Question: I have a keen interest in cake decorating, but find that I have a hard time icing and decorating cakes without incorporating all kinds of crumbs into the icing. Any suggestions for a more professional look? — Bruno
Answer: Cool the cake for at least a day before attempting decorating and icing, because although the outside of the cake may feel cool, the middle of the cake will stay warm for hours.
After the cake cools, turn it upside down on a cake board, you will have less crumbs to deal with this way. To avoid crumbs altogether apply a thin layer of icing to the cake.
Next, cover that layer with a normal layer of icing. Make sure the icing is smooth and even. Dip your metal icing spatula in cold water and smooth the icing, this will create a beautiful, even layer.
Icing is the most important component in cake decorating.
Question: Do you think paper towels are a sanitary product for wrapping food such as veggies, or cooking food in the microwave? — Lucille
Answer: The choice for storing and cooking food such as fruit and vegetables has a major impact on taste and texture.
Certain veggies — such as asparagus, beets, horseradish, parsnips, artichokes, herbs and lettuce — may be stored in either dry or damp paper towels (depending on the vegetable), without unsanitary consequences.
However, in my view a clean tea towel does the same trick and is more environmentally friendly.
Question: I have a large copper tray (hammered finish). The tray was left in the sink with water overnight and now the finish looks milky white. Do you have a solution for this? Would the ketchup trick work? — JoAnne
Answer: While the ketchup method works, you will require a lot of it, and the job can get messy.
Instead fill a large bucket or basin with white vinegar. Sprinkle a liberal amount of salt into the vinegar. Soak the tray for 10 minutes and polish. Repeat if necessary.
Dry and coat with mineral or baby oil to minimize future tarnish.
Question: I recently washed and dried my clothes, only to find a ballpoint pen had exploded in my dryer! The dryer is blue, and my clothes are now blue.
I’ve tried everything I can think of — baking soda, hairspray, toothpaste, mouthwash, regular dish soap, laundry soap, Spray ’n Wash, even the laundry bar soap, and nothing is working. How can I get this ink out? — Amanda
Answer: Ink that is soluble, solvent, or ballpoint ink pen stains that are on clothing or fabrics may be removed. However, after cycling through the dryer, this becomes a challenge because the dye often becomes part of the textile.
Begin by wiping the inside of the dryer with rubbing alcohol to lift the ink and prevent future transference.
As for your clothes, your best bet is to wash the clothes in hot water and OxiClean. Repeat at least three times.
If there is a noticeable difference, you are well on your way to zapping the stains, so continue the process.
Or pour rubbing alcohol on the front and back of each stain and then blot. Next, pour laundry detergent onto the area, leave for an hour and wash.
If the stains don’t budge, your best hope is to use "Iron Out" or "Rit" dye remover, according to the directions on the bottle. The fabrics will be light in colour, but still wearable.
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. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca
