Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: My husband and I are building a home. When it comes to our stove and ovens, we don't know whether to go with gas or electric. Any suggestions?

-- Carrie T., Michigan

DEAR READER: Generally, you should pick what you are used to. If you have cooked only with gas, then electric may be a whole new learning curve. Here are a few things to consider:

Electric stoves usually are less expensive than gas.

Electric stoves/ovens:

• Smooth-top stoves are easy to clean, and the coil stoves are, too.

• Electric ovens are drier than gas ovens.

Gas stoves/ovens:

• Instant heat, both on and off.

• Natural and propane gas are inexpensive and save money in the long run.

• Gas ovens are hotter at the top, and gas gives off moisture.

• Gas stoves are a little more difficult to clean because of the heavy iron grates.

If the cost is a factor, electric is the way to go. If you cook and bake a lot, you may want to go with gas. Remember, you most likely will be living with the appliance for a long time, so choose wisely.

DEAR HELOISE: You have, in the past, printed your recipe for Orange Coffee. I've misplaced the recipe, so would you please reprint it?

-- Terrie N., New York

DEAR READER: Terrie, here it is:

Orange Coffee

1/2 cup instant coffee granules

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup powdered milk or coffee creamer

1/2 teaspoon dried orange peel (you can use fresh orange zest, but be sure to store the mixture in the fridge.)

Blend until powdered. Add 2 rounded teaspoons per 6-8 ounces of hot water.

DEAR HELOISE: My cardiologist has me on a low- to no-salt diet. I have some hints for your readers:

• Always read the ingredients labels. Salt content varies from one brand to the next.

• "Lite" or "low-cal" often means higher salt content.

• Fry in olive oil, not butter or margarine.

• The majority of soft drinks, energy drinks, cheese, lunch meat and canned soups and vegetables have high amounts of sodium.

-- Ed Y., Villa Park, Calif.

DEAR READER: Ed, they do sell salt-free butter.

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]

Food on 03/29/2017

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