Avoid food can injury
Dear Heloise: The pull-up top on pineapple cans is very sharp. I use a can opener on the underside of the can to open it. — Marty in Warren, Ohio
Good hint. Some cans can be opened this way, but some cans can have a “rounded” bottom that cannot be cut off with a can opener.
Can you say can the can with a round bottom so you can open the can with a can opener as quickly as a cancan dancer can kick the can? — Heloise
ORGANIC CARROTS
Dear Heloise: I buy a lot of organic carrots with the beautiful leafy greens on top. Are they safe to eat? — G.W., via email.
They are safe to eat; however, they have a unique flavor and can be a bit bitter. Chop them up and add to a green salad, or use a pinch or two the same way you use parsley in a dish.
Be adventurous and try them sauteed with a little oil, maybe some garlic or onion, salt and pepper, and do try a dash of red-wine vinegar or lemon juice to add flavor. — Heloise
STUCK RAISINS
Dear Heloise: I seldom use raisins, but when I do, they are all stuck together. Any hints for making them easier to remove from the container? — Judy C., via email
This can happen over time, especially if the box or bag has been opened. To unstick the stuck raisins, dampen your hands just a little, then sort of massage the “clump,” and the raisins will separate.
Keep them in the refrigerator, and be sure to first put them in a food-storage bag, remove air, then into another bag. — Heloise
CUT WATERMELON
Dear Readers: Here are two hints for cutting up watermelon:
n Joy A. in Shortsville, N.Y., wrote: “I love watermelon and like to keep it cut up in the refrigerator ready to eat. The rind is extremely difficult to slice through. Recently, my husband suggested I use the electric meat-carving knife. This worked so quickly and smoothly, I will use it for watermelon, squash and pumpkin rind.”
n Bruce L. in Bozeman, Mont., wrote: “Before applying that intense downward knife pressure to cut off a round slice, take a horizontal cut off the outer rind. This provides a stable base for the fruit to rest while cutting. For years, I tried to cut melon slices from a rocking melon. I recommend the horizontal cut to your readers.”
Delicious hints for a wonderful summertime treat! Yummy! — Heloise
LAST DROP
Dear Heloise: My frugal mother taught me this hint growing up: Use a rubber spatula to clean out the remains of a mayo, peanut butter or jam jar, or even food in a dish. You will be amazed how much would have been wasted. In addition, the spatula makes for easy spreading. This also makes for easier cleanup when recycling the jar. — Kay in Port Charlotte, Fla.