HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: Do you have a hint for how to quickly and efficiently clean blenders and food processors?

• Susan W., Pennsylvania

DEAR READER: After you are done using the blender or processor, rinse the pitcher or bowl with water. Fill half of the pitcher or bowl with warm water and add a drop of dish washing liquid. Put the lid on securely and turn the appliance back on for 20-30 seconds. It takes only a drop of detergent - don’t overdo it.Rinse, dry and that’s it.

DEAR HELOISE: Years ago, you printed a waffle recipe using club soda. When I opened the book where I kept the recipe all this time, it wasn’t there! Could you please print it again?

• Lucille S. in Texas

DEAR READER: Gather the following ingredients:

2 cups biscuit mix

1 egg

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/3 cups club soda

In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients using a large spoon. Be sure not to over mix, and use the batter immediately so it does not have a chance to go flat.

DEAR HELOISE: I love fresh fruit in my morning oatmeal, especially peaches. Though they may not always be in season, I found a way to have them all year long. I purchase the cups of diced peaches in 100 percent fruit juice and strain the juice from the cup. I then stir the peaches into the oatmeal when it has 30 seconds left in the microwave. So delicious!

• Jacki, via email

DEAR HELOISE: After collecting wine corks from a few bottles (not the plastic kind), just wedge them under the handles of pot lids, using two or more, depending on how many the handle will allow. The corks remain cool throughout cooking, and they create a stable grip by which to grasp your pot lids. No need for oven mitts.

• Abbie in San Antonio

DEAR HELOISE: I have the perfect solution for removing melted cheese from plates, eating utensils and glass cookware: Rinse the item in hot water and remove the melted cheese with a wet, cloth-like paper towel. The cheese sticks to the paper towel, and your dishes are ready for soap. No more cheese stuck to a scrubbing brush or nylon scrubber.

• Melissa H., 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 email [email protected]