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Dear Heloise: To keep garlic or onion powder from clumping, store in the refrigerator. Years of working in commercial kitchens taught me this useful hint. – John L., Bethlehem, Conn.
MICROWAVE CLEANING
Dear Heloise: To clean a microwave oven, dampen a paper towel or a dish cloth. Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about a minute. Carefully use the hot towel to clean the inside of your microwave. – Isiah B., Suncook, N.H.
Isiah, I've always poured about a cup and a half of water, with a little vinegar, in a bowl or measuring cup, placed it inside of the microwave and heated the microwave on high or even medium heat for about one minute. Then I wipe down the inside of the microwave. Either of our methods work well. – Heloise
BAKING SODA USES
Dear Heloise: I had a pamphlet of ideas for uses of baking soda, but it has disappeared! I think my daughter might have taken it when she moved to her own place. How can I get this useful pamphlet again? It had so many great ideas for uses with baking soda, but I don't remember all of them, and I miss the recipes, especially for the Pumpkin Bread. How can I get another pamphlet? – Courtney L., Butte, Mont.
Courtney, you can order a new "Heloise's Baking Soda Hints and Recipes" pamphlet. Just go to www.Heloise.com, or send $5, along with a stamped (75 cents), self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001.
This pamphlet is a must-have for anyone who enjoys saving time and money. – Heloise
BREAKFAST
Dear Heloise: I hate breakfast. I simply cannot work up an appetite in the morning, and yet all I ever hear is how important breakfast is. To me, a cup of coffee is enough. However, by mid-morning I'm hungry and usually end up munching on junk food. Any hint on how to combat this habit? – Brianna, Dallas
Brianna, if you're not hungry in the morning but have time to have a cup of coffee, try adding just one piece of toast or a piece of fruit. Since you know your body gets hungry mid-morning, pack something you can take with you, such as an apple or a packet of raisins and nuts instead of a pastry or a candy bar. You'll be eating healthy and satisfying your hunger. – Heloise
TABLE SETTINGS
Dear Heloise: I found that using pretty, lightweight dish towels is far more effective than napkins. I found some very attractive ones in a dollar store and used them for our last summer barbecue and again at a family gathering. They're larger than napkins, and I found they are more absorbent, too. Everyone liked them better than a napkin that hardly covers a person's lap. – June H., Anderson, S.C.
DIETING
Dear Heloise: Do you have a pamphlet on dieting? I need to lose about 40 pounds. – Helen G., Jonesboro, Ark.
Helen, no I don't have a pamphlet on that subject. But if you are serious about weight loss, I hope you'll see a doctor who can help you shed those extra pounds. – 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.