Recipe makes easy, quick ambrosia

Dear Heloise: Would you please print the recipe for Heloise’s Pistachio Ambrosia? I did cut it out, but I lost it. Thank you. Helen, via fax

This is one of our most popular recipes. It’s easy, quick and yummy!

1 (16 ounces) can chunky pineapple

1 (8 ounces) can crushed pineapple

1 small box instant pistachio pudding mix

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

12 to 16 ounces nondairy whipped topping (thawed)

1 cup miniature marshmallows

Combine the cans of pineapple (including the juice) in a medium bowl, sprinkle the pudding mix over the pineapple and let sit for a couple of minutes.

Gently fold in the coconut and nuts, and then blend in the whipped topping and marshmallows. Place in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. Enjoy! Heloise

Dear Heloise: For your coffee recipes, I put the recipe on a 3-by-5-inch label and put the label on the outside of the container the coffee mix is in. I got tired of hunting for the recipe when it was time for a refill. I use empty, well-washed spice containers. Rita Gagnon, Dover, N.H.

This is a great idea. For those of you who don’t have these low-cost ways to make delicious, great coffee recipes such as Mocha or Vienna, you can obtain them by ordering my pamphlet Heloise’s Flavored Coffees and Teas. Just sent $4 and a self-addressed, stamped (61 cents), long envelope to: Hints from Heloise Pamphlets, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. A quick sprinkle of nutmeg will also perk up regular coffee. Heloise

Dear Heloise: What is the shelf life of cornstarch? The container doesn’t have an expiration date on it. What is the best way to store it? Janie Horton, San Antonio

Guess what? As long as cornstarch is kept dry, it has an indefinite shelf life. The best way to store it is in a sealable container, or a sturdy plastic bag. Isn’t that nice to know? Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I make bacon, I save two or three strips, cut them in half and roll each in plastic wrap and freeze. When I make green beans or anything that needs just a piece, I just take one out of the freezer and toss it in! Alyssa Shaw, Columbus, Ohio

Dear Heloise: I once observed an adult as she opened a quart jar of mayonnaise, sniffed into it, closed the lid and replaced the jar back on the shelf! I, for one, would rather struggle to remove seals from containers than purchase a once-opened one that was touched by a stranger’s nose! Shirley Bauer, Black Hawk, S.D.

Oh my gosh! I guess this does give you another perspective on hard-to-remove seals — you do know for sure that the item has not been opened! I hope you made a store worker aware of the situation. Heloise

SBlt Send 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.

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