Dear Heloise: Every time I use aluminum foil, I stop for a minute and wonder if it matters whether the shiny or dull side faces out. Does it matter, or can I just relax when using it?-Erica D., South Bend, Ind.
Don't stress! You can use either side, and it will make no difference when you are cooking!
But don't you wonder why there is a shiny side and a dull side? It's just what happens during manufacturing: One side is polished by steel rollers, making it shiny, and the other is not, which causes it to look dull. Now you know!-Heloise
KEEP FRESH
Dear Heloise: I love avocados, but of course the challenge with them is keeping fresh what you don't use immediately once you cut into one. I finally found the answer. After I cut my avocado, I place a paper towel over the side I want to store for later use. Then I take a squeeze bottle of lemon juice and soak the paper towel, pressing it against the exposed flesh of the avocado so it clings. Next, I place it in the refrigerator without any additional covering. It will actually stay fresh for several days.-Christine K., Cleveland, Tenn.
POTATO MASH
Dear Heloise: A recent column of yours featured a letter about using a french-fry slicer to dice potatoes for a salad. I had diced potatoes for salad most of my life when a co-worker happened to say that she mashes the hot potatoes with a potato masher. Seemed like a hint worth trying. So I mashed them enough to break the pieces up to "salad size." I added chopped onion and loved the result. The hot mashed potatoes absorbed the onion flavor and improved the taste while saving time and effort.-Pat A. in New Hampshire
GRILL MAT
Dear Heloise: Here is a hint for those who still have a coffee maker that makes great coffee, but the carafe warming plate is getting a little rusty: Try cutting a circle to fit from the newer black mats that are made to fit on outdoor grills. They can stand the heat, work great and instantly make your coffee maker look almost new again.-Carol G., Hubbard Lake, Mich.
POWDERED GELATIN
Dear Heloise: I read your column in The (Danville, Ky.) Advocate-Messenger.
When making powdered gelatin, pour the powder over boiling water as usual. But instead of stirring for several minutes with a spoon, use a wire whisk. The gelatin dissolves in seconds.-Pat W., Stanford, Ky.
STRAINER SPAGHETTI
Dear Heloise: After making spaghetti, I often serve it right from the strainer. My wife complains about the noodles getting sticky or dry. So I simply run hot water through the strainer to freshen up the noodles.-Sean H., Omaha, Neb.
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