HELOISE For best results, squeeze mustard over the sink

Dear Heloise: I have found that no matter how hard I shake the mustard bottle, that watery substance always comes out before the mustard. My solution is to hold the mustard over the kitchen sink, squeeze the bottle until the mustard comes out, and then apply it to my hot dog, hamburger, what have you. Gerry Merkle, Columbia, S.C.
Gerry, I agree with you! When I called to chat with you, it was nice to hear that you read the column daily in The State newspaper.
Readers, many people think Heloise's Hints are only for "housewives" or homemakers and women. Gerry is one of the millions of men and college students (of both genders) who read this column. It's not just household hints anymore -- it's lifestyle hints and more! Your friend and hintologist, Heloise
Dear Readers: If it's been awhile since you've given your refrigerator a good once-over, read on. Refrigerators are designed to keep food from spoiling, but yours could be harboring some unwanted bacteria that might make you sick! So, take a moment to check things out:
UFirst, take your refrigerator's temperature. It should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
UNext, check the freezer -- you want the "icebox" temperature to be zero degrees.
UWhile you're looking around, go ahead and toss out mystery foods. Don't do a taste test to see if things are still good. Most harmful bacteria can't be tasted or smelled. The best rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
UYou can clean and help deodorize the fridge by wiping down refrigerator shelves every few weeks. Using a soft, clean cloth, wash surfaces with 2 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water, rinse and dry. Did you know that baking soda will help your dog be odor-free, clean a bathtub and help keep tennis shoes from stinking? For a six-page pamphlet packed with quick, money-saving hints, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. And did you know that baking soda has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place? So, take a hint from your friend here: Stock up when it's on sale, and put a box in every room of the house! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I bring "pop open" cans of soup for my lunch at work. I stumbled onto a cool way to eliminate some of the fat. Since I use plastic spoons, I found that the yellow globs of fat stick to the spoon (before pouring from the can) and can be wiped off onto a paper napkin. This method gets the most fat off, so it's healthier. Al, via e-mail
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