Tips offered for potluck guests
Dear Heloise: My husband and I host frequent potlucks. I have a few hints for people attending that would make life easier for the hostess:
n Do all prep at home. For example, you should not be washing and peeling carrots in your hostess’ sink.
n If your item is to be served cold, bring it in a cooler with ice so that it can stay there until serving time. Don’t count on refrigerator or freezer space being available.
n Call if you need an oven so there will be one available at the right temperature.
n Put your name on the backside of all serving dishes. You’re guaranteed to forget them.
— Carol R., via email
CAN ASPARAGUS
Dear Heloise: We recently bought a can of asparagus spears, and the label said “Rinse After Opening.” Why? Incidentally, I drank the juice before I read the label! — Robert H., Columbus, Texas
Hello, Robert! The only reason I can think of might be that canned asparagus is very, very high in sodium. The sodium is used to help prolong shelf life. So if you are watching your sodium intake, drain and rinse the asparagus. Drinking the liquid may/may not be the healthy way to go. — Heloise
SCOOP MELON
Dear Heloise: I have found that getting all of the watermelon is easy when using an ice-cream scoop. My scoop is fairly flat and gives nice, long strips that can then be cut into bite-size pieces. — Ruth M., via email
PIZZA CUTTER
Dear Heloise: Recently, my daughter was visiting. I grabbed my metal pizza cutter and cut my freshly baked pone of cornbread. She was surprised. I told her I also cut other things with it.
It’s great for cutting dumplings, cookie dough, raw pie crust, brownies and anything else that is thin and requires a clean cut. — Frankie H., Philadelphia, Miss.
Don’t you love double-duty items? Thanks for writing. — Heloise
TOMATO SANDWICH
Dear Heloise: My hint is for making tomato sandwiches. I use a hamburger bun instead of regular bread. They are round, like the tomato, and they don’t fall apart when the mayo and tomato juice soak it. — J.W., via cellphone
Brilliant! Fresh, juicy, ripe tomatoes, a little mayo and a dash of pepper and salt — a perfect lunch or quick snack. But the bread can get really soggy if you don’t eat the sandwich right away. A light layer of butter will help keep the bread from turning into a soggy mess. — Heloise
NO PRESSURE
Dear Heloise: When I opened the seal on new yogurt and cottage-cheese cartons, I always had a quick shot of the contents shoot out. Now, I puncture the seal with a paring knife to release the pressure, and my dress or counter is free of any blob. — Louise T. in Washington