QUESTION: I plugged the toilet and tried to plunge it, but it won't drain. Help! Brad, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Wow, I admire your honesty. Most people would have blamed this on someone else. Since the plunger failed, your next step is to purchase a drain snake, which is a long wire coil with a tip similar to a corkscrew; this is pushed into the pipe. Turn the snake clockwise to break up the mess. If the plug remains, turn off the water and remove the toilet. You will need to head to your local hardware store to purchase a new wax ring and mounting bolts. If necessary, call a plumber.
QUESTION: I badly burnt bisque soup in the pot. I threw the entire contents into the garbage. What a waste of time and money. Do you have any tips for saving burnt bisque? Sheila (Minnedosa, Man.)
ANSWER: Here is an old tip to help save burnt bisque. Pour the contents into a clean pot and slowly heat the soup. In the meantime, heat up a one-inch thick steel rod in the grill fire. When the rod is extremely hot (be cautious not to burn yourself), immerse the heated end of the rod into the pot of bisque. Add a pinch of sugar and the taste should be back to normal. Extra tip: A good way to prevent soup from burning is to heat it in a double boiler and stir often.
QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to wash quinoa before cooking? Every colander seems too big. Thanks. Muriel (Carman, Man.)
ANSWER: There are small-handled mesh colanders that make it easy to wash quinoa. If you don't have access to a mesh colander, here's a little trick. Fill a bowl with quinoa and add enough water to cover. Swish the contents in the bowl. Cover the small bowl with a plate and allow just enough space to pour out the water. Refill the bowl with water; you will notice the quinoa now remains on the bottom of the bowl. Fill with water and swish. Pour out water; the quinoa still remains in the bowl.
QUESTION: I have a problem with cutting myself while trying to cut meat. The knife slips and bam, big cut! Is my knife to dull or what? Pete, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It is a good idea to periodically sharpen knives. However, more often cuts occur when the cutting board slips. To prevent cutting boards from moving, set a wet tea towel underneath the cutting board to hold it in place. Extra tip: To sharpen scissors, either cut through layers of foil or steel wool several times.
QUESTION: Any solution for keeping cucumbers fresh longer in a plastic bag? Betty (Blumenort, Man.)
ANSWER: If you want to store cucumbers for several days; wrap them individually in a paper towel. With the cucumber in the paper towel, put them inside of a plastic bag and into the refrigerator. Store cucumbers away from melons, bananas and tomatoes.
Fabulous household hints:
-- Prevent Jell-O cubes from sticking to the pan or falling apart by putting a small amount of cooking oil into the pan before adding Jell-O (cooking spray also works). Set the bottom of the pan in warm water for a few seconds prior to removing Jell-O. Or line the pan with plastic wrap, add Jell-O and refrigerate.
-- You know it's time to replace your pillow when you fold it and it stays folded.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a corporate presenter on the topic: Harness the Power of Words? Check out my website, Reena.ca.
