Question: My daughter recently moved into an apartment, while she goes to school. Is it possible to prepare homemade TV dinners for her to keep in her freezer and microwave when she has time? If so, what kinds of foods should I use? Alex
Answer: There are so many options to satisfy your kind gesture. By making your own frozen dinners you have the opportunity to reduce salt, control ingredients such as choice of oils and save money. Begin by purchasing plastic freezer and microwave-safe dishes with compartments. Foods that freeze well are leftover meat with or without gravy, mashed potatoes, cooked rice and pastas, casseroles, sauces, vegetables and baking for dessert. Make sure to clearly label each dish by title and date. After food has been packaged into plastic containers, wrap with foil to prevent freezer burn. Extra tips: Veggies should be slightly undercooked before adding them to meals. Experiment with foods by freezing small portions to see how well they taste once thawed and heated. Foods to avoid lettuce, watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, raw tomatoes, pudding, custards, cream cheese, gelatin, and egg yolks.
Question: I recently moved into an old apartment, and the place is filthy. What is the best way to clean a grimy shower head? Dayna
Answer: Step 1: Scrub the holes with a wet kitchen scrubber. Step 2: Pour a solution of 1/2 cup (125 mL) white vinegar and 1/2 cup (125 mL) water into a plastic bag. Step 3: Place the plastic bag around the shower head, so that the holes are immersed in the solution. Step 4: Secure the plastic bag with an elastic band and leave for about one hour. Step 5: Remove the bag and wipe the excess debris. Step 6: Run the shower as normal.
Feedback from Friendly Manitobans
Re: Painting appliances
I once heard that you could renew appliance appearance by having them repainted at an auto body shop. — Tamara
Re: Crazy glue on fingers
I just read your response to the person who asked how to get crazy glue off fingers. Those techniques may work but there is a faster, better way if you have it on hand. The easiest and best trick is to promptly immerse your fingers in a glass utensil (such as a custard cup placed in a sink) that contains nail polish remover. Works quickly and painlessly. — Arlene
Re: Cleaning leather footwear
Before I go out, I always check to make sure that my leather shoes or boots are clean. If they are not clean, I buff them with WD-40 and a soft cloth. Doing this makes them shiny, and best of all, waterproof. — Frankie
Easy strawberry dessert pizza
In a bowl combine 1-cup white flour and half cup icing sugar. Stir in half cup melted butter. Press into 12 inch pizza pan. Bake at 350 for 15 mins. Cool. Beat together 1-8 ounce pkg. softened cream cheese, and half cup white sugar (oh my mouth is watering already). Spread over cooled cookie crust. Arrange 3 cups sliced strawberries on top of cream cheese layer. Glaze: In a pot stir together half cup sugar, 1 tbsp. cornstarch and half cup water. Stir and heat on medium until thick. Cool slightly and spoon over pizza. Chill for two hours, cut into wedges and serve.
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: reena.ca. Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email.
info@reena.ca
