To access the archives for past hints please click on the links above.

I am always recommending that fruits and vegetables be washed before use. As children I remember that vegetables, especially herbs, were soaking in salt water to get rid of bacteria. I now use a commercial cleaner for vegetables and fruit.

I was delighted to see that Dr. Oz has a recipe for produce cleaner. He is always willing to share his tips, so I have his recipe for vegetable cleaner below. If you click on the picture you will go directly to his page of tips as well.

Dr. oz also mentioned that apples often have wax applied to them to give them that high glossy shine. A good way to check if there is wax, is to smell the fruit. If you do not smell the apple it is because there is wax. If you purchase such apples make sure you wash them thoroughly

Rolling Pies

It is often difficult to roll pastry that just comes out of the fridge. It is either too hard or sticks to the board or rolling pin. The solution is usually to sprinkle flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

By chance I found a technique that works well. I usually pack the dough in cling wrap before I put it into the 'fridge. Well when I take it out, I begin rolling it while it is still in the clingwrap. As the dough gets larger, just manipulate the clingwrap and use a fresh piece of clingwrap on the top so that the dough is sandwiched between the clingwrap. This is much easier to roll.

Miscellaneous Hints

Beans are an excellent, high source of natural protein. It is also low in fat & high in fiber. Small red beans contain 22 grams of protein per half cup. Black eyed peas contain 14grams for the same zize serving. Other varieties to try include, soybeans, lima beans, black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans and chick peas/garbanzo.channa. A cup of milk contains 8 grams of protein.

A couple lost their camera while on holiday abroad. A day later the police contacted them saying a good samaritan had turned in the camera. The police looked thro' the photos on the camera and found a picture of the owners business card with contact details. What a great idea!! I will be sure to use this suggestion.

So much attention is paid to all the trans fats & processed sugars in fatty foods, that it is also useful to know that drinks also contribute to weight gain. Here are some examples which come from government sources and appeared in our local newspaper: The Sacramento Bee, by Sam McManis.

• 22% of an American's daily calories consumed comes from drinks
• 50% of the added sugar we consume comes from beverages
• The average American consumes 17.5 oz. of sugar sweetened beverages daily
• The average American consumes 38oz. of water daily
• There are 50 calories in 1 cup of raw white grapes