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Dear Heloise: Before I'd shop for groceries, I'd make out a list of things we needed. Sadly, I'd often forget to bring the list with me. To avoid doing that again and again, I started to write out the list the night before, then tape it to my steering wheel in the car. I tried to put the list in my wallet, but you know how the saying goes: "Out of sight, out of mind." I forgot the list was there. Using the steering wheel instead made forgetting the list impossible. -- Julia H., Evanston, Utah
MEATY IDEA
Dear Heloise: My family and I like meatballs, and I have half a dozen recipes on how to make the sauce that goes with them. So, we eat them at least once a week. But, I hated touching the meat. It just gave me the creeps to form the meatballs.
Now, I chill a plastic cutting board in the refrigerator, and while it's getting cold, I add the spices to the meat, slip on some latex gloves for my hands, and mix the spices into the meat by hand.
Then, I get the chilled cutting board out, and using an ice cream scooper, I get out enough meat to form the balls. With a little manipulation (while still wearing the gloves), I can form the meatballs. -- Lettie S., Altoona, Pennsylvania
HELOISE'S COOKIES FROM CAKE MIX
Dear Heloise: It seems that after Halloween, the holidays just rush toward us. Every year, it seems like there is less time to get ready for visitors, bake cookies and make candy for the kids. It was a request of my oldest son that I make cookies from a cake mix a la Heloise. I have no idea what I did with your recipe, which I cut out of the paper over seven years ago! Would you reprint it for me? -- Lisa A., New Haven, Connecticut
Lisa, yes, I'd be glad to reprint that recipe for you. It's a popular recipe, and I get requests for it every year about this time. -- Heloise
1 box of cake mix in any flavor you want
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix only the above ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Drop the batter by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You must watch them carefully, because they will brown quickly. Ovens vary, so stand close by for the first batch. Make sure to put the baking sheet in the middle of the oven.
This recipe is found in my pamphlet "All-Time Favorite Recipes" that have been enjoyed by my family for at least three generations or more. My staff and I put this pamphlet together to make it easier for you to spice up your meals with some new variations. There are tons of recipes, from appetizers to desserts. If you'd like a copy, go to www.Heloise.com or send $5 along with a stamped (84 cents), self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Favorites, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. You'll be glad you have this pamphlet of new ideas. -- 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.