DEAR HELOISE: My husband and I decided to economize this year, and one way we will be saving money is to "brown-bag it" to work instead of eating out. When I prepare dinner, I make extra so we can put the leftovers in containers and microwave them for lunch the next day. It's economical and healthier, because we limit our use of salt and fats.
-- Tessa N., Sparks, Nev.
DEAR HELOISE: I'm a culinary teacher, and I teach my students how to use a slow cooker. Among the things I tell them is to never peek inside while the cooker is working. You add extra time to the food being cooked. The slow cooker is a safe appliance and saves time preparing dinner. They can cut up the vegetables the night before and store them in a bag until they're ready to put in the cooker.
-- Violet J. in Montreal
DEAR HELOISE: When I got home and was unpacking my groceries, I found a live spider among the bananas. My neighbor said she took home a cockroach from a different food store. We both called the stores to report this problem but were told that this happens from time to time. Next time I'm in the grocery store, I'll be a lot more careful about inspecting the items I select.
-- Lisa O., Odessa, Texas
DEAR READER: This probably happens more than we realize. Pantry pests can be shipped undetected with fresh produce, or they can chew a hole big enough to get inside a plastic bag and hide. Some are shipped as eggs and hatch en route to the store. Always wash fresh produce, and be sure to inspect everything.
DEAR HELOISE: My wife die, and I now cook for myself. I have a question about potatoes: The eyes and black spots -- are they bad for you? How should I store them?
-- Robert C., Florida
DEAR READER: Potatoes should not be stored in a refrigerator. They need a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. As for the eyes and black spots, cut out the black spots. The eyes won't hurt you. The black spots could be a bruised spot or a fungus, so cutting it out is a safety measure
DEAR READERS: Here are some uses for the comics in the Sunday papers:
• Cover an old book.
• Use as wrapping paper.
• Use them to teach your child to read.
• It makes a terrific border for a bulletin board.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Food on 04/24/2019