Dinner is as advertised
DEAR HELOISE >> Whenever I’m at a loss as to WHAT TO MAKE FOR DINNER, I often turn to the restaurant ads in my local newspaper. Many of them list their weekly and daily specials, and even if I don’t make the exact same dishes, they provide “food for thought.” I enjoy reading your column in the (Hazleton, Pa.) Standard-Speaker. — El in Conyngham, Pa.
DEAR EL >> El, now that’s a creative idea! The ads provide variety and sometimes clever ideas, with combinations of different flavors and textures in foods.
DEAR HELOISE >> What is the best way of storing seasonings after opening them so that they don’t lose their freshness by the time you go to use them again? I keep mine in my cabinet. — Joyce H., Corbin, Va.
DEAR JOYCE H. >> Joyce, first, make certain you have the cap on tightly. Store someplace dark, away from dampness and heat. Many people store their seasonings near the stove, which can, over time, change the seasonings’ flavors and potency.
DEAR HELOISE >> I once had your recipe for Norwegian Meatballs, but I misplaced it. Would you please print that recipe so I can make it for my mother’s birthday party? She’s always loved them, and so do I. — Bianca P., Wilmington, Del.
DEAR BIANCA P. >> Bianca, thank you for the compliment! The Norwegian Meatballs are always a favorite at family/friends gatherings. Here it is: Norwegian Meatballs Season the ground meat with ginger and nutmeg to taste. Form into small meatballs and brown well in butter or margarine. Remove the meatballs from the pan and make a flour gravy from the drippings. Return the meatballs to the gravy and simmer until done. Serve with mashed or boiled potatoes. To make the gravy even more delicious, add a bit of sour cream to it at the very last moment before serving.
WINE, FRUIT OF THE VINE
DEAR HELOISE >> I don’t remember what kinds of wine to serve with different meats. Please help me get it right, because I’m having guests over for dinner on Labor Day, and I’m afraid I’ll look like a country bumpkin. — Patty W., Beaver Crossing, Neb. DEAR PATTY W. >> Patty, the following should help:
Beef: pinot noir, merlot, cabernet or shiraz Pork: chardonnay Chicken: sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, dry riesling, pinot grigio
Lamb: shiraz, merlot or cabernet sauvignon
Fish: chardonnay, pinot grigio, dry riesling
Pasta with red sauce: pinot noir, merlot, cabernet
Pasta with cream sauce: sauvignon blanc
DEAR HELOISE >> I had a difficult time keeping my stuffed peppers upright, so I put them in one of those fluted cake pans to cook. It worked great. — Elaine, via email