Dear Heloise: Can you use a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker instead of a 3-quart slow cooker when a recipe calls for a 3-quart?-M.D., via email
Good question, and the answer is yes! But there are a few hints to remember. Ideally, a slow cooker should be filled at least half-full when cooking, so you will need to reduce the cook time by a third or so. Watch carefully so the food doesn't burn. Try a test run! This is what I'd do: Keep an eye on the slow cooker the first time you "test" your recipe. Don't leave the house!
Or double the recipe and freeze some for another meal. You will know you have a home-cooked meal in the freezer. This is a good plan, especially when meat and chicken are on sale.-Heloise
NO-MIX CAKE
Dear Heloise: I remember a cake recipe you have where you do not mix the ingredients, but rather dump them into a pan. Can you please reprint the recipe?-Teri D. in Georgia
You are remembering the HELOISE NO-MIX CHERRY-PINEAPPLE NUT CAKE that is so simple yet delicious. You will need the following:
1 (20-ounce) can of crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
1 (21-ounce) can of cherry pie filling
1 (2-layer-size) package of yellow cake mix
1 (3-ounce) package of pecans, or 1 cup chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan and preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the pineapple with its syrup evenly in the pan. Spoon the pie filling evenly over the pineapple. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the fruits, followed by the nuts. Finally, slice the butter into thin slices, placing the pieces all over the top. Bake for 50 minutes, or until golden. Serve warm.-Heloise
CREAMER SUBSTITUTE
Dear Heloise: I have run out of creamer for my coffee. Not a problem, though, because in a pinch, I just use powdered milk.-Diane W., via email
My coffee, too, plus fewer calories and fat grams.-Heloise
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