HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I often see pimentos used in recipes and, of course, stuffed in olives, but what exactly are they?

• Kevin H., via e-mail

DEAR READER: They are little, heart-shaped red peppers, but they’re not hot like a chile pepper. They are seeded, peeled, cored and cooked before being diced /sliced and packaged in jars. They have a sweet flavor and can be added to salads (potato and coleslaw are favorites), sandwiches and, of course, cheese. The “pimento” in olives is made from the same red pepper, but is processed into uniform pieces.

One of my favorite recipes that uses pimentos is my mother’s (the original Heloise, 1919-1977)

Heloise’s Pimento Cheese Spread.

To make it, you need the following ingredients:

1 pound boxed soft cheese (or any style cheese that can be grated)

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup finely chopped pickles (your favorite kind)

4 ounces pimentos

Grate the cheese (if necessary) using a food processor or the large side of a cheese grater. Place a large piece of plastic wrap or waxed paper on the counter. Now you are going to layer your ingredients, starting with the grated cheese/soft cheese, followed by the mayonnaise, pimentos and pickles. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients over and over from the bottom to the top. Repeat the process until all the ingredients are gone. Next, store the spread in jars, making sure they are sealed tightly, and place in the refrigerator. Keep a jar of pimentos in the pantry to add to egg salad, deviled eggs, potato salad or a side salad. They add a touch of “red” to the plate.

DEAR HELOISE: When making gravy (from drippings) and you need a larger amount, add some similar store-bought gravy to yours (beef, turkey, etc.). The amount added depends on the amount needed and the flavor you want. I can at least double the amount of “homemade” gravy I need.

• Alice L. in New York

DEAR HELOISE: Regarding the hint about whether the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty: I turn the dishwasher on at night after the kitchen is “closed.” I leave the dishwasher-detergent bottle on the counter above the dishwasher. When the dishes are put away, so is the bottle.

• Gladys B. in California

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail [email protected]