QUESTION: My mother-in law gave me a carbon monoxide detector as a gift. While I appreciate the thought, are they really necessary or should I trade it in for another smoke detector. She seems a little paranoid to me. Thanks, Otto
ANSWER: Great question, Otto! Recent statistics report 113,333 carbon monoxide poisonings each year in the U.S. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent and dangerous killer and if you do your research you will find that purchasing one or better yet more than one is a very smart choice.
Since CO is colourless, tasteless and odourless (unlike smoke from a fire), detection and prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning in a home environment is impossible without such a warning device. Proper placement of a carbon monoxide detector is important. If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends it be located near the sleeping area, where it can wake you if you are asleep. Additional detectors on every level and in every bedroom of a home provide extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not install carbon monoxide detectors directly above or beside fuel-burning appliances, as appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon start-up. A detector should not be placed within 15 feet of heating or cooking appliances or in or near very humid areas such as bathrooms. Also available on the market are smoke and carbon monoxide combination detectors. In other words, the choice to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home can save your life; your mother-in law deserves a pat on the back (and perhaps a box of chocolates).
QUESTION: What is the best way to transport food for potluck dinners? I made a casserole for my friend and by the time I arrived at her home, half of it had spilt onto my car mats. Also, do you have any suggestions about how to decide on a good potluck dish? Thank you, Betty
ANSWER: When choosing a potluck dish pick something that won't deteriorate if it has to sit for awhile at room temperature (or pose a threat of food poisoning). In other words, keep cold foods cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder). Keep hot foods hot. If the dish needs to be warm, consider transporting it in a slow cooker or choose something that can be reheated in the microwave.
If you've made something in a casserole dish with a lid, remove it from the oven where it's been cooking, secure the lid and wrap the covered dish in several thicknesses of newspaper and put it in a snug-fitting box, cover the box with a heavy towel. Or use a cooler. They are insulated and, while most commonly used to keep things cold, can also be used to keep things hot. Pack right before you leave and don't open until serving time.
If you're dealing with a crumb crust, invert an empty pie plate on top of the pie, then wrap a large sheet of foil around the two plates to hold them together. If you're dealing with a fluted crust, place a piece of double-stick foam tape on a baking sheet, place the pie on top, invert a large bowl over it, then tape the bowl in place. Note: If you won't be able keep food adequately hot or cold, serve items such as dried fruit, nuts, peanut butter sandwiches, apples and bananas.
Extra tip: If you have extra address labels kicking around the house, apply them to the bottom of dishes before taking them to potluck gatherings. After the empty dishes are returned, soak the label with a small amount of cooking oil, then wash off with dish soap and water.
QUESTION: This is a question that I am too embarrassed to ask any of my family members. When eating a mango, do you eat the peel? Also, what is the easiest way to peel a pomegranate? Lastly, what is dragon fruit? Thanks, Melanie
ANSWER: No problem Melanie. To eat or not to eat, that is the question. When it comes to mangos the peels are chewy and tough therefore most people (not all) discard the peel and dive into the juicy inside of the mango.
Purchase pomegranates while you can; they will soon be in season (October to January). The fastest way to seed a pomegranate is to cut the fruit in half. Fill a bowl with cold water and break the pomegranate apart underwater. Rub seeds out with your thumb. The papery membrane will float to the top and the seeds sink to the bottom. Scoop out the seeds and eat them. Talk about healthy!
The pitaya is more commonly referred to as the dragon fruit and is usually a dark red color, although some types of this fruit are pink or yellow. The skin is usually covered in scales, and the center of the fruit is made up of a red or white, sweet tasting pulp (looks kind of like white kiwi on the inside). The dragon fruit is best eaten by cutting the fruit in half and scooping the flesh out.
Why not challenge yourself to try a new fruit once a month? Remember it takes at least 20 trials to acquire a taste for something unfamiliar.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming!
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
