Blended jelly spreads easily

Dear Heloise: Do you ever get frustrated trying to spread a glob of jelly on a biscuit or toast? The jelly balls up and will not spread evenly. I thought there had to be a better way.

I found a solution. (My wife says I’m always thinking.) I put jelly in a blender or food processor and blend to the consistency of thick gravy. The jelly softens very fast. Then I put it in a squeeze bottle. Now, I apply the jelly with no fuss or mess, and I don’t even need a knife to spread it.

Roger, Littlefield, Texas

Roger, nice going! We tested this in Heloise Central (my office in my home), and it works. We put some apple jelly in the blender on high for about 10 seconds. The consistency changed a little — like you said, thick gravy. The jelly is now spreadable and squeezable. It would be delicious on toast, waffles or pancakes. Thank you for writing, and a big Heloise hug to you.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I always save my empty potato-chip and cereal bags. They are great for marinating meats and vegetables — disposable, and no extra dishes to wash!

Nora in Kentucky

Dear Heloise: I enjoy flavored coffees, but buying them is too expensive. I have discovered that powdered coffee flavors found in supermarkets are a nice substitute, especially when used in combinations.

For example, to duplicate the flavor of an almond-coconut-chocolate candy, I use chocolate, coconut and an almond-flavored coffee powder. Use differing amounts to suit your taste. I have done varying combinations, and I hardly ever buy expensive coffees at coffee shops.

There is a cost to purchasing the powdered flavors, but the powders pay for themselves in a few cups of coffee.

Kathleen Lamprecht, Front Royal, Va.

Love your coffee hint, and what a great way to save money but still enjoy a tasty cup of coffee! For some exotic coffee recipes that are easy to make, order my Heloise’s Flavored Coffees and Teas pamphlet. Just send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Coffee, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. For easy iced espresso, fill a 6-ounce glass or cup with ice. Pour in a cooled single shot of espresso and sweeten to taste.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I open bottles and other hard-to-open things by using a single rubber glove to grip the lid. This works especially well on water bottles, which are hard for me to open. Works great and prevents a struggle.

Irma in Warren, Ohio

Dear Heloise: There’s no way I would be able to crush the strawberries, raspberries, etc., when making freezer jam without my potato masher and a 9-by-13-inch cake pan or similar wide and flat container. What a timesaver and a work-saver!

Paula in Oregon

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate