Understand the potato
Dear Readers: How much do you really know about the popular vegetable THE POTATO? A good source of vitamins B and C, potatoes are fat-free and high in fiber and potassium. They are not fattening — the toppings are what add the calories and fat.
Some people think that you shouldn’t eat the skin or that all the nutrients are only found in the skin. Not so!
More than half the nutrients are in the potato itself, and the skin contains one-half of the fiber.
Whether you like them mashed, boiled, baked or as fries, any potato will do. However, there are some that are a better choice, depending on what you are making. Waxy, white, red round and new potatoes are good for boiling, steaming and scalloping. Russets are good for baking, mashing or making french fries.
I took some microwaved yellow-fleshed potatoes to Heloise Central. We did taste-testing, and we all agreed — we love potatoes! — Heloise
COFFEE AND TEA STAINS
Dear Heloise: Another way to remove tea and coffee stains from china cups is vinegar. Take your spray bottle of vinegar and coat the inside of the cup. Give it a scrub, and the stain is gone! — Carrie from Southern Maryland
Carrie, you may want to add some baking soda or salt as an added “abrasive” (that won’t scratch). Besides vinegar, want to know what other cleaning solutions I use around the house? To order my Homemade Cleaning Solutions pamphlet, send $5, along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (65 cents) envelope, to: Heloise/Cleaners, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. To make your own sanitizing spray, mix 1 tablespoon of bleach in 1 quart of water. Remember to store in an opaque bottle to protect from heat and sunlight; otherwise, use within 24 hours, before the bleach loses its strength. — Heloise
HANDY
SHOPPING LIST
Dear Heloise: I somehow have a way of losing my shopping lists. But I found a solution for me and thought others might benefit. Before leaving home, I take a picture of the list of things or places I need to go with my cellphone.
Then at the stores (if the list is lost), all I have to do is look at the list on my phone. I used to put it in my notes on the cellphone, but have found taking a picture is much easier. Then I just delete the picture.
Also, to keep ice cream fresh, use plastic wrap and press it snugly onto the ice cream, then close the carton up. Stays good! Thanks for keeping Heloise going for all these years. — Kay from Arizona
EGG HINT
Dear Heloise: I use the round potato masher to chop up eggs finely for potato salad, tuna, etc. Works great! — Linda R., via email
(c)2012 by King Features Syndicate Inc.