HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: We’ve decided to have a party for all of our friends and family. I don’t know how to plan for a nice party of about 50 people. Got any hints for me?

— Laura T., Aspen, Colo. DEAR READER: Do as much as possible ahead of time, and start making lists. If you need help, ask a friend to pitch in, or hire a person to mingle among the guests refilling drinks and making sure the food table is clean and stocked.

Plan your menu: Make a list of everything you intend to serve. Make sure you have enough bowls and serving trays. Do you need to rent seating or tables?

You can have a deli, grocery store or catering company make up platters. A cheese tray, fruit tray, meat tray, etc., is always nice and can save you a lot of time. Relax and have fun.

DEAR HELOISE: I have my grandmother’s old china. It has a few dark spots. Can these be removed?

— Frances J., Portales, N.M. DEAR READER: Try removing the spots with a paste made from a little water and baking soda. In a small, circular motion, rub the spot out. If you find that’s not working, then try a poultice of baking soda and dishwashing soap. Mix together and apply to the dark area for 30 to 60 minutes.

DEAR HELOISE: Please reprint your Angel Biscuits recipe.

— Martha P., Worcester, Mass. DEAR READER: You’ll need:

1 package dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water

21/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

1/8 cup sugar

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup buttermilk

Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet. Let the yeast dissolve in the warm water and set aside. Mix all the dry ingredients together as listed. Cut the shortening into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Stir in the buttermilk and yeast mixture. Thoroughly blend. The dough can be refrigerated or kneaded lightly. (After removing the dough from the refrigerator, it should be allowed to rest at room temperature to to rise.)

Roll the dough out on a floured board. Cut out the biscuits with a biscuit cutter. Place the biscuits in the prepared pan and allow the dough to rise a little before baking. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes.

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

HELOISE