HELOISE Staff offers favorite kitchen hints

Dear Readers: We took a poll in our office (Heloise Central), and here are some of our favorite kitchen or food hints:
UBrucette says, "Keep your flour sifter in a plastic bag so it won't attract moisture, and simply store it in a handy cupboard."
UPinkie says, "For a delicious, low-calorie anytime snack, freeze grapes and cherries."
UJanie says, "Leave your computer-generated grocery list on the kitchen counter or put it on the refrigerator, and circle items as needed as you prepare the week's meals."
UJoyce says, "To find the beginning of plastic wrap, simply put tape around two fingers, sticky-side out, and tap the roll until the edge lifts up."
ULeslie says, "For stubborn jar lids, I put on a rubber glove to get a better grip."
URuth says, "For those with busy schedules, set up your coffeepot the night before so all you need to do when you wake up is push a button and wait a few minutes with cup in hand."
Me? Sooo many, but here are two:
UPut leftovers in clear containers and on a shelf in the refrigerator that is at eye level or at least known as the & quot;leftover shelf. & quot;
UA touch of red will make most any plate look better. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I recently read your column in The Indianapolis Star about the best deviled eggs. Since I do not like mayonnaise or mustard, I use my favorite barbecue sauce. Top with a celery leaf -- good eating, and eye-catching. C. Detwiler, Via E-mail
And here's another comment from M. Lloyd of Jonestown, Pa.: "Thought your readers might like this tip I use frequently for no-fuss or no-mess deviled eggs:
"Make your favorite recipe, but cut the eggs across the middle (widthwise), the way they stand in the carton. Reuse your egg carton only after lining it with plastic wrap, and then place one egg half in each compartment. The eggs can be filled right in the carton. Then fold the plastic wrap over the tops of the eggs before closing the lid. So simple, and you're good to go to potlucks, tailgate parties, picnics, etc.
"No more trying to retrieve your dish -- just throw the empty carton in the trash. Also works well for home use if you do not have a special dish or have too many eggs for larger gatherings. Keep several empty cartons on hand, as you will need two for a dozen eggs."
Well, this sounds like a no-cleanup hint, too! Love it. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When you freeze tortillas so that they will keep longer than a week, they freeze together into one solid block and cannot be used individually. To freeze them individually, open the package and rotate each tortilla a quarter turn so that they are no longer tightly compressed together. Then freeze, and you can easily pry off one tortilla at a time during a period of many weeks. Kee Nethery, Berkeley, Calif.
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