Living lettuce

Dear Readers: Have you seen the hydroponically grown LIVING LETTUCES that are sold in plastic, clamshell containers? I just love them! It is amazing how long these lettuces last! The container is designed to be a mini-greenhouse, which is what helps make the product last. The lettuce still has its roots attached, and it sits in a small amount of nutrient-rich liquid. When ready to eat, just take off the number of leaves needed, rinse and eat. -- Heloise

Here’s another lettuce hint:

LETTUCE WRAP

Dear Heloise: I enjoy your column in The (Monroe, La.) News-Star. Before cutting a wedge from a head of lettuce, I remove one large outer leaf. Then I place this leaf over the cut surface like a bandage before wrapping it and putting it in the refrigerator. It greatly reduces the browning of the cut edges. -- Gayle M., Monroe, La.

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 210-HELOISE

E-mail:

EASIER DEVILED EGGS

Dear Heloise: Here is my recipe for easy deviled eggs: Cut peeled, hard-boiled eggs in half. Make a topping of mayonnaise, mustard and any other condiments you would like. Spread this mixture on top of the cut eggs. You may add olive slices on top, minced parsley, etc. -- Elaine W., Harrisburg, Pa.

Deviled eggs are delicious! They are so popular, and this is a clever shortcut, with a fun twist, to making them. Love it! -- Heloise

FROZEN GARBAGE

Dear Heloise: When cooking or baking something that requires eggs, I hate throwing the shells in the garbage can, especially if pickup isn’t for a few days. I take the shells or any offensive-smelling object and put it in a plastic bag, like one the newspaper comes in, and stick it in the door of the freezer. On garbage day, I just open the freezer door and throw out the plastic bag. This works well with shellfish, too. The only trouble is that you have to remember to throw it out! -- Judy B., Hobe Sound, Fla.

BAKING HINTS

Dear Heloise: Your hints have simplified my life in so many ways! Here are two of my favorite baking hints:

First, I use an ice-cream scoop with a scraper for placing cupcake batter in liners. This ensures that every cupcake is the same size, and it makes the process mess-free.

My second hint comes in handy when making brownies. I scoop the brownie batter into cupcake liners for bite-size brownies. This is a great hint for anyone needing a dessert for a potluck dinner. -- Holly in Austin, Tex.

KEEPING CRUMBS

Dear Heloise: I keep a covered container of crushed soda crackers. It is so quick to put some in a bowl of soup, and it eliminates cracker crumbs. This is especially helpful when you’re serving small children. -- L.H., Rapid City, S.D.

ADDED FLAVOR

Dear Heloise: My brother-in-law has enjoyed flavoring his hot tea with candy instead of sugar, such as lemon drops, orange slices and spice drops. -- Susan M. in Indiana

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate