Dear Eloise: I’m an old grandpa (I prefer grandpa to “grandpa”) and have read your mother’s column for years. I was thrilled when you took over. You are almost like family to me. I have been living alone for over 25 years. During that time, I became a pretty good cook.
About a year ago, I expanded my repertoire to include bread making. Among the simple items I loved to bake were cookies, especially for his three grandchildren. A few months ago I thought, “Why do we always use die-cutting dies?”
I used a pizza cutter to make my own shapes. It worked perfectly! I have a granddaughter who is going to college next year and she wants me to send her some cookies. Not only is this easier to shape, but it can be cut to fit in the shipping box you normally use, allowing you to bake a number of medium-sized square cookies.
This has made packing more efficient and safer (less broken cookies), plus my granddaughter is happier.
— Grandfather’s cutting
cookie rag,
Omaha, Nebraska
Dear HELOISE: Here are some really simple tips that have made my life a little easier.
First, I often see people struggling to open skimpy produce bags at the grocery store. Eh! When heading to the store, grab a wet wipe from your car or in front of the store and wet your fingers. From there, touch the cilantro you bought and wet your finger before opening the next plastic storage bag.
Then it’s a pretty easy way to put rubber bands of different sizes into your kitchen junk drawer. Tie a string to a large safety pin. You can easily remove and refasten the desired size pin. Heloise, thank you for your useful tips and great recipes. nice to meet you.
— Cheryl Odgers
nice view
Dear HELOISE: DO NOT BUY A NEW BAND IF YOUR WATCH BAND LOOP IS BROKEN. First Aid: Remove the floss and use food coloring to dye it the color of the band. Then wrap the floss around the band several times to create a loop. Secure the knot with clear nail polish.
— G. Thorsell, Kansas
Dear Eloise: First put the fruit in a bowl. Add milk. Then add the cereal. You can eat crispy while reading Heloise.
— Pat Chaffin, via email
Send your money and time-saving tips to Heloise, PO Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000. Fax it to (210) 435-6473.or email
[email protected]
