THINK THIS DURING THE HOLIDAY
Dear Héloise: Here’s a tip that’s helpful to remember during the holidays: Thoroughly clean your refrigerator and freezer before you start preparing holiday meals. Save plastic containers that are still durable and in good condition, and recycle those that are not. By emptying both your refrigerator and your freezer, you’ll make room for those delicious leftovers you can use later, like chopped turkey, ham bones, and vegetables.
Setting aside clean plastic containers also gives you something on hand to put leftovers in, whether you’re sending them home with guests or just saving them for your own family.
I hereby wish everyone a happy holiday. Remember: It’s not about everything being perfect! It’s about being grateful for all we have, especially the intangible gifts like faith, family, friends and the special feeling that comes from celebrating a meal and coming together. — CH, in Ohio
POUND CAKE
Dear Heloise: I love making pound cake, and my family loves it too. Lately my kids have been asking if I could come up with some kind of topping to add a new flavor to it. I tried several, but none were a great success. Do you have any tips I can use? — CW, in Georgia
CW, this is one of my favorite toppings for pound cake, angel food cake, and bundt cake: Heat about 1/4 cup of preserves and 1 tablespoon of flavored liqueur in a small saucepan. Drizzle it over a slice of cake for a tasty dessert topping. –Héloïse
POTATO TOPPING
Dear Heloise: Thank you for all your useful tips! Another addition to baked potatoes and potato skins is to top them with French onion dip instead of sour cream. Tasty! –KP, in Arkansas
REUSE OUTDATED HERBS
Dear Readers: Do you have expired spices in your spice rack? Here are some uses for them:
- Make some potpourri. Boil water on the stove and add cinnamon sticks, ginger and citrus peels to freshen your home for the holidays.
- Making herb bags. In a square piece of cheesecloth, add bay leaves, thyme, ginger and oregano. Tie the bag and keep it handy in places such as a basement, attic or garage. Absorb any musty odors.
- Making candles. Just melt some soy wax and add things like coconut oil, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla beans, all ground. This creates a wonderful scent when the candle is lit.
- Keep insects at bay by making a bag of smells they hate, such as bay leaves, basil, rosemary and garlic. Place it in areas where insects seem to gather or invade your home. –Héloïse
PET FRIEND
Dear Heloise: My cat’s name was Maxwell Edison. He died a few years ago at the age of 14, but will never be forgotten. His race? A black and white special stray dog. Merry christmas! — Rose Swaite, via email
Readers, to see Maxwell Edison and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on ‘Pet of the week’.
Maxwell EdisonHeloise
Do you have a furry friend that you would like to share with our readers? Send a photo and a short description to [email protected]. –Héloïse
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