HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: A mango is a fiber-rich, nutrient-filled tropical fruit that is an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C and vitamin E. Mangoes also contain a small amount of copper, which is vital in the production of red blood cells. According to recent studies, it’s believed that mangoes help to protect against breast, colon and prostate cancers.

If you haven’t done it before, give mangoes a try.

DEAR HELOISE: I love your Chicken Tortilla Soup, but I lost the recipe. Could you re-print it for me and anyone else who loves a nice, hearty soup?

— Mercy S., Oregon DEAR READER: This recipe is so popular that I have included it in my pamphlet Heloise’s Spectacular Soups. Here it is:

Chicken Tortilla Soup

12 corn tortillas

½ cup olive oil

2 onions, chopped

½ cup tomato puree

4 quarts rich chicken stock 2 cups cooked chicken, diced 2 tablespoons chopped

cilantro

Dash each of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Cut the tortillas into strips and fry in oil over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Saute the onions in oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat until tender. Add the tomato puree and chicken stock. Add the chicken, cilantro and tortillas. Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper and Parmesan cheese.

If you need to thicken a soup, add instant mashed potatoes, a little at a time.

DEAR HELOISE: My aluminum pots have discolored or grown very dull. How can I shine them?

— Vickie A., Storrs, Conn. DEAR READER: I would suggest a commercial cleaner made especially for aluminum, but do not use any cleaner that contains ammonia. It will pit the aluminum.

DEAR HELOISE: When I got a new dishwasher, I still had a dish drainer that was as good as new. Instead of throwing it out, I repurposed it and now use it to store my pot lids. No more climbing into the cupboard to find the correct lid for my pots.

— Merrian C., Utah

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com