QUESTION: I read your column regularly and have used many of your user-friendly, no-fuss, no-cost home-based tips. Now I need your help: How does one get popovers out of muffin tins? I heat the tin, rub it with vegetable oil and make sure I cook the popovers properly. Then I have to pry them out and can't scrape the bottoms out. Help on this one would be good for lots of people who have the same problem. Thanks in advance. Mary, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Remove the popovers from the pan immediately after taking them out of the oven. If you make popovers often, it might be worthwhile to buy a popover or silicone pan rather than using metal muffin tins. Grease the pan with butter instead of oil and heat the pan in the oven, and consider going one step farther and flouring the pan as well.
QUESTION: Do you have any ideas for dyeing and decorating colourful Easter eggs without purchasing a dye kit? Victoria (Dufresne, MB)
ANSWER: Make your own egg dye with water, vinegar, food colouring or water and onion skins. Remember, the more colour you add and the longer they soak, the more brilliant the hue. For an interesting design, wrap elastic bands around eggs and soak them in dye solution. Another option is to glue colourful leaves to eggs using white glue, or glue the leaves to the egg and dye the egg. Remove the egg from the dye and peel off the leaves to create a leaf imprint. Extra tip: If you don't plan to eat dyed eggs, make glow in the dark eggs by microwaving them for 10 seconds. One in three eggs will glow!
QUESTION: Can you please provide a recipe for garlic spread I can smear on Italian bread and bake? Fiona (Binscarth, MB)
ANSWER: This recipe is so good and tastes like restaurant garlic bread! In a bowl, combine: a half-cup of softened butter (yummier than margarine), a quarter-cup of grated Parmesan cheese, two cloves of minced garlic, half a teaspoon of dried basil, half a teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of dried parsley and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Slice the bread in half lengthwise and spread both sides with the butter mixture. Bake at 350 F until golden brown (about 12 minutes). Slice and serve.
QUESTION: I recently purchased my first car, and my dad and I are having a debate about whether or not to store the car registration in the glove compartment. He says it's dangerous and not to do it. I say it's convenient and less likely to get lost. What do you think? Danielle, Winnipeg
ANSWER: I don't think there is only one right answer to this query. Anyone who has ever had their vehicle stolen would most likely side with your dad. On the other hand, police often request licence and registration when they ticket you or after a collision. With identity theft so prevalent, more people are choosing not to store their registration inside vehicles, and if they do it is kept hidden (especially if your car is fitted with a garage door opener; now thieves have access to your car and your home).
Frugal Tips of the Week
*I use air travel several times throughout the year. Whenever I exit the plane, I take the empty airsick bag and use it for packing lunches because they are lined and have wonderful tabs for closing. Submitted by: Alison
*I save stamps that come in the mail and cut them to fit my fingernails. I have created nail art that looks great and sticks because of the glue on the back of the stamp! Submitted by: Tessa
*I want to share my best recipe for making huge bubbles! Stir together six cups of water and one cup of light corn syrup. Slowly stir in dish soap. Submitted by: Alex
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a motivational speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my website: Reena.ca.
