Question: Many of my recipes call for unsalted butter, but often when I am at the grocery store I notice only salted butter is available in no-name brands and therefore less expensive. What is the difference between using salted and unsalted butter in cookie recipes? Brittney
Answer: Most people would not recognize the difference between cookies baked with salted or unsalted butter. Salt is added to butter to extend its shelf life and therefore stores tend to carry a larger variety of salted butter. If you decide to use salted butter when baking cookies, simply skip the salt called for in the recipe. Unsalted butter is typically listed in cookie recipes so that the baker can control the amount of salt going into the cookie.
If you ever notice that your home baked cookies (baked with butter) flatten and spread way too much while baking, consider using half butter and half margarine in the recipe instead of all butter, this will give you a really nice texture and cut down on some of the cholesterol. Experiment to find the best non-hydrogenated margarine for your recipes.
Question: Three pack Romaine lettuce keeps well in the original package in the crisper, but after it is washed and kept in a container in the refrigerator, the ribs and some of the leaves turn brown. What is the reason for this? Sergio
Answer: Browning lettuce edges is caused by enzymes and polyphenols, and when they combine, they oxidize, which turns many fruits and veggies brown. When lettuce is cut or torn the cell walls are damaged and the edges quickly turn brown. To sustain the life of your lettuce once you have purchased it remove leaves from the core, wash and spin. Wrap leaves in paper towels and tuck them inside of a sealable plastic bag. Romaine lettuce turns brown faster than iceberg lettuce.
Question: The sliding doors in my closets glide smoothly until just before they are completely closed. Is there anything we can use so they will close without sticking? Thanking you in advance, David
Answer: A closet door that won’t properly close is often the result of a misaligned door track. Using a screwdriver, tighten the door tracks. If the door still sticks, replace worn roller wheels. If necessary adjust the height of the door using the screws or plane the door. Lastly, replace the guides and the door should easily close.
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 at: reena.ca.
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