this base to make any flavor of cream soup. Just add your main ingredients to the mix, such as mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli, celery or chicken, and cook for a few minutes longer. This makes about 4 to 6 cups of soup, depending on what you toss in.

There’s nothing like a meal of hot soup, salad and warm bread on a cold day! — Heloise

Refrigerator Ceaning

Dear Heloise: I’ve found one of the best ways to keep my refrigerator clean. The night before trash pick-up, I go through each shelf and throw out items that need to go in the garbage. This way, everything stays nice in my fridge! — Connie L., Tustin, California