Question: How do I bake chicken breast without drying it out? I either end up with what tastes like rubber, or dry and flavourless meat. Thanks, Gaylene
Answer: The secret to perfect chicken every time is an oven thermometer. Safe cooked chicken temperature is finished at 74 C. Before baking the chicken, soak it in a brine mixture for about a half an hour. Into a plastic container add four-cups water (or enough water to cover the meat) and about one tablespoon of salt. Pat dry and brush both sides of the chicken with butter or oil. Season or brush with sauce. I prefer to bake chicken breast at 175 C for about 40 minutes. Others prefer a higher temperature of 230 C for 18 minutes. Whichever you prefer, check the temperature before eating.
Question: Which lightbulbs are the most efficient for a summer cottage? Cindy
Answer: LED and CFL bulbs are great energy efficient options. A compact fluorescent lamp usually the curly bulbs, are typically used in enclosed fixtures. For lights that remain on for a long time, both LED and CFL will save a lot of energy. LED bulbs are likely the number one choice because an eight-watt LED bulb emits as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb. Incandescent and halogen bulbs are not your energy efficient buddies, as they have the highest wattage.
Question: I am having a problem removing rust stains from a white T-shirt. They appeared after washing so I am assuming the stains came from the washer tub. Can anything be done? I appreciate your help. Daniel
Answer: Before tackling your fabrics, find out what is causing rust on your clothing. Check the machine or your water pipes or your bleach dispenser to see if any rust is gathering. Are there any leaks in the washing machine? Read your troubleshooting guide in your manufacturer’s manual. If you determine where the rust is coming from and solve the problem, your laundry will be a lot more fun to handle. If you want to clean your machine and remove rust build-up, consider using a product called, "iron out" available at hardware stores. Use it according to directions and ventilate, this removes rust in washing machines, as well as dishwashers.
For fabrics your best bet is to pour either lemon juice or three per cent hydrogen peroxide onto the area. Sprinkle the stain with cream of tartar. Leave the white shirt in the sun for a day and wash. Sun is a wonderful mild bleaching agent and so is hydrogen peroxide; however, be sure to test on an inconspicuous area first. Repeat until the stain is gone.
Question: Please tell me an easy trick for cleaning gutters. I haven’t cleaned them in years. Garry
Answer: Clogged rain gutters prevent water from dripping away from the foundation of your home. They should be cleaned twice each year. When soil around the home becomes wet, serious challenges can result. The easiest tools for cleaning rains gutters are scaffolding and work gloves. If scaffolding is unavailable, a sturdy ladder will do the trick. After the leaves and debris are scooped away, slimy brown goo will remain. While this may not obstruct water, it will smell. Wash gutters using a garden hose or a pressure washer. Sometimes it may be worth it to call a professional, especially if you are uneasy on a ladder.
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
