Dear Heloise: When I get home I'm usually tired and hate to bother with dinner. So instead of a big meal, I make soup from leftovers. I grab a big pot or saucepan, pour in water with a couple of bouillon cubes and bring it to a boil. Any leftover chicken, beef or pork gets chopped up and added. I season with spices and add any leftover veggies or open a can of white beans to add to the soup. I usually rinse canned vegetables to remove any excess salt. You also can add leftover rice or macaroni to your soup. This with a salad and some warm rolls can make a healthy soup on a chilly evening! - Lisa B., Newport, R.I.
Shrimp Spread
Dear Heloise: I loved your Shrimp Spread recipe, but I gave my copy to my sister-in-law and she lost it. Would you reprint this yummy treat that's so easy and quick to make? - Lois B., Oklahoma City, Okla.
Lois, this is a favorite at my house as well, so here is the Shrimp Spread recipe. You'll need:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 ounces tiny cocktail shrimp, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons seafood cocktail sauce
1/2 cup finely chopped onion, yellow or white
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Thoroughly mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise until well blended. Mash or chop the shrimp and add to the mixture; stir in remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until needed. Serve at room temperature with crackers or as a veggie dip, or spread on bread for a sandwich. Don't let it sit out for more than an hour. This recipe makes two cups.
If you have a pool party or Hawaiian themed get-together, this shrimp spread will be a party favorite with all your guests. - Heloise
The Value Of Vinegar
Dear Heloise: Through the years I've read your column in the local papers, and I've got so many hints from you. Perhaps the best has been the value of vinegar. I use it to clean plastic hairbrushes with a mixture of 50-50 vinegar and water (no wooden brushes). I use it in the summer on fire ant bites to take away the sting and itching. If I've used too much perfume, I soak a cotton ball with vinegar and wipe some off by wiping the perfumed areas with the vinegar on the cotton ball. - Karen T., St. Joseph, Mo.
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