Dear Heloise: I had your pamphlet on vinegar, and it was a lifesaver. It included not only household hints but recipes as well. One of our favorite recipes was the one for your coleslaw. I referred back to it on many occasions for help. When we moved, the pamphlet got lost, and I can’t remember all the ingredients in this yummy side dish. Please, would you reprint this dish for all of us who love coleslaw? — Ashley K., New Berlin, Wis.

Ashley, this is one of my mother’s classic recipes and is frequently requested. You’ll need:

1 head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons vinegar, lime juice or lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

Salt and pepper to taste

A dash of paprika

Mix oil with vinegar or lime or lemon juice in a bowl. Add prepared mustard, celery salt, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and paprika. Mix well. Pour mixture over shredded cabbage; toss and refrigerate. For the best flavor, make up to a day ahead so flavors have a chance to blend.

Do you enjoy easy-to-make recipes during the long, hot summer days? Then you’ll love my pamphlet “Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More.” You’ll find an assortment of uses for vinegar and recipes that are easy to make. To get a copy, send $5, along with a stamped, self-addressed (75 cents) long envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Don’t slave over a stove in the summer’s heat. Instead, use one of my many hints to make serving dinner easier and more enjoyable. –Heloise

LOVELY BUNCH OF COCONUTS

Dear Heloise: While I love fresh coconut, I hate prying the meat part out of the shell. I always drain the coconut of its juices before trying to get at the meat part. Is that what makes it difficult to remove the coconut inside the shell? — Sandy S., Santa Fe, N.M.

Sandy, here’s a hint for you: First, drain the juice. Put the coconut in the oven (using 350 F as your temperature) for about 18-23 minutes. Remove the coconut from the oven and wrap in a very heavy towel. Use a hammer to pound the heck out of the coconut, until it cracks open. Use a clean flat-head screwdriver or ice pick to remove the coconut pieces. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.