DEAR HELOISE: I like to buy the 19-ounce size can of soup. It usually has four or five cubes of meat, about 1/2 can of vegetables, and the rest is broth. I usually buy a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, cook it, then freeze in small containers and add as needed to the soup. Works great!
-- Doris G.,
North Little Rock
DEAR HELOISE: After baking for a big party, the party was canceled. It's all been put in my freezer. Please tell me if I can invite my family to eat this food: chicken soup, meatballs, lasagna, etc.
-- Dolores in California
DEAR DOLORES: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, freezer times are as follows:
• Cooked poultry -- four months
• Uncooked poultry parts -- nine months
• Cooked meats -- two to three months
• Uncooked steaks or chops -- four to 12 months
• Uncooked ground meat -- three to four months
Check the food for freezer burn, and when in doubt, throw it out.
DEAR HELOISE: I keep a jelly glass of flour and one of sugar in my cupboard so that if I need just a small amount of either, I don't have to take out the whole canister.
-- Barbara Z., Indiana
DEAR READER: That is a good idea, and I'm sure it's one that readers will use.
DEAR READERS: One of my favorite dinners is a one-pot dinner. They're easy to make and very nutritious. The ingredients:
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup diced potato
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped celery
1 cup water
1 bay leaf
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1 cup peas
2 3-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Heat a heavy skillet and add onions and potatoes; cook over medium heat while stirring until they begin to brown. Add the remaining ingredients as listed except for the peas and chicken. Stir and bring to a boil. Place chicken in sauce; reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 12 minutes, then add peas and continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced. This is about 5 minutes or so. To serve, place one chicken breast on each plate and spoon the sauce over the top.
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
Food on 06/21/2017