Powdered sugar comes in 4x and 10x, and the idea is fine

Dear Heloise: I would like to know the difference between 4x and 10x powdered sugar. Keep up your helping ways. Sally, via e-mail

Interesting question! Our research shows that powdered sugar (also referred to as confectioners’ sugar) is processed in several different particle sizes. You will find 4x and 10x in the store. The higher the number, the finer the particles of sugar. The 10x will provide a creamier, smoother-textured icing than ones made with 4x.

Here is an old family-favorite recipe that uses confectioners’ sugar:

STRAWBERRY GELATIN CAKE

1 box white cake mix

1 box strawberry gelatin

1‚Ñ2 cup oil

1‚Ñ2 cup water

4 eggs

1 box frozen strawberries, thawed

Mix the cake mix and gelatin together. Add the oil, water and eggs, and beat until smooth. Fold in half the strawberries and juice (save the rest for the icing). Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. To make the icing, combine 1 box of powdered sugar, 1 stick butter/margarine and the rest of the strawberries and juice, and mix until well blended. Spread it on the cooled cake. For my four-page pamphlet filled with this recipe and other delicious cake recipes, send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Cakes, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. This pamphlet includes a delectable Red Velvet Cake, my mother’s Tomato Soup Cake and Shoo-Fly Pie! Fun to make and eat, too. Happy baking! Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I make egg-salad sandwiches, I use a pastry blender to chop the hard-boiled eggs before adding the mayo, pickles, etc. Sure makes it easier for me. I’ve been reading your column in The (Spokane, Wash.) Spokesman-Review for years. Margaret Kennedy, Spokane, Wash.

An egg-cellent hint. Hi to my readers in Spokane, a lovely city I’ve visited. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I do home canning of tomatoes, fruits and pickles. When I put away clean, empty jars, I inspect them and cap with a new lid and ring. The lids and rings are already counted out and are ready to sterilize. Dianne, Texarkana, Texas

Dear Heloise: When you eat sloppy Joes, use a hot-dog bun. It won’t be as messy. Thanks for all your good hints! Ann Hyatt, Arab, Ala.

Dear Heloise: I accidentally discovered this hint while cutting some aluminum foil to cover the drip pans on my electric stove. I noticed that my scissors were sharper than before. I use this hint now on my haircutting scissors, and it works great. Even my sister-in-law thinks it’s a great idea, and she is a hairdresser and has to have her scissors sharpened frequently. Also, this works better if using the heavy-duty aluminum foil. Margaret, via fax

Dear Heloise: When you cut up a watermelon, put it in a colander and set the colander in a bowl. This keeps the watermelon fresher. Rae P., Cedar Hill, Texas

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