Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: In recipes that call for heavy cream, can I use Greek yogurt instead?

-- Lois D., Buckhall, Va.

DEAR READER: Lois, it's not uncommon for cooks to use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream in recipes for cold soups or sauces. However, heavy cream usually contains about 36 percent fat, while Greek yogurt usually contains a much lower fat content, making it less ideal for baked goods, such as custards, cakes and any recipe that relies on fat content.

DEAR HELOISE: Everyone at my house loves your Chinese beets. I lost the recipe. Would you reprint it?

-- Stacy W., Maine

DEAR READER: Here it is:

Chinese Beets

6 cups cooked sliced beets, or 3 (16 ounces each) cans sliced beets

1 cup sugar

1 cup vinegar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

24 whole cloves (but if you don't care for a strong taste, start with 12)

3 tablespoons ketchup

3 tablespoons oil (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salt to taste

Drain the beets. Set aside 11/2 cups of the liquid. In a medium saucepan, place the beets and reserved liquid and the remaining ingredients. Mix well and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat, or until the mixture thickens. Let cool before storing in the refrigerator.

DEAR HELOISE: I found weevils in my rice and cereals! If a box has a pour spout or any closure that's not airtight, then go to a dollar store and buy a cheap set of containers with a twist-off top or a snap closure, and put food in them. Tiny bugs can get into nearly any container made of paper.

-- Grace W., Louisiana

DEAR HELOISE: I've discovered that there are a number of things you can clean in your dishwasher besides dishes. Things such as makeup trays that are plastic, my husband's baseball caps, my daughter's plastic teacup set and much more.

-- Joan G., La Crosse, Ind.

DEAR HELOISE: I was at a grocery store that had grocery carts placed around the store with a sign stating: "Change your mind? Put the items here and we will restock them." Great idea.

-- Kathy M., via email

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 04/25/2018

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