Cool trick for corn on the cob

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When having a large barbecue, try this hint for cooking corn on the cob. It’s so easy and keeps corn hot all day. Boil a large (soup) pot of water, shuck all the corn, place the corn in a clean cooler and pour the boiling water over it. Now just close the lid for 35-40 minutes. Every time you take out a piece of corn, make sure to close the lid again to keep the remaining corn hot. — Andy K. in Finksburg, Md.

This is a great way to make large amounts of corn without using up space on the grill or on an inside stovetop. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I was growing up, my mother always kept a coffee can under the kitchen sink to collect unwanted bacon fat. When it hardened, she simply threw it in the trash. The worst thing you could have done back then, and presently, is to pour it directly down the sink.

I have found a way to eliminate both the danger of spilling the hot grease into a container and the unwanted smell under the sink. After you fifinish frying the bacon, turn offff the heat and lay three sheets of paper towels in the pan. The paper towels will soak up all the grease. Wait a minute and simply throw all the grease-soaked paper towels into the garbage. Surprisingly, the greasy paper towels cool down quickly, so there is no damage to your trash pail or the plastic lining. — Robert D., via email

I agree — do not ever throw grease of any kind down the sink. However, I would caution that you should always let the grease cool before adding the paper towels, and NEVER pour hot grease into anything. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: While making a pineapple upside-down cake (which called for 1/2-inch slices of fresh pineapple), my husband and I discovered a great hint for coring the slices. My husband was having diffifficulty coring the individual slices, and I suggested he use the small doughnut cutter that comes with a biscuit cutter. The small, round cutter worked perfectly on the pineapple slices, and was just the right size. He was fifinished in no time, and it was much easier than using a paring knife. — Jean D., Omaha, Neb.

Dear Heloise: I just discovered a great cooking hint for folks who are living alone. If you need to pour hot items into a blender, place the blender pitcher in the sink to prevent spillage. My husband wasn’t around when I was making tomato bisque, and I needed to puree the mixture. I read your column every day in The Villages (Fla.) Daily Sun. — Carolyn G., Ocala