Creative cookies
DEAR HELOISE >> Children love to DECORATE COOKIES, and I found it much easier to have the cookies cut out and put on a prepared cookie sheet ready to decorate. My mini muffin pan is a good place to put individual decorations in the mini receptacles, making them easier to get to. — Gloria H., Monroe, Ohio
DEAR HELOISE >> Please reprint your Vinaigrette Pasta Salad. I absolutely love it, and so does my family. It’s perfect for these warm summer days. — Kyla G., American Fork, Utah
DEAR KYLA G. >> Kyla, thank you. This is one of my all-time favorites. You’ll need: 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper 1 teaspoon fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar, mixing vigorously. Makes 1 cup. Set aside to use shortly.
1 pound fettuccini, cooked, drained, cooled
6 ounces sliced salami, cut into 1/4inch strips
6 ounces sliced cooked ham, cut into 1/4-inch strips
6 ounces thinly sliced, fresh spinach, romaine or escarole
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Combine all ingredients except vinaigrette in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the pasta; toss until wellcoated.
This recipe and many others, like my Unforgettable Coleslaw, are included in my pamphlet Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More! And of course, you’ll also find tons of cleaning and deodorizing hints using my old favorite. To get a copy, send $5, along with a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, long envelope, to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Or you can order it online at Heloise.com. FYI: Did you know you can use vinegar to get rid of odors by boiling a cup of water in a pan on the stove with 2 tablespoons of vinegar added? Add a little cinnamon to make the whole house smell good!
DEAR READERS >> The delicious papaya plant is a tropical fruit packed with nutrients, yet low in calories. It’s also very low in fat and has zero cholesterol, so it’s perfect for dieters. It’s an excellent source of vitamins C and A and is rich in vitamin B complex. Studies have discovered that papayas contain antioxidants, which help reduce cancer risks. This tasty fruit aids digestion and is also used in the manufacturing of several cosmetic and skin products. It’s the fruit you should add to your menu for a healthier lifestyle.
IS MILK SAFE FOR ADULTS?
DEAR HELOISE >> I’ve heard that adults shouldn’t drink milk. My sister-inlaw believes that milk contributes to her allergies. I find this difficult to understand since milk is supposed to be good for us. Is it harmful for adults to drink milk? — Kelly T., Uvalde, Texas
DEAR KELLY T. >> Kelly, although milk is a great source of vitamin D, potassium and calcium, it also contains fat. If a person is lactose-intolerant, he or she might experience gastrointestinal distress, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea.
There is a lot of research that addresses the question of whether adults should consume milk after being weaned. If cow’s milk causes problems for you, try soy milk, almond milk or goat’s milk.