Question: I have recently started making bread, by hand. Everything is good, except my bread is always dry. I follow all directions exactly and the loaf looks and smells great. Any ideas? Thanks. Peggy
Answer: Altitude and humidity in your home can alter the dryness of the dough, so you may need to experiment with the recipe a bit. Also, make sure that you knead the bread long enough to activate the yeast.
Consider reducing the flour by one-quarter cup so that the dough is less dry. Some people say that using bread flour makes a significant difference, I have not found that makes much difference.
While baking, it is important to insert an oven thermometer into the dough, you want a temperature of around 190 to 210 F (88 to 99 C), depending on the type of dough. I bake bread at 350 F, if your oven temperature is too low and the bread bakes for too long, the dough will dry out.
Assess your yeast to make sure it is active. Into a cup, add one teaspoon yeast and one cup, warm to hot water. If the yeast does not spread, it will not activate when you bake, you need fresh yeast.
Lastly, if you use flour such as whole wheat, the bread will be heavier and may taste dry. It is better to mix dough that is sticky rather than dough that is tough.
Question: I have used the shower door cleaning solution that I read in your column. I need to make more, but have lost the recipe. Please help. Inez
Answer: Here is my favourite shower door cleaning recipe. Into a spray bottle combine: One tablespoon Jet Dry dishwasher rinse, one quarter cup rubbing alcohol, half tsp. dish soap, two cups water and half cup three per cent hydrogen peroxide. Spray shower and leave; no need to wipe or rinse. Apply once a week or more. Also, gently wipe shower doors with a small amount of mineral oil to repel the water from sitting on the glass.
Question: My oak coffee table has become sticky. I tried Pledge, but it made it worse. Diluted dish soap did nothing. Any suggestions other than refinishing it? Thank you, Tracy
Answer: Into a spray bottle, combine 50/50 white vinegar and water. Spray the table and wipe. The vinegar strips away grime and dust that builds-up over time. If that does not help, consider cleaning the wood with Murphy’s Oil Soap. Wipe with water.
Fruit fly frenzy
• I read some of the remedies for killing fruit flies and want to share the one that I swear by. Just put about a half-inch of cider vinegar in a container like a custard cup, put in a squirt of dish washing soap, stir. I have seen it work within minutes of seeing one of those bothersome flies make an appearance. I caught seven the other day within a very short time! Enjoy your tips. Sylvia
S.O.S Household hints
1. After purchasing S.O.S pads cut them in half, doing so will sharpen the scissor blade and save you money.
2. Store S.O.S pads in a plastic container lined with aluminum foil to prevent them from forming rust.
3. Store any kind of steel wool away from flames or heat sources, they are very flammable.
4. Recipe for a wonderful multi-purpose cleaner: Combine 1-tsp. borax, half-tsp. washing soda, 2 tbsp. vinegar, half-tsp. liquid castile soap. Add 2-cups hot water. Shake and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on appliances, floors and house exterior, scrub with S.O.S pads.
5. Use S.O.S pads and water to remove nail polish from carpet (some elbow grease required).
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
info@reena.ca
