Hints From Heloise

Apple Brown Out?

Dear Heloise: I've heard that putting APPLE SLICES IN BAKING SODA will keep them from turning brown. Is this true? I have baking soda on hand at all times. I'd rather use that instead of purchasing lemon juice when needed. -- Tracy, via e-mail

Tracy, baking soda will not keep apples from turning brown, as far as I know. The best thing to use is any citrus juice -- lemon, lime or even orange juice -- which most of us have on hand. The acid in these juices stops the oxidization.

Apples aren't the only things that turn brown once cut -- pears, bananas, peaches and potatoes also do. You can simply put the slices in water until you need them.

Baking soda does have a multitude of other uses around the home. It's a cheap and effective cleaner and deodorizer. For many money-saving hints and some recipes, please send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. To keep the garbage disposal smelling fresh, put a couple of tablespoons of baking soda down the drain once a week. -- Heloise

OATMEAL ADDITIONS

Dear Readers: Hot oatmeal is wonderful on a cold morning! Here are some additions to consider: Add chopped nuts, chocolate or butterscotch chips, fresh or dried fruit (chopped), molasses or even a spoonful of your favorite jam. -- Heloise

POTATO SALAD

Dear Heloise: I have enjoyed your articles for many years and have used so many of your hints and recipes. I started to make potato salad a few nights ago. Instead of boiling the potatoes, I put them in my microwave for about 12 minutes (time may vary with your microwave -- Heloise), turning them once. I took them out, let them cool, and the peel came right off. I added the eggs, pickles, etc., and presto - delicious potato salad. No more messy pans for making potato salad. -- Wava Patterson, Cleveland, Tenn.

Good idea! This is a good way to preserve the nutrients, too! -- Heloise

MUFFIN CUPS

Dear Heloise: I save the plastic containers that muffin cups come in. I put baked muffins in them so they don't get smashed by the other things in my lunch bag. -- Peggy Raiche, Colorado Springs, Colo.

HANDY BLENDER

Dear Heloise: I read your column daily and appreciate all the useful hints. Here is a timesaving hint that will help when frying hamburger for chili or sloppy Joes, etc.: Use a pastry blender while frying hamburger to keep it from "clumping" or staying together in large chunks. -- Lonnie Blasko, Warren, Ohio

SHRIMP SCRAPS

Dear Heloise: I have found that clean paper coffee filters make great "bowls" to hold the shells when eating shrimp. I give each person his or her own filter, and this makes the cleanup oh so quick and easy. I put the filters in a plastic bag from a newspaper and freeze until trash day. -- Ruth S., Rockport, Texas

(c)2009 by King Features Syndicate Inc.