HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: My grandmother has some walnuts that have been in her freezer since 1976. She said that nuts are good forever if frozen. Is this true? If not, how long will shelled nuts keep in the freezer?
— L. S., Cabot
DEAR READER: Nuts cannot last that long, even in the freezer. Shelled nuts, stored in an airtight container or freezer zipper- top bag, can last a year or two.
DEAR HELOISE: To avoid burnt- bottomed cookies, heat the oven to 5 degrees higher than needed. Then adjust down to the correct temperature after putting the cookies in. That way, the heating element won’t come on, even with the temperature drop due to opening the door. — Katherine T., Perryville DEAR READER: As long as you remember to lower the temp. Generally, opening the door for long enough to put in a pan of cookies should not lower the temp that much.
DEAR HELOISE: At a buffet table, I watched as nearly everyone who wanted a grape or two held the bunch and pulled one or more free, often getting the stem as well. In the process, of course, they also deposited some of their hand germs on other grapes in the bunch.
Am I one of just a few who have discovered that by giving your selected grape a slight twist, it will come away from the bunch with ease and never a stem?
— Jane A., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint for using those pretty popcorn cans after Christmas. I have several in my pantry: One with extra bags of brown, white and powdered sugar; one with bags of noodles, rice and miniature marshmallows; one with chips or other snacks; and one with cat- and dog treats. The cans keep the food fresh and away from ants or other bugs.
— Mary S., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: My hand mixer came with a set of dough hooks. I inserted the hooks into a jar of almond butter and “kneaded” on low speed for less than two minutes. Done! The hooks are just long enough to reach the bottom of the jar and did a great job. I transfer the butter to several smaller containers ( small canning jars are perfect), so stirring by hand is manageable when the oil separates again.
— Carolyn in Alabama