Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here’s a fast, lighter dessert I like making in my air fryer: Just use a flour tortilla, and you’ll have a sweet, crunchy snack in minutes. First, place the tortilla flat in the air fryer basket. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar evenly over the tortilla. Then set a second rack directly on top to keep the tortilla flat and secure.

Choose the air-fry setting and cook for 10-12 minutes. Once finished, remove the tortilla and let it cool for several minutes. After cooling, break it into pieces and enjoy the crispiness. The result is a light, crunchy snack that tastes rich without feeling too heavy.

To dress it up, drizzle with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar. This easy method uses ingredients that are already in the kitchen, which is a clever way to satisfy a sweet tooth. I hope others will try it! — Linda W., in Florida

A THOROUGH WAY TO CLEAN PRODUCE

Dear Heloise: Fresh produce often carries more than just dirt, so a good cleaning routine matters. According to GoodRx, scientific evidence doesn’t show that washing fruits and vegetables with vinegar removes more residue or bacteria than rinsing them with tap water. Thoroughly rinsing produce under running water remains the recommended method.

Leafy greens like romaine need extra attention. Remove the outer leaves, then separate the inner ones, and rinse each piece individually. It takes a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it. This process provides peace of mind, especially when serving raw salads.

I’ve followed this routine for years and noticed cleaner, fresher produce every time. A little care upfront makes a big difference at the table. I love your column and never miss it in the Dayton Daily News. — Ed Merkner, in Dayton, Ohio

SERRATED KNIVES

Dear Heloise: Most people think serrated knives are only for bread, but they’re useful for much more. When I use a regular knife on ripe tomatoes, they get crushed, while a serrated blade cuts through the skin smoothly. With sandwiches on crusty rolls or toast, a serrated knife slides through the bread without squishing the inside. Using mine more often makes my cuts cleaner and reduces the mess. Delicate foods keep their shape, too. Now I reach for my serrated knife far more often; it hardly sits in the drawer. — Ira B., in Lake Forest, California

REFRESHING A GRAVY BOAT

Dear Heloise: Older china pieces often end up tucked away, but some deserve a second look. The base of a traditional gravy boat makes a charming and practical soap dish. Its shape holds a bar of soap neatly and allows excess water to drain away. It also adds a touch of elegance to a bathroom or kitchen sink.

I tried this after clearing out a cabinet. I found that it worked better than many commercially purchased options. The porcelain surface cleans easily and resists stains. It’s a simple way to repurpose something you already own instead of buying another item. — Margaret S., in La Mirada, California

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here’s our cat, Tom Tom, keeping an eye on the sink monster, aka the garbage disposal. — Meg Shirey, via email

Readers, to see Tom Tom and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.