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
Food on 08/21/2019