Matthew Mead / The Associated Press files
Marinate chicken breasts in Italian salad dressing, salt and pepper to improve their taste.
Question: I had company over and decided to barbecue chicken breast. It was horrible. Tasteless and dry are the best words to describe that embarrassing disaster. I only barbecued the meat for seven minutes on each side. Where did I go wrong? Any advice? — Barry
Answer: Here’s my favourite trick for barbecued chicken. Begin by marinating chicken breasts for at least a few hours in Italian salad dressing, salt and pepper. While still in marinade, bake chicken in the oven at 350 F for 30 minutes. Next, barbecue chicken on medium heat for about four minutes per side. Cut through the thickest part of the meat to ensure no pink remains. So delicious!
Question: I need help with my cake-baking skills. Can you tell me how I can bake a sheet cake that rises evenly without the middle sinking after I take it out of the oven? — Maria
Answer: Before baking, place a greased metal cake-decorating tip in the centre of your cake — this will be your heat conductor. After baking, you can fill the hole with icing.
Extra cake decorating tip: For an interesting look to buttercream icing on your cake, take a paper towel and place it on your cake after the icing is slightly dry. With a small rolling pin, gently roll your cake (this works on the sides of the cake as well).
Question: I think of you for so many household questions that befuddle me! And here’s another one. I have a big, straw summer purse. It has a cloth lining that is attached to the purse. I spilled blueberries on the lining, and don’t know how to clean the purse. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks kindly, I really appreciate your advice. — Carmen
Answer: Since blueberries are fruit, and fruit fall under tannins as a stain classification, they must be treated as such. If you treat tannin stains the same as you would oil-based or protein stains, you will likely end up setting the stain.
So, when you are dealing with messes such as fruit, alcoholic beverages, tea/coffee, cologne, felt-tip pens, fruit juices, soft drinks and tomato juice, they must be treated as such. For example, if you wash tannin stains with bar soap, soap flakes or detergents containing natural soap, you have a good chance of setting the stain and making it difficult to remove. Your best bet is to soak your purse in dish soap and hot white vinegar. Leave for one hour. Next hold the purse over a pot of hot water and pour boiling water through the stain (this is probably a two-person job). Leave to dry and repeat if needed. The heat of the water should not damage the purse, but try pouring a small amount on the bottom first just to be safe.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
