Thread or floss can cut cheesecake

Dear Heloise: Can you tell me some way to cut a cheesecake without it sticking to the knife? I’ve tried everything. Your response will be greatly appreciated. Fae M., Neosho, Mo.

Yes, I can! The longtime Heloise hint for slicing angel food cake or cheesecake is to use a piece of sewing thread or unflavored dental floss. It really works! Just cut off a strand about 1 foot long and hold it tautly in both hands. Slice it downward and pull through the cake.

The other hint is to clean the blade in cold water, wipe dry and then cut. This helps prevent a sticky buildup. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Another great thing to add to your coffee is honey and cinnamon. It is very good. I have even added a tablespoon of peanut butter to my coffee, and it’s yummy! Virginia Whatts, via e-mail

I thought I was the only one who added a spoonful of peanut butter to hot coffee! Heloise

Dear Heloise: Just a friendly reminder for cooks to always turn the handles on their pans in. It can prevent children from grabbing them and also anyone close to the stove from brushing up against a handle and spilling the contents on them. Carolyn S., via e-mail

Dear Readers: Many of you have written asking what is the best way to store cheese to keep it from molding. Here are a few hints for keeping cheese fresh:

• Wrap the cheese in a paper towel that has been sprinkled with white vinegar. Be sure the cheese is completely covered, then store in a self-sealing plastic bag in the refrigerator.

• Place a few sugar cubes in a plastic bag with the cheese. Seal the bag. The cubes will need to be replaced every few days because they absorb the moisture from the cheese, which is what causes the mold.

• Cheese may be stored in the freezer. Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, etc., tend to freeze better than the soft cheeses such as feta, etc.

• Natural cheese that is wrapped correctly (airtight container) will remain fresh for one or two months in the fridge.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I noticed the lady’s comment about having lots of crackers go stale, which she then threw out. I had that problem for years until a friend recently taught me to store my crackers in the freezer! Haven’t had to throw out a cracker since, and I have saved lots of money. Sharon, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When preparing a recipe for baking or cooking, I place all the ingredients on the left side of my work area. When an item is used, I put that item on the right side. When I am finished, I haven’t forgotten an ingredient, and they are ready to be put away. Joan T., New Windsor, N.Y.

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.

King Features Syndicate