HELOISE: This sweet tip is sure to save the day, honey

Dear Heloise: I have a large jar of honey that has congealed. How can I save the honey or get it out of the jar? Dorothy Stempin, via e-mail

It is natural for honey to crystallize over time, and you can do one of two things to bring it back to life. First, heat (not to boiling) water in a pan on the stove and place the jar (without the lid) in it.

Remove the pan or turn off the heat, and the honey will become clear as it is reliquefying.

Or if the honey is in a microwave-safe container, place it in your microwave on a warm setting for two to three minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir. Be careful not to scorch or boil the honey, because it will change the texture and flavor. Heloise

P.S.: Don’t keep honey in the refrigerator — the cold temperature will speed up crystallization. And here is a honey of a hint from Sharyn, via e-mail: “I couldn’t find my honey dipper this morning, so I used a clean fork to get the honey out of the jar.”

Dear Heloise: This is my hint for organizing pantry shelves: Small packets of gravies, soups, sauces and seasoning mixes, etc., are always slipping and sliding on my pantry shelves. When I shop, I see empty boxes that held those packages. I asked if I could have the empty boxes and was told yes. Everything fits perfectly. Marilyn in Texas

Dear Heloise: When I make soup, I make a big batch. I use a good grade of meat, stock or broth, and use little or no water to make the soup very thick. I begin with a soup starter, then add lots of extras — anything you like can go into the soup.

Hint: To remove any grease from the top, I wait until it is no longer simmering, place slices of bread on top of the soup for just a few seconds, then turn the slices over. I lift the bread out right away onto a plate, and any grease is now in the bread. Steward H., Longview, Texas

Did you know that you can make soup creamier by adding vegetable puree, rice or even mashed potatoes? And to give a bowl of soup eye appeal, add grated cheese, scallions or croutons. Want to try some of my family’s and friends’ recipes? Just send $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Soup, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. If your soup is too hot to eat, throw in an ice cube or some frozen peas or corn. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When cookie recipes tell you to roll the dough into balls and dip in sugar, I put the sugar in a plastic bag and put in six to eight balls at a time, then gently shake. Janet in Washington

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