HELOISE: Line your leftovers’ containers with wrap

Dear Heloise: When putting leftovers in the refrigerator, I line my storage containers with plastic wrap, sandwich bags or other storage bags. I can then mark on the bag or plastic wrap the date the contents were prepared. If they are not used in a reasonable amount of time, I simply dispose of the contents, bag/plastic wrap and all!

I haven’t had to throw away a storage container due to tomato/grease stains or unpleasant smells for a long time. Cleanup is a breeze, and my family can tell immediately if something is a little past its consumption date. Keeping a permanent marker in the drawer with the bags and plastic wrap is a big help.

Rita Bierley, Cheney, Wash.

Rita, love your hint! No one likes tossing plasticware, even the disposable ones, especially with the tough economic times and everyone trying to be green. Thanks for sharing!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: As I was preparing sandwiches for our picnic at a concert in the park, I had an idea. My husband prefers sandwiches without mayonnaise, and I like them with mayonnaise. To identify those with, I snipped a tiny corner off the sandwich. When I took the sandwiches out, there was no question which was his and which was mine.

Liz Dilibert, Somis, Calif.

Dear Heloise: My best hint is to treat certain vegetables and herbs as you would cut flowers. Trim the ends of parsley, asparagus, etc., and put in water. Wilted herbs are revived.

Helen in Fort Worth, Texas

Helen, how right you are! Herbs can be stored in the fridge in a glass jar or coffee cup with about an inch of water. Cover the herbs loosely with a plastic bag, and change the water daily. The herbs should last one week in the fridge.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: You printed how to remove strawberry stems by using a grapefruit spoon. I have another way that works really well — use a straw. Poke it into the strawberry from the bottom and push it up the center to the stem. It takes out the stem very easily, along with the center pulp.

Pat E., Lincoln, Calif.

Good hint, and here is another one, from Rebecca, via e-mail. She says: “Another way to enjoy strawberries — I freeze them and use them as ice cubes year-round. They add a touch of flavor to beverages and do not dilute the beverage as they melt. Plus, you can eat them and get the healthful benefits.”

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Have loved your column for years, and want to share one of my favorite helpful hints with you.

When making vegetable soup, I use a bag of coleslaw veggie mix. It’s so easy, with all the cabbage and carrots already cut up.

Pat Loontjer, Omaha, Neb.

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