HELOISE Pimientos differ from red bell peppers

Dear Heloise: Something came up a year or so ago. Someone asked about pimientos. Your answer was that they are red bell peppers.
I am sending you samples -- they're green but turn all red when ripe. Walter Snell, Weatherly, Pa.
Walter, thank you for sending those pimiento peppers! Even though they look similar to red bell peppers, the experts say there is definitely a difference. Pimientos are flavorful, heart-shaped sweet peppers that are great for roasting. Because they are harvested around the end of the summer, you are more likely to find these fresh peppers in the produce section of some specialty grocers then. Bottled pimientos can be found in supermarkets year-round.
Did you know? The majority of the pimiento crop is dried and ground into what spice?
A. Chili powder
B. Paprika
C. Tarragon
The answer is ... paprika, a spice commonly sprinkled on deviled eggs and potato salad for added taste and color. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here's a good hint that has worked well for me:
To keep powdered items like iced tea from spilling out of the jar, leave the sealed top under the lid in place. I just cut across it with a sharp knife and only remove a small portion. This way, I can shake out a small amount without the whole jar of powder trying to spill out. Joyce Knake, Via E-mail
Dear Heloise: When you go to pick out a new dishwasher, take along an example of your most-used plate, bowl and drinking glass, and make sure they fit well in the new design you are considering.
I was very disappointed when, after our dishwasher was installed, I realized that my own dishes do not fit very well in the slots -- and now I am stuck with this dishwasher for many years! Debbie Pedersen, Papillion, Neb.
Dear Heloise: I have always cleaned my coffeepot by running some vinegar through the cycle, and while it is "brewing," I put some baking soda into all of my drains.
When the brewing is done, I pour some of the hot vinegar into each drain. I let it sit in the drains for a few minutes and then run some cold water through them. I end up with a clean coffeepot and fresh drains at the same time. John from Oxford, Wis.
Dear Heloise: In the (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal, I read about the lady having trouble putting water in her iron. I use a clean, liquid-dish-soap bottle with a pull-up spout. It works great for me! Betty Roberts, Louisville, Ky.
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate