Seasoning wooden bowls
Seasoning Wooden Bowls
Dear Heloise: I have a wooden salad bowl with four smaller bowls. It has been in the cupboard for quite a while, and I would like to know how to sanitize it for use again. — A Reader, via email
?Wood bowls can last for years and look lovely with just a little care. I have some of my parents’ that are more than 50 years old! Clean them using a mild detergent and warm water, making sure to rinse and dry thoroughly. NEVER put wood items in the dishwasher or allow them to soak in water. If you want to sanitize them, a very mild solution of bleach and water should do the job. Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 quart of water, wipe on, let sit 20 minutes, rinse and dry.
Season the bowls by using a paper towel to spread a layer of mineral oil over them. Let soak in overnight. When the wood dulls, it’s time to re-season. — Heloise
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SAVING BACON
Dear Heloise: On my days off, I love making breakfast for myself, including bacon. Being single, a pound of bacon goes bad before I use it up. Now, before I open the package, I use a large knife and cut it down the center. I make two more cuts on either side, giving me six rows of 2-inch pieces. I put each row into a plastic snack bag, then into a quart freezer bag and freeze. I take one bag out when needed, and the bacon thaws and cooks up quickly. — Deborah R., Belle Vernon, Pa.
LAST DROP
Dear Heloise: Our grandson was visiting us recently and was fixing a glass of chocolate milk for his son. The squeeze bottle of chocolate syrup was empty (he thought). I told him to give the bottle to me, poured some milk in and gave it a good shake. Another glass of chocolate milk! — Ruby B., Delhi, La.
PANKO BREAD CRUMBS
Dear Heloise: What are panko bread crumbs, and how are they used? — Velma J., via email
Panko (the Japanese word for bread crumbs) is being used more frequently in cooking these days and is available in more grocery stores.
Panko is specifically baked to make airy, crisp crumbs. The crumbs are then toasted for a slight crunch. They generally are unseasoned so that you can add your own flavors. They are good for any recipe you have that calls for bread crumbs as a coating for food or as a topping on your favorite casseroles. — Heloise
STAY PUT
Dear Heloise: You can lay a paper towel, or half of a paper towel, on the counter and put a few drops of water in the center of the towel. This will keep your cutting board from slipping, and you can throw it away when the juice of what you are cutting creeps under the board. — Andrew D., Lexington, Ky.
(c)2011 by King Features Syndicate Inc.