Pass the cucumber please

My husband asked me to stop putting cucumbers in salads because he claims that they mostly contain water without any nutritional value. Is this true?

— Emily S., Little Rock,

Arkansas

Your husband is mistaken. Cucumbers contain antioxidants and help hydrate the body. They're low in calories, but high in vitamin K. They contain an anti-inflammatory agent called fisetin, which helps keep our brains healthy. Eat all the cucumbers you want.

DEAR HELOISE ❯❯ In one of your previous columns, I read a recipe for a beef marinade that sounded absolutely delicious. I'd love to try it out on the grill this summer. The only thing is, I haven't seen that recipe in a while, so would you please reprint that for me? This time, I'll make sure to keep the newspaper clippings.

— Michael R., Miami,

Florida

DEAR MICHAEL ❯❯ Not a problem! Here it is. Remember to marinate in the refrigerator to keep bacteria growth down and to never use a marinade more than once to prevent cross-contamination. Throw out the marinade after each use. Enjoy!

Marinade for beef INGREDIENTS

1cup dry red or white wine 1/4 cup cider vinegar

1 cup salad oil

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon tarragon

1 bay leaf, crushed into small pieces

1/2 teaspoon thyme or marjoram

1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped

PROCEDURE

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and use as you would a commercial marinade.

If you like ideas that make your dinners special, you'll love my pamphlet “Heloise's Seasonings, Sauces and Substitutes.”

To get a copy, go to Heloise.com or send $3, along with a stamped, self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Seasonings, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279- 5001.

Please let Eloise G., from Windsor, Connecticut, know that she can purchase “toaster tongs” for her bagels and toaster. I just bought a set of two for a friend after watching her burn her fingers trying to get a bagel out of the toaster. Love your advice!

— Ellie G., Woodland Hills

I stumbled on a clever way to get dents out of plastic containers like milk jugs. I had tried to blow into the jug, but I did not have enough wind force to get the dent out. So, a jug that was already filled with water was able to provide the added force, along with my blowing, to remove the ding! I surmise that this idea of “added force” could be done using sand, beads, etc., for other applicable items and situations.

— Dale, Dayton, Ohio

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