QUESTION: Believe it or not I am beginning to plan for my Christmas company, and I would like to make breaded chicken drumsticks as part of the main course. However, every time I bake drumsticks in the oven they become caked with a dark brown slime on the outside of the chicken. How can I prevent this?
-- Pauline, Grand Beach
ANSWER: Wow, Christmas in August; you are planning ahead! The dark brown substance on the outside of the meat is dry blood. Prevent this by soaking the uncooked chicken in salted water for a few minutes before breading. More importantly, cook the chicken on a rack on top of your baking pan instead of laying the chicken directly on the pan. This will cause the drippings to fall and not stick to the meat.
QUESTION: I am getting ready to pack for a wonderful vacation, and my luggage is just so dirty! It is red and soft-sided and the outside is dusty, dirty, stained, etc. I have tried vacuuming it, using a can of upholstery shampoo, and a damp cloth, all to no avail. It almost seems a waste of time, as when it gets off the plane it will just be filthy again. Any ideas? I love your column and have recommended it to my sisters.
-- Moira, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Not sure what the fabric content or finish of your luggage is. If you have a polypropylene/cotton/or vinyl suitcase, sponge with a weak solution of laundry detergent, then dab with clean water. For soft plastic/vinyl bags, dilute glass cleaner with water and wipe over the bags. Remove stains with laundry detergent in warm water, then rinse and dry. Or mix four tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and scrub it on the spot, being careful not to get the canvas too wet. Rinse. The easiest way to avoid luggage becoming dirty during transit is to secure it inside of a large clear recycling bag. On the other hand, well-used luggage will make you seem like a very adventurous worldly traveller. Safe travels!
QUESTION: I overcooked some rice in the microwave and the microwave filled with smoke. I cleaned it out with bleach, but there is still a strong smoke smell when I use the microwave. What can I do to get rid of this smell? Thanks.
-- Karen, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Here are a few tricks to tackle this quandary/ You can either heat lemon juice or vinegar in the microwave until it boils over and then wipe out the interior or combine into a bowl vanilla and water and heat until it boils over or another option is to combine lemon slices, vinegar, vanilla, dish soap and water in a bowl and heat. Alternatively combine and heat baking soda and water. If the odour persists, store coffee grounds in a bowl in the microwave to absorb lingering smells.
QUESTION: I used your suggestion of vinegar to make my glasses sparkle. It worked wonderfully. However, the next week I added more vinegar, but this time I included all my silverware. The result is foggy glasses and forks/knives that have a coating on them. Obviously some chemical reaction has occurred with the stainless steel. Do you have any suggestions on how I can make my silverware look shiny again? Thanks.
-- Lori, Linden, Man.
ANSWER: It sounds as though the glasses are etched; this may or may not be reversible depending on how deeply the etching has set in. Soak the glasses in hot vinegar or run citric acid through the dishwasher with the glasses inside. Both options are effective solutions on etched glass. If the etching remains, it is permanent. In terms of the cutlery, pour one quarter cup washing soda (or salt) and eight cups water into a pan lined with crumpled up aluminum foil, leave for 5-10 minutes, rinse and polish (wear gloves when working with washing soda).
Fabulous Feedback from Readers:
Dear Reena,
In your column printed on July 24, Gerry has suggested using "never-seize" on light bulb threads. I disagree for the following reasons:
1. Never-seize is a heavy metallic compound and conducts electricity quite well.
2. It liquefies when heated and unlike moisture will not burn off if it shorts out.
3. Under high temperatures it's flammable and if there's enough liquefied "never-seize" in the socket to drip, the drips continue to burn mid-air and on the ground.
Never-seize should not be used on light bulb threads as this can be very dangerous.
Dear Reena,
Thanks for the tip about toothpaste. I tried it on a tiled surface with dirty grout that has to this day resisted every cleaning solution; and it worked. I just spread the toothpaste and left it overnight, then scrubbed it with a stiff brush and rinsed. Scott
P.S. I also use chestnuts to repel spiders and find that one dish in the house is enough. No need to spread them around. Pets and kids pick them up if they are within reach. Flora
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.
