Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Peel a pineapple in record time this summer
Question: Please share with me a fast way to peel a pineapple. -Morgen
Answer: Pineapples can be stored at room temperature for about three days, after that store the fruit in the fridge to maintain freshness.
I used to work as a cook at a college, and here is the method we used. Using a serrated knife, cut both the top and bottom off.
Stand the pineapple on a cutting board, from the top, slice about one quarter into the pineapple, all the way towards the cutting board to cut off the peel.
Turn the pineapple and continue to slice. Cut the pineapple around the core and discard the core, which is tough and not enjoyable to eat.
Next, cut the pineapple into square, bite sized chunks. Pineapples do not retain freshness very long after being cut.
Question: Once I read that it is good to use leftover potato water for making bread, I now do that, and I like it a lot.
My friend told me to use potato water for killing weeds. Somehow something is wrong with this picture. She uses it to kill weeds and I use it to feed my family.
Answer: Leftover potato water, will kill off (cook) any grass or weeds growing in the driveway, between your pavers etc. If poured accurately, you may be able to take out weeds near the plants you wish to keep, and the same is true for pasta water.
Whenever I use this tip, I make sure that the water has just boiled and therefore in my mind, it is not the potato that is killing weeds but rather the water itself.
On the plus side, cooled down potato water can be poured onto soil so that a good amount of nutrients seep into the ground maintaining healthier soil.
I agree with you, potato water is outstanding for baking homemade breads and adding to soups and gravies. Potato water can even be saved and frozen for future use.
I just thought of another use for potato water! Dip sponges into potato water to get rid of carpet and fabric stains, works great on washable satin too.
Question: Now that we are allowed to gather in bigger group outside, I am having a large group of about 50 guests at my yard next month, for a wedding.
I would like to make grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time and heat them up before the guests arrive. I am also planning to prepare tomato soup.
Can you give me some hints so that the food tastes fresh when it’s time to eat? -Ernie
Answer: What I like to do is butter both sides of the outside of the sandwich not the inside where the cheese is, that way you don’t need to add any additional grease to the pan when you are frying them.
Hours before guests arrive, fry sandwiches on each side so that they are brown. Put sandwiches on large baking sheets and cover with plastic wrap so that they don’t dry out. Store in fridge.
Shortly before lunch, remove plastic and pop baking sheets into the oven for a few minutes to heat sandwiches.
Make tomato soup ahead of time and pour into a slow cooker to keep warm. Cover with lid and stir occasionally, so that no skin forms on the top of the soup.
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
Preserve leaves with wax paper and an iron
Question: What is an easy way to preserve leaves so that they last for many years? Jainy
Answer: Place foliage between two pieces of waxed paper (waxy side against the leaves and cover the ironing board cover with a towel). Press the wax paper with a medium-hot iron, coating the leaves with the wax. Peel off the wax paper. Replace the wax paper for each pressing.
Question: I received a pot of flowers from someone a few weeks ago — what is the purpose of deadheading flowers? Is it done as a way to help the plant live longer? Linda
Answer: Deadheading is done to enhance the appearance of the potted flowers by grooming the plant to keep it looking fresh. Removing dead buds also directs the plant's energy towards healthy blooms. The simplest way to deadhead is to pinch the flower head between your fingers, and gently pull.
Question: I was wondering if you have any ideas for removing white powder from concrete foundations, I believe it is called efflorescence. Desmond
Answer: You may want to have an expert take a look at the area. However, it does sound like the white that is forming on the floor is alkaline or efflorescence. To remove simply wash with a muriatic acid mixture of 60 per cent water and 40 per cent muriatic acid. Always wear protective clothing and eye protection when you are working with acid and use it according to the directions on the bottle because it is dangerous when not used properly. After washing rinse well and allow to dry. Seal concrete. You should NOT be experiencing efflorescence on newly poured concrete. Sometimes salt additives to concrete mixes for cold weather pouring can produce what looks like efflorescence, but it is actually a breaking down of the concrete mix itself.
Question: What is the difference between red, yellow and white onions? How should I choose the proper onion for cooking? Saticha
Answer: Yellow onions are inexpensive and the most versatile of the onions. Store them in a cool, dark place. They are slightly sweet and not overpowering. I store mine in the fridge, but they can also be stored in a cool, dark, dry place such as the basement. White onions are stronger and tend to fall apart when cooked. They are a great choice if you love onions and are hoping for a stronger flavor. Red onions are the most popular choice for chopping and adding to burgers, potato or Greek salad, really any dish where you don’t want cooked onions. A little goes a long way.
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
Renovation & Design
Water seepage may require professional help
Question: Can you tell me why I have seepage in my basement walls at the base? I live in the West End in an older house. It happens only in the part of the basement that faces the back of the house.
There is no standing water, just seepage. We are having a garage built soon, so the grading that will be done might help.
What are the solutions to fix this problem and would it be a job a homeowner could do themselves? Thanks, Grace Livingston
Answer: Moisture in a basement is attributable to several factors, either due to poor water management outside the home or foundation related issues. The former are things that can be attended to by the homeowner, part of general maintenance, but the later is the job of an experienced foundation contractor.
Damp basements can take several different forms. Some have active water intrusion, normally during heavy rains or spring snow melts. Others, like yours, may have a musty smell and wet foundation walls with visible efflorescence or mould on the surface.
The first places I’d look are outside the home. The eavestrough system that takes rainwater of the roof must be in good condition and the downspouts extended well away from the foundation. If the troughs are loose, rusted, or have any visible leaks, they must be immediately repaired or if badly deteriorated, replaced. If they are loose and pulling away from the fascia, water can run behind and drain directly on to the soil outside the foundation walls. With heavy rainfall, or melting snow, this moisture can cause erosion of the soil or moisture buildup directly against the foundation.
If the troughs are in good condition and draining properly, ensure that you have downspout extensions of sufficient length to channel rainwater well away from the home. If the extensions are not adequate, the troughs leaking, or grading sloping improperly toward the house, moisture intrusion is much more likely. So, the next area to address is the grading around the house. This is the technical term for the slope of the soil adjacent to the foundation and in the rest of the yard surrounding your home. Ideally, there should be a soil slope of approximately 10 to 15 degrees, or more, for the first metre or two away from the foundation.
The third item to address is large trees near the house, or excessive vegetation up against the foundation and walls. The next possible cause of your dampness issues may be due to the age of your foundation and normal deterioration. In older homes like yours the weeping tiles that are installed underground, near the bottom of the foundation walls, stop working. These short clay or concrete tubes are designed to collect excess moisture from the soil and channel it under your foundation into the floor drain catch basin, and then harmlessly to the city sewer system. Over several decades, these fill up with soil, crack, crush, or shift, and become useless.
If the foundation develops small cracks, rusted form ties, or normal deterioration to the bitumen damp-proofing applied to the concrete during construction, the foundation can leak. In that situation, the only real solution is to excavate the soil outside the foundation, waterproof the concrete walls, install a new plastic weeping tile system, and replace the soil with better draining fill before regrading. That is not something most homeowners can safely or properly complete, so hiring an experienced foundation contractor will be warranted.
trainedeye@iname.com
