ARNOLD LIM / TIMES COLONIST FILES
A coating of car wax helps keep your stove shiny as new.
Question: My stove looks terrible, even after I clean it. Is there anything I can use so that the stove looks better for a longer period of time? My in-laws are visiting this summer, and I am determined to make a good impression.
— Joyce
Answer: After you clean the stovetop to your satisfaction, buff it with a thin layer of car wax. This will help the stove look shiny, as well as repel liquid after future spills.
Question: I have a recipe that calls for unsweetened coconut, but I only have sweetened coconut. Can I get away with using sweetened?
— Vanessa
Answer: No problem, Vanessa. Simply reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe. Reduce a half-cup of sugar for every 12 ounces of coconut.
Question: I have tried numerous times to make gravy and it always ends up lumpy. Can you please tell me how much flour I should use for the best consistency?
— Alex
Answer: The art of gravy making can be a challenge. You are right: it is critical to cook the flour in about an equal portion of fat until the flour has lost its raw taste.
The trick is to add flour to the liquid before it is hot. Lumpy gravy is a result of flour (or cornstarch) cooking in the heated liquid. Many people use too much flour, which decreases the flavour.
Remember, the gravy will continue to thicken after it is removed from the heat. A good rule is to use between one and two tablespoons of flour for each cup of liquid and then give the mixture time to thicken.
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.
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