Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: What is the storage time in a refrigerator for everyday foods?

-- Diane M., Madison, N.J.

DEAR READER: Butter: In the refrigerator, one to two weeks; frozen, nine months.

Cheeses: Opened cream cheese, two weeks; cottage cheese, 10 to 30 days; opened Swiss, brick, processed cheese, three to four weeks.

Chicken: Refrigerate two to three days; freeze for nine to 12 months. Chicken livers will keep one to two days in the refrigerator, three months frozen.

Ketchup: Unopened, 12 months on the shelf; refrigerate after opening.

Mayonnaise: Unopened on the shelf, two to three months; in the refrigerator after opening, six to eight weeks.

Pork: Fresh, three to five days in the refrigerator for chops, one to two days for ground; three to five for roasts.

DEAR HELOISE: Do not leave the house when your dishwasher is running. This is probably also true for your washer and dryer. I started a load in my dishwasher and made a run to the deli When I got home a few minutes later, there was a fire that had started with the dishwasher. Thankfully, the damage was limited to one area of the kitchen, but I shudder to think of all the times I've left home while the dishwasher was running.

-- Ellen R., Eugene, Ore.

DEAR READER: It's risky to assume the house is safe when we leave an appliance running while we're gone. Memories and mementos can never be replaced if a fire destroys them.

DEAR READERS: Here are some tea hints:

• Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to your favorite tea.

• Heat up instant iced tea for quick, hot tea.

• Heat up apple cider and steep an orange spiced tea bag in it.

• Add a lemon drop or peppermint candy to hot tea.

DEAR HELOISE: I never know what spices or herbs to use when cooking. Help.

-- Nina V., Braddock, N.D.

DEAR READER: Try adding the following:

• Basil to tofu.

• Allspice to cream soups, or a pinch sprinkled over citrus fruit.

• Chili powder to perk up sloppy Joes, eggs or cottage cheese.

• Cayenne into coleslaw.

• A pinch of crumbled rosemary to mashed potatoes.

• Dill into salads, sour cream, omelets or salmon.

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

[email protected]

Food on 08/21/2019

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