Question: We have a set of four nice, thick outdoor chair cushions that we have treated well for 15 years. They are never left outside at night and are often stored in our shed during summer days when not needed. I went to get them from the shed, and discovered that they had become soiled from mice that had gotten into our shed (they were stinky and damp). We left them outside to dry off, then put them away to deal with later. Now I’m wondering if they can be washed in a large commercial washer at a laundromat (larger capacity), and if so, what should I use on them? (Borax?) I want to make sure they are well disinfected. Any advice would be very appreciated. Thanks. — Jill
Answer: Washing the cushions in a large-capacity washing machine is absolutely genius! Use heavy-duty detergent and air dry the cushions. The only change I would make is to use 1 cup of white vinegar in place of borax. After the cushions are dry, wipe them with tea tree oil to help deter rodents.
Question: I recently made cornbread and it was very crumbly. What did I do wrong? I used one egg. Should I use two next time? — Wendy
Answer: Here are a few hints for making delicious cornbread: Use buttermilk instead of milk and/or water. While you do not want to add excess moisture, the following are a few ideas to try. Add a half cup of sour cream to your recipe. The extra egg is a good idea. Some people like to add a can of creamed corn to the recipe to add moisture. Yum!
Question: What is the easiest way to remove corn from the cob? And what is an easy way to butter corn cobs? — Lenore
Answer: Stand the corn on the cob in the hole of a Bundt pan. Hold the cob steady and make long downward strokes on the cob with a sharp knife, separating the kernels from the cob. If you are worried about scratching your Bundt pan, drape a paper towel inside the pan to protect it.
To butter the cob with ease, spread butter on a piece of bread and wipe the cob with the bread. Or melt butter in a bowl and use a pastry brush to "paint" the cob. Or melt butter in a pot and lay the cobs in the butter to coat them (this is the option I use).
Question: I have a box of cereal that tastes stale. Is it garbage, or is there a way to make it taste good again? — Arden
Answer: To revive old cereal (or crackers), spread it onto a cookie sheet and bake on low heat for a few minutes. Take it out of the oven when crisp. Eat.
Produce the best produce
— I have a tip for preparing spaghetti squash for the microwave. Pierce holes by using a meat thermometer. Easy and safer than fooling around with a knife. Gloria
— Save pumpkin seeds; they are high in protein and low in fat. Clean off flesh (or leave on) and season with seasoning salt. Spread onto greased baking sheet and bake at 300 F (150 C) for about one hour or until golden brown. Add to trail mixes or eat separately.
— Revive old apples by peeling and cutting into them into chunks. Soak them in cold apple cider or juice for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
— Keep apples longer by storing them without letting them touch one other.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products/methods on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Email your tips and questions.
info@reena.ca.
