Question: My neighbour brought me eggplants from her garden. How do I prepare them? Should I cook them?
— Colton
Answer: Yes, you need to cook them. Here is one idea for preparing eggplant: peel the skin off and slice the eggplant into one quarter-inch pieces. Dip the pieces into beaten eggs and then coat them with bread crumbs. Fry the pieces in vegetable oil until golden brown on both sides. Dab off the excess oil. Lay the slices in a pan and cover with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 F for 30 minutes. Another option is to put the fried eggplant inside sandwiches or add pieces to soups or stews.
Question: I pick up a Saturday paper just for your column! When making and freezing rhubarb pies, do I freeze them baked or unbaked? Also, at what temperature do I bake them from frozen? If I’m using frozen rhubarb, can I still freeze the pies? Thanks for your help,
— Lorna
Answer: Wow, what a nice compliment, thank you Lorna! Yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked rhubarb pie. Choose a recipe that calls for either cornstarch or flour to coat the fruit and help thicken the juices. Wrap them tightly with plastic freezer wrap, and place them in a sealable freezer bag. They will keep up to eight months frozen. Another option is to bake the bottom crust, and then fill them. Place the unbaked crust on top and freeze. Remove from the freezer, do not thaw. Brush the top crust with a beaten egg, and bake in an oven preheated to 400 F. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 325 F, bake for another 30 minutes or until golden brown. You can use frozen rhubarb for pies.
Question: We have fake wood linoleum flooring. A section of it is starting to split and lift at the fake wooden seam. Is there a remedy for this?
— Arlene
Answer: Although we sometimes use the terms linoleum and vinyl interchangeably, chances are that if your flooring is less than 50 years old, it’s probably vinyl flooring. Therefore, the following recommendation is for vinyl flooring. Begin by using a hair dryer to heat and soften the area that is lifting. If possible, use a cloth to wipe the area underneath to ensure that no dust or debris has collected. Apply a layer of sheet flooring adhesive underneath the flooring (available at hardware stores). Wipe away any excess adhesive. Lay wax paper on the treated area, and place heavy books on top. Leave for at least 12 hours. Apply vinyl seam sealer to the seam, and leave to dry.
Reader tips!
Hi, I love your cleaning tips and continually pass them down to my daughter who is just about to move out. One concern though, I read in your column that someone advised vacuuming up baking soda. This can quickly ruin your vacuums motor, as I found out, sadly enough. Please warn people NOT to do this. Thanks!
— Sandy
I like to store kitchen reference charts and favourite recipes inside clear plastic sleeves and hang them on the inside of cupboard doors for easy access. They can easily be wiped clean and frequently referenced information is right at my fingertips.
— Helena
I bought a variety of coloured plastic baskets for fridge organizing. I label each basket: condiments, meat, snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner, pizza making, etc. My fridge is so organized and stays clean!
— Michelle
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