QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to prevent bananas from turning brown when making banana cream pie? Maureen, Winnipeg
Answer: Black bananas take a tantalizing dessert from a treat to a travesty. I have been the baker of the latter. I learned (the hard way) to begin with newly ripe bananas. Toss banana pieces in a bit of lemon juice. Completely cover bananas with cream, and slice bananas just before serving. Finally, instead of cutting bananas into individual slices, consider slicing each banana lengthwise once down the middle before placing them into the pie crust. Less oxidizing equals less chance of black bananas.
Question: I have a fireplace and we've used it a lot over the past few winters -- I like having the door open because it's warmer when I'm sitting beside it. Now I have greasy soot on my walls and ceilings. What would you suggest to clean it? I can't afford to hire someone to do it. I'm thinking baking soda, but I thought I'd ask you. Lori, Winnipeg
Answer: Begin by vacuuming the walls with the dust attachment. Next clean all walls with one of the following solutions combined with water; shampoo or dish soap, borax, TSP or if you are desperate, household ammonia (ventilate well).
Question: Can you suggest a safe way to separate two large mugs that have become wedged together? They were placed within each other in the sink and now are stuck together. We tried hot water but that didn't seem to do the trick. Thanks for your help. Vince, Winnipeg
Answer: Here's an easy trick to separate the mugs. Fill a mixing bowl with hot water, and fill the top mug with ice. Stand both mugs in the hot water bowl. The top mug will contract, while the bottom mug expands. Leave them for a few minutes and gently pry them apart.
Question: How can I prevent SOS pads from falling apart after I wet and use them? Sammy, Carman
Answer: Find a little bowl and line it with foil. After each use, place the steel-wool pad into the bowl. The SOS pad won't rust or fall apart.
Terrific tips
Freeze leftover (if any exist) Halloween chocolate bars. They're great for adding to hot chocolate, cookies, cakes, cupcake toppers, trail mix or milkshakes. Submitted by Lindsay
My daughter had a splinter in her finger and I could not remove it. It was very painful and needed care. In desperation, I put a raisin onto the splinter and wrapped her finger with a bandage. I left the bandage on for 24 hours. Then I removed the bandage and raisin and gently squeezed the area. With little effort, the splinter was exposed and I was able to pull it out. Submitted by Geoffrey
Instead of squishing freshly made bread by cutting slices with a regular knife. Slice the loaf evenly with an electric knife. Submitted by Val
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topic: Effective Speaking or The Power of Words? Check out: Reena.ca
