Times for freezing

DEAR HELOISE >> Would you please repeat the storage times for some common FROZEN FOODS? I misplaced the clipping I had with that information. — Emma F., Hot Springs, Ark.

DEAR EMMA F. >> Emma, here are some times for you:

Beef (roasts and steaks): six to 12 months.

Beef (ground): three to four months. Chicken parts: nine months. Fish (cooked): three months. Ham: one month. Lamb: six to nine months. Shrimp (in the shell): six to 12 months.

Vegetables: eight months.

DEAR HELOISE >> Could you please duplicate the recipe for Irish Cake? My daughter made it, and it was delicious. It had raisins and caraway seeds! — Dorothy K., Middletown, N.J.

DEAR DOROTHY K. >> Dorothy, I think you mean “Irish Bread,” which you’ll find in my book “In the Kitchen With Heloise.” It’s been a family favorite for two generations because it not only tastes great, it’s easy to make. You’ll need: 1 cup prepared biscuit mix ¼ cup raisins 1 teaspoon caraway seeds ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk Butter (for serving) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Mix together all the ingredients (except the butter) quickly and lightly, and put in a well-greased 6-inch skillet. Bake about 12-15 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve quickly with lots of butter. for your readers: One Christmas Eve morning a couple of years ago, I turned on the oven to bake another pan of cookies. There was an explosion. The heating element had broken, and flames filled the oven. I turned the oven off, leaving the door closed. I also unplugged the oven and turned off the circuit breaker. Just think how dangerous that would have been if the stove had been unattended. — Marian D., Fort Wayne, Ind.

DEAR MARIAN D. >> Marian, unfortunately, we have received letters from readers who left the house while an appliance was in use and it caught on fire. If you’re using a dryer, dishwasher or any appliance, turn it off before leaving the house. Blow out any burning candles, too!

DEAR HELOISE >> My sister-in-law is coming for a visit, and she is a vegan. No meat, no dairy, no eggs for the entire time she is here. She is very picky about what she eats. How on earth am I going to feed this person? We eat all the things she shuns. Any hints on what to serve? — Connie W., Tucson, Ariz.

DEAR CONNIE W. >> Connie, you might want to check out some vegan cookbooks from the library or look online. You’ll find recipes that everyone can enjoy. You can always serve a salad with meals, which is a healthy addition to any lunch or dinner. Fruit and nuts make a nice dessert. Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@ Heloise.com.