Question – Which foods should only be eaten while fresh, instead of frozen? Candace
Answer – Except for eggs in shells and canned foods, many foods are freezable. It is important to note that some foods do not freeze well. Some foods change in taste, consistency, and texture, such as mayonnaise, cream sauce, cream cheese, creamed cottage cheese, sour cream, fried foods, and cake icing, made with egg white. Raw veggies such as lettuce lose their crispness.
Question – I would like to bake a Christmas Fruit Cake for the first time. The recipes I’ve looked up on-line are expensive and make large portions. Is it possible to half a recipe of eggs, it calls for five eggs (how do I divide)? Shirley
Answer – The easiest option; is to use 3 small eggs (instead of medium or large). The more technically accurate solution includes measuring. A large egg equals about 3 tbsp. of contents. If the recipe calls for both egg yolk and egg white; beat the egg and use one and a half tbsp. for the Christmas Fruit Cake recipe.
Question – I wonder if you can help me. I washed my puffer winter jacket which has vegan filler, and it smells very musty almost a chemical smell. I contacted the store, and they said they have never heard of this. The store suggested I rewash the jacket with fabric softener, to get rid of smell. I put it outside in the cold for three days and it still smells. I was told they line their jackets with recycled plastic from bottles. Hope you can give me some suggestions. I really enjoy reading your column in the Free Press.
Answer – Depending on the chemicals and dyes the manufacturer used in making the jacket, the smell may be permanent. Many people have experienced great success by soaking smelly fabrics in a strong concentration of liquid detergent and water, or 50/50 water and vinegar. Leave the jacket for a few hours before rewashing.
Feedback, regarding dyeing polyester napkins
Comment: I was always under the impression that polyester does not take dye? Dorothy
Response: When dyeing synthetic fabrics, Rit DyeMore is the best product to choose. For the most successful result when treating manmade fibres, select dyes that specify they work for fabrics such as polyester, acetate and acrylic.
Vincent’s Smart Tip of the Week
Rolling out dry bread to make crumbs can be a messy task. Eliminate the mess by placing the dry bread in a breakfast cereal liner bag. These bags are sturdy and will not tear. They are also great for storing the crumbs. Note: Be sure the bread is very dry, otherwise, it will compress into small wads. — Vincent
Decorate Your Office for Christmas
At the company where I work, I stuck 1,000 post-it notes onto the wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. I stuck a paper star on top. Without even requesting it, staff started writing encouraging holiday messages to other people in the office. This has increased morale during a difficult time of year for some of us. — Larissa
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Since I am working through the holidays, I decided to make the most of it. I shaped cardboard into a house and a gingerbread boy. I completely transformed my cubicle into a gingerbread house. I bought battery powered lights and used different coloured paper to decorate the house. I glued candy onto the cardboard and added a table with a big bowl of candy on it for employees to snack on. So fun and such a great way to bring a smile onto so many faces. — Cameron
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We always have an office decorating contest at work, and last year I actually won! I used white paper to cut out fancy snowflakes; I hung 50 of them around my desk and it actually looked like a winter wonderland! — Clara
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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? My new email address is reenanerbas@outlook.com
