HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: For fun family and friends times, we like to go picnicking. Here are some hints:
More than one cooler or basket is an absolute must: a cooler for the cold food and drinks, a basket for chips and snack foods, and a basket or tote for accessories (knives and forks, napkins, plates, blankets, games, etc.).
Only cold food goes in the cooler. Don’t expect the cooler to cool foods; refrigerate them the night before, and layer wrapped frozen meats with ice cubes in the cooler. Pack the cooler full to help keep it colder.
Don’t sear or preheat meats at home. Bacteria can grow rapidly on food that is not cooked thoroughly.
Grab those extra condiment packs that have accumulated from trips to quick-serve restaurant.
Hot foods, including vegetables, should be eaten within two hours of preparation.
Don’t forget to have fun. Leave the electronics turned off, and grab a football, deck of cards or board games. Time to make some memories.
— Tracey D. in Alabama
DEAR HELOISE: When I was adopting my dog at the shelter, my adoption counselor reminded me that I am saving two lives: I’m taking home my new family member, and I’m making space in the shelter so they can save another animal. My mantra is: #AdoptDontShop!
— Carrie R. in San Antonio
DEAR HELOISE: I want to keep some of your hints to reference later.
To hold your column until I’m ready to “laminate” (with tape) the front side, I lay the back side of the newspaper column against the sticky side of leakproof sealing wrap. Then I cover the front side of the article with the clear packaging tape.
Now I can cut it out and tape it to the fridge, microwave, a notebook or wherever I want, and it is protected.
— Jackie in California
DEAR HELOISE: There’s no need to slice yourself instead of your bagel. Lay the bagel flat, cut first downward so that you have two semi-circles. Then stand each half-bagel on its flat cut and slice downward again.
Four perfect quarter-bagels that still fit in the toaster. If you then insist on having circles again, just spackle the pieces together with a little extra cream cheese.
— Neil S., Falls Church, Va.