QUESTION: I would like to purchase a set of dishes that is tough and can withstand the occasional drop on our ceramic floor. I want something that looks elegant, so nothing plastic. What kind of dishes should I buy? Almanda (Brandon)
ANSWER: There are a few options available that are tough but not indestructible. Bone china is the toughest porcelain and makes an elegant table setting. In fact, bone china actually contains bone ash made from the bones of animals. Bone ash is crushed into powder, mixed with water, then added to porcelain material. That said, bone china can still crack and chip and must be handled with care. Corelle dishes are inexpensive and durable. They are made with a patented process of bonding and layering glass. If dropped on a hard floor, they will shatter. If you don't want to spend a lot, Corelle is likely a great deal for you. However, if you want dishes that will not break or crack at all, then you may want to take another look at new designs of plastic dinnerware.
QUESTION: I look forward to your hints every Saturday in the Free Press. I'm having a difficult time removing hairspray marks from my bathroom wall. No cleaners that I've used seem to do the trick. Any suggestions, please? Thank you. Linda, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Scrub the area with one part liquid fabric softener to three parts water. Use an abrasive cloth (not an S.O.S pad) to scrub the area. If residue remains, rub lightly with very fine sandpaper. Worst-case scenario, wipe with rubbing alcohol; the wall may need touch-up paint.
QUESTION: We read your column all the time and need your input. We went out to the lake on the weekend and our fridge was out. Needless to say, it smells. I had meat in the freezer compartment. How can I get rid of the smell of rotten meat? Propane fridges are not cheap, so I would like to try and get rid of the smell first (if we cannot, then we will price out a new one). We have no electricity where we are; everything runs on propane. Paulette, Winnipeg
ANSWER: If possible, disconnect the empty fridge/freezer and clean the entire box with a liberal amount of vinegar, baking soda and water. Stuff the fridge or freezer, or both, with crumpled-up newspaper. Leave for a week. The ink in newspapers is an absolutely wonderful solution for zapping odours!
QUESTION: I want to make a fancy turkey dinner for Thanksgiving this year. I am a whiz at the turkey, potatoes and vegetables, but I am hopeless when it comes to making gravy. My gravy always ends up with lumps and is fit for the garbage. What am I doing wrong? Beatrice (Leaf Rapids, Man.)
ANSWER: Gravy tends to lump when it cooks too quickly. There are several recipes and techniques for making gravy. Here is my favourite:
When the seasoned turkey is almost finished cooking, carefully pour off most of the drippings into a two-cup measuring cup and let the mixture cool. Next, add enough chicken broth to the measuring cup to make two cups. Add one-quarter cup cornstarch or white flour. Whisk in the measuring cup until no lumps remain. Using a double boiler, slowly heat and stir the gravy until thick. If you don't own a double boiler, use a pot, stir constantly and set the heat at less than medium. If gravy is too thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin.
Comment from Manitoban who cares
In response to Timothy's cricket crisis, I would suggest that he gets over it. Crickets are innocent creatures and he should leave them alone. Why doesn't he purchase an electric water fountain to help him sleep or play a CD to drown out the sound of the crickets? Barry, St. Anne)
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.
