HELOISE Simple test solves baking-powder problem

Dear Heloise: I've got a problem! Sometimes my cookies, muffins, cakes and biscuits do not rise enough. I was told that there is a test for checking the freshness of baking powder. I tried this and was surprised that there were no bubbles. What do I do now? Ramona in Texas
Ramona, be sure that the water you used to test the baking powder was hot tap water and not just tepid or cold. The temperature of the water could be the reason for the lack of bubbles.
For those who are not familiar with this baking-powder freshness test, just add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to 1/4 cup of hot tap water. The more bubbles, the fresher the baking powder -- it's that simple. And remember, not-so-fresh baking powder will produce not-so-good results in baking. Heloise
Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax: 210-HELOISE; E-mail: Heloise(at)Heloise.com.
Dear Heloise: Baking powder comes in an airtight can, while baking soda comes in a box. I have no problem with that, except that it is hard to measure from the box. Also, the soda box is not sealed tightly unless you overwrap with a plastic bag. I now have taken the label off an empty baking-powder can, filled the can with soda, made a label and store it like that. Shirley in Louisiana
I agree about the box of baking soda! An empty Parmesan container works, too! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I recently read about uses for potato-chip tubes. I am pleased to add this hint: My two sons live across the country, and they love my chocolate chip cookies. I always ran into the dilemma of how to ship them so they arrived fresh and intact.
I now use a cookie-dough scoop to make them uniform and round. After cooling, I gently put them into the potato-chip tube. I fill two or three tubes, tape the lids on securely and mail them in padded envelopes. Sometimes I use extra bubbled plastic and mail them in a box.
I haven't heard a complaint yet! Carolyn in California
Dear Readers: Have you ever tried a mangosteen, and do you even know what it is? This is a delicious tropical fruit that can be found in the produce section of your grocery store. To give one a try, cut off the red rind and enjoy the juicy segments inside. One note: The sap from the fruit might permanently stain clothing or anything it comes into contact with, so use care when peeling. It is called the & quot;queen of fruits, & quot; so treat yourself like royalty. Heloise
Dear Heloise: We recycle but found we were having to go to the recycling center fairly often. I now have cut down on those trips by cutting both ends of cans out, putting the lids inside and crushing them by stepping on them. Also, crushing plastic bottles and containers leaves more space in the bin. Barbara from Missouri
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate