HELOISE Remedy takes 'canned' taste out of seafood

Dear Heloise: I make cream crab on toast. It is a recipe passed down from my grandma. I haven't been able to find fresh crabmeat in my part of the world, so I'm hoping you can help me with canned crabmeat.
How do you get the canned taste out of the meat? It just doesn't taste the same as fresh. I know you've had hints about canned fish, but I can't remember your answer. Help! Susie, Via E-mail
This "remedy" is actually for canned shrimp, but it should work just as well for canned crab.
Rinse the canned crab with plenty of cold water. Next, soak for about 15 minutes in a mixture of 2 tablespoons white vinegar and a splash of sherry. Rinse well, and the canned taste should be gone. Vinegar has a multitude of uses in the kitchen and in cooking. For other great ways to use it, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. You can also use vinegar to remove the discoloration from aluminum pots and pans. Just put 1 cup of vinegar followed by 1 cup of water into the pot or pan and let boil for several minutes. When you notice the stain is gone, pour the solution out and then wash and rinse as usual. Voil & aacute; -- shiny again! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Whenever I have leftover tortellini or ravioli, I save it and add it to soup that I am cooking. It adds a delicious flavor, and I use up the leftovers. Just remember to add the ravioli last, because if it's cooked too long, it will fall apart and just be absorbed into the soup. Marty in Oklahoma
Dear Heloise: I love cooking on my new indoor tabletop grill, but found cleaning it very difficult and time-consuming. Finally, I hit upon an easy cleanup tip. Immediately after removing the food, fold several paper towels and, while the grill is still warm, moisten them to almost dripping and lay the towels on the surface (being extremely careful not to get burned by the steam), then close the lid. The residue on the grill softens while you are eating and then is easily wiped off. The only cautions: Be sure the grill is unplugged, and be mindful of the steam that will escape when laying the paper towels on the surface of the grill. Terri Hines, Bentonville, Ark.
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