Dear Heloise: Every time I make homemade potato salad it gets watery if not eaten on the same day. What am I doing wrong? - Maxi R., Waterloo, N.Y.
Maxi, potatoes hold a lot of water, so allow time for the water to drain by leaving them to cool in a strainer. If potato salad is made while the potatoes are warm, they will continue to release water, making the salad watery. - Heloise
Sausage Patties
Dear Heloise: I have read Heloise's Hints in the Omaha World Herald since the '50s! Here is my hint for sausage or hamburger patties. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and put a lump of ground meat on it. Fold the side of the wrap over the meat and press into shape.
If I want to freeze the patties, I put the raw meat into a plastic freezer bag and shape them. - Elinor A., Red Oak, Iowa
Baked-On Stains
Dear Heloise: My silver finish steel pots and skillets look dirty with baked-on grease. Can it be removed? - Deb M., Dayton, Ohio
Deb, try putting 3 tablespoons of baking soda in enough water to cover the bottom. Simmer on the stove until the burned-on food starts to lift. With a little scrubbing, the pot or skillet should be sparkling. - Heloise
Lemon Juice
Dear Heloise: When lemons are the cheapest to buy, I buy a bag and squeeze out all the juice in each lemon, then pour the juice in ice cube trays. After the lemon ice cubes are frozen, I place them in freezer bags and always have fresh lemon juice. - Tiffany in Florida
Deviled Eggs
Dear Heloise: My family loves deviled eggs. I've found the easiest way to make them is by putting the egg yolks and other ingredients in a zippered bag. Then I mash all of them together, snip off the corner of the bag and squirt the filling into the egg whites. There's no bowl to clean. - Marie in Kentucky
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