Open a few cans and you have soup

DEAR MELBA: Here’s a soup recipe I made up one day when I wanted soup but wanted something different but easy. berry sauce in a can, crushed pineapple and a can of Coke or Dr Pepper.

Sue Mikawa, Oklahoma City DEAR MELBA: We lived in Arizona a number of years and our family enjoyed Prickly Pear jelly there and now here.

Harvest the buds using barbecue tongs and Bluette gloves. Wearing gloves, rub the small thorns off while in water.

They’re not difficult to remove. Cut the fruit in half lengthwise and scrape out the pulp with a spoon. Add water to cover and boil 20 minutes. I do this late in the day and let the pot set overnight.

Next day, extract the juice. Mix 3 cups juice, cup lemon juice and a packet of pectin in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then add 5 cups sugar. Put in a pat of margarine now to keep the foam down. Boil two minutes, then remove from heat. Skim remaining foam. Ladle syrup into hot jelly jars within inch of rim; use two-piece seals. I let hot water sit in the jars until ready to fill. Invert for five minutes, then turn upright. Makes about 5 or 6 (8-ounces) of jelly. About 20 large fruit will make three cups of juice. Virginia Flesher Reid,

Elk City DEAR MELBA: Here’s a church sign readers might like: Free trip to Heaven. Details Inside.

M.C., Midwest City DEAR MELBA: I read this and thought readers might enjoy it: If you’re not a Christian, you’re like a pencil that has never been sharpened — there’s no point. Clayton Springer,

Midwest City DEAR MELBA: I am now my parents’ caregiver. I found several old 4and-5-inch tube cake pans, fluted tube, spring form, etc. I remember these as a kid but have no recipes. I know they should be special for these pans. Can anyone help me with recipes?

Suzi Steed, Oklahoma City DEAR MELBA: Does anyone know where one might find Egyptian, Walking or Winter onions? Pat Sapp, Oklahoma City DEAR MELBA: Tell readers looking for Rex jelly that it can be ordered by calling (931) 242-9124 or emailing mamajscabin@ yahoo.com.

Jeanette Pope DEAR MELBA: Please tell readers discarding plastic prescription bottles that they should be put in the plastic recycling bin, not the Dumpster. Like water bottles, they do not deteriorate and our landfills don’t need the additional millions of vials that are thrown away each month.

Leah Mckellar, Ardmore If you have a problem other readers might help solve or an idea you’d like to share, write to Melba’s Swap Shop, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Please include your name and address.