Lumpy garlic I hate breakfast. I simply cannot work up an appetite in the morning, and yet all I ever hear is how important breakfast is. To me, a cup of coffee is enough. However, by mid-morning I’m hungry and usually end up munching on junk food. Any h

DEAR HELOISE >> To keep garlic or onion powder from clumping, store in the refrigerator. Years of working in commercial kitchens taught me this useful hint.

- John L., Bethlehem, Conn.

DEAR HELOISE >> To clean a microwave oven, dampen a paper towel or a dish cloth. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about a minute. Carefully use the hot towel to clean the inside of your microwave.

- Isiah B., Suncook, N.H.

DEAR HELOISE >> I had a pamphlet of ideas for uses of baking soda, but it has disappeared! I think my daughter might have taken it when she moved to her own place. How can I get this useful pamphlet again? It had so many great ideas for uses with baking soda, but I don’t remember all of them, and I miss the recipes, especially for the Pumpkin Bread. How can I get another pamphlet?

- Courtney L., Butte, Mont.

DEAR HELOISE >> I hate breakfast. I simply cannot work up an appetite in the morning, and yet all I ever hear is how important breakfast is. To me, a cup of coffee is enough. However, by mid-morning I’m hungry and usually end up munching on junk food. Any hint on how to combat this habit?

- Brianna, Dallas

DEAR HELOISE >> I found that using pretty, lightweight dish towels is far more effective than napkins. I found some very attractive ones in a dollar store and used them for our last summer barbecue and again at a family gathering. They’re larger than napkins, and I found they are more absorbent, too. Everyone liked them better than a napkin that hardly covers a person’s lap.

- June H., Anderson, S.C.

DEAR HELOISE >> Do you have a pamphlet on dieting? I need to lose about 40 pounds.

- Helen G., Jonesboro, Ark.

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@ Heloise.com.