Brown sugar
Dear Heloise: In response to preventing brown sugar from getting hard -- I have always used brown sugar for many years and in many recipes, and I know it has a tendency to “get hard.” A simple remedy is to put just about 1/4 of a slice of bread in the sack of sugar. Works like a charm!
This also works for molasses cookies if or when they turn hard. -- Lodyce B., Humboldt, Iowa SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise P.O. Box 795001 San Antonio, TX 78279-5001 Fax: 1-210-HELOISE
Email: Heloise@heloise.com
VINEGAR HINTS
Dear Heloise: I want one of your vinegar pamphlets! My sister has one, and she uses it all the time to bake with and clean her house. She said it was inexpensive and a real life saver. So please tell me how much it costs, and where do I get one? -- Lacy R., via email
Lacy, thank you for your sweet letter. Vinegar truly is a life saver around the home. To get a copy, just go to www.heloise.com or send $5, along with a stamped (84 cents), self-addressed long envelope to: Heloise/vinegar, PO Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. This is one of my most popular pamphlets, and people even buy them to hand out at bridal showers or as stocking stuffers at Christmas. -Heloise
VITAMINS
Dear Heloise: My husband takes his vitamins faithfully every day, and now he’s urging me to do the same. I’m just wondering whether or not it actually is necessary to take vitamins. We eat a fairly healthy diet of chicken or fish (no red meat), fruits and veggies, but I admit, we both love sweets! Got any hints on whether or not people should take vitamins? -- Callie F., St Lewis, Missouri
Callie, before anyone takes vitamins, they should check with their doctor. You could be taking too much of one vitamin, but not enough of a vitamin that your body needs. A simple blood test will determine your state of health.
With so many people staying indoors during this record-breaking hot spell, you may not be getting enough vitamin D, but there’s no way to know unless you see a physician and take his or her advice. -- Heloise