HELOISE Reader says dishwasher hint is worth repeating

Dear Heloise: A long time ago, I read a great hint in your column. I think you should run it again for younger readers or people who might have missed it. It was the one about filling the dishwasher detergent cup right away after unloading the clean dishes. The closed cup is a quick signal that any dishes in the dishwasher are dirty, and the open cup signals that the dishes are clean. Everyone in the household knows the signals and is more cooperative about loading and unloading without being asked. M.J., Via E-mail
This is an oldie and a goodie. One note, though: If you don't plan on washing the dishes that day, it's not recommended to put powdered detergent in the cup. It might harden or lump (especially in high-humidity areas), and it won't dissolve correctly, which means you will have to rewash the dishes or even hand-wash them. Heloise
Dear Readers: If you are a coffee lover, then I'm sure you'll want to know just how leading coffee manufacturers suggest making the perfect cup of coffee. First, start with a clean coffee maker, add cold, fresh water and then be sure to measure the correct amount per cup. Store the coffee in an airtight and solid container so no light or air can affect the ground coffee or beans. This will help preserve the aroma and keep the coffee fresh. For more coffee facts, hints and recipes, send for my four-page pamphlet, Heloise's Flavored Coffees and Teas. To receive a copy, please send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/CT, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279. Doesn't a glass of iced coffee sound delicious? For a unique blend, add a dash of vanilla or butterscotch and freeze leftover coffee to use as ice cubes in your iced coffee. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here is a hint that I think is one of the best ever because I use something I would otherwise discard. It saves money and helps the environment. The hint is to use the liners from cereal boxes. I have used them for storage in cupboards and the refrigerator, as trash bags in the car, for ripening fruit and even in the garden to hold small starter plants. Since they are virtually waterproof and stronger than most purchased plastic bags, there are many uses. Lizz, Anamosa, Iowa
Here are two good food hints from B.C. of Huntsville, Ala.:
UWhen creaming butter and sugar, add a little of the egg that is called for in the recipe, and the mixture won't adhere to the beaters as much.
UFor dieters: For no-fat salad dressing, spray salad with lemon or garlic-flavored no-stick spray and a few drops of vinegar of your choice.
Dear Heloise: I made my own croutons by cutting day-old bread into cubes. Then I brushed them lightly with some vegetable oil. I placed them on a shallow baking dish and baked at 300 degrees for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, I gave them a quick stir to be sure they were cooking evenly. They were delicious -- give them a try. Jeanette from Jersey
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