Dear Heloise: I have a recipe that calls for tarragon vinegar and xanthan gum. I can't find either.-B.B., via email
B.B., xanthan gum is widely used as a stabilizing agent and to thicken products such as cosmetics, ice cream, jams, salad dressings and toothpastes. It usually can be found in health-food stores and some grocery stores. Tarragon vinegar also is found in grocery stores and health-food stores. If your recipe calls for these two products, it's best to use them rather than a substitute.-Heloise
WHEN YOU'RE SCRAMBLING
Dear Heloise: A friend told me of a quick way to make scrambled eggs in the microwave: Place your eggs in a small microwavable bowl, whisk with a fork and add seasonings. Place in the microwave for 42-45 seconds. You can add more ingredients, but the time will increase. By then, the toast also is ready!-Helen H. in San Antonio
ORGANIZE THOSE SPICES
Dear Heloise: Instead of rummaging through my spice cabinet for the ones I need while cooking, I bought some little plastic baskets (6-by-10-by-3 inches) and decided to group my spices alphabetically in those baskets. Now when I need a spice, I know which basket to pull out, and my ingredient will be there. No more hauling out every spice I own to find the right one.-Joel R., via email
MICROWAVE PAPER PLATES
Dear Heloise: I've been using some highly decorated paper plates in the microwave. Then I wondered if this was safe. Is it?-Raylene W., via email
Dear Raylene: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (usda.gov) recommends using only white paper plates with no printing on them in the microwave. The following items, according to the USDA, also should not be microwaved:
- Yogurt containers
- Newspaper
- Foam cups and plates
- Margarine tubs
- China with metallic paint on it.
-Heloise
A PRESSING ISSUE
Dear Heloise: In my opinion, a French press makes coffee better than any other type of coffee maker. I'm not particular, so I just get cheap stuff, and it comes out of the press good enough for me.-Tom in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Tom, a French press is ideal if you want only one or two cups of coffee. However, if you love coffee as much as I do, you might like my Flavored Coffees and Teas pamphlet. You can visit my website at Heloise.com to order, or send a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed, business-size envelope, along with $3, to: Heloise/Coffees, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. I think you'll find that an interesting coffee at the end of a meal can add just the right touch to any occasion.-Heloise
King Features Syndicate