HELPFUL HINTS

Thursday, January 2, 2014

DEAR HELOISE: Please remind people when sending greeting cards not to write on the back of the front panel. You can then remove the backs and mail the card fronts to St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude’s St., Boulder City, Nev. 89005.

DEAR READER: Thanks for the reminder not to write on the front panel, and to save cards (just the fronts, please).

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children is an organization that I have written about often. The old, donated card fronts are glued to pre-folded stock paper and signed by the child who made it. The recycled cards are for sale at the online store at stjudesranch.org. The project helps the kids earn spending money and teaches them work skills.

Visit the website or call (877) 977-7572.

DEAR HELOISE: Sometimes I can’t even read my own handwriting. So I have developed a habit of carrying name and address labels with me (in my purse). I use them for gifts, weddings, funerals, forms at the doctor’s office, etc. It saves writing the same information, and it helps other people who might not be able to read my handwriting.

DEAR HELOISE: Could you please reprint your recipe for Heloise’s Texas Caviar?

DEAR READER: Happy to - it’s one of my favorites!

Heloise’s Texas Caviar

1 large jar of picante sauce (your choice, mild or hot)

2 (16-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained

1 (16-ounce) can white hominy, drained

1 cup diced green bell pepper

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped fresh tomato

1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional)

1/4 cup seeded and chopped jalapeno peppers (optional)

1 cup green onions (including tops)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon salt

2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper

2 tablespoons ground cumin

Mix all the ingredients together well and let sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving. It’s best served with tortilla strips. Yum! No sour cream? Combine 6 ounces of cottage cheese with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Use a blender to mix until smooth.

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

Weekend, Pages 26 on 01/02/2014