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Show Makes Dear Vi: For pancakes so light they almost float out the window, substitute club soda for the liquid in your recipe. You can also use club soda in the batter for deep frying. I've been told it's the secret ingredient used by a famous food chain. Use up all of the batter, however, as it doesn't keep well. For crisp French fries, soak cut potatoes in ice water for 15 minutes, then dry them thoroughly. Fry them once for five minutes only, then, after they've cooled, fry again until they are golden brown. To catch mice, place a gumdrop in the trap. When the mouse bites the gumdrop, his teeth will get stuck and cause the trap to go off. Here is a way to avoid a repair bill on your washing machine. Fill the tub with warm water. Add a gallon of cheap white vinegar and run the machine through its entire cycle. The vinegar unclogs soap scum from the hose. Do this at least twice a year. To unclog drains, pour a handful of baking soda into the drain. Add one half cup of vinegar. Cover drain tightly for a few minutes, then flush with cold water. Slide a finger cut from an old rubber glove ovef the broom handle. The broom won't fall, down when leaned against the wall. (Vi's note: Store brooms hanging, however, so that the bristles won't get bent out of shape. Soak tired feet in a solution of Epson salt and warm water, then dip them in cold water. Beulah Pierce, Provo, Utah Love your idea about sticky, gumdrops for the mousetrap. Poor little mouse. Can't you just picture him stuck there wondering what's going to happen, then whaml Mice do like candy. I found that out once when an elusive rascal kept leaving his teeth marks on some mints I'd left on the coffee table. I finally got him by using those same mints for bait. Thanks for all these good ideas, Beaulah. Dear Vi: I like your sister-in-law's idea about hanging a calendar on the refrigerator door. However, since our youngsters think that is their private property for posting school art and such, we hang our regular calendar in the inside of a kitchen cupboard door and our church and school events calendars inside another. Inside another door, we have taped a large envelope for information such as recipes, wedding invitations, hints from your column, and so on. Then; on still another, we have an envelope for financial stuff, such as bills to be paid, bank statements, envelopes, stamps, etc. Since there Is absolutely no other place in pur small apartment for even a mini office corner, I reserve the lower shelf of one cupboard for office supplies. This eliminates much of the clutter we would otherwise have. Valerie Zabriskie, San Diego Dear Vi: An elderly friend of ours was given an electric blanket by one of her children. She supposed she couldn't possibly keep warm without heavier covers, so she added a quilt and heavy spread. Soon the blanket wouldn't heat anymore. What she didn't realize was that anything heavier man a sheet over an electric blanket can cause it to overheat and short circuit. This could even cause a fire. So, if you plan to get an electric blanket, condition youself to lightweight bedding. Otherwise, keep warm by piling on bedding. Many people, having become accustomed to heavy bedding, don't feel comfortable without it. William Denning Dear Vi: Here are a couple of hints for pie lovers. Dip the cutting knife in hot water and the meringue won't tear or stick. If you want to cut a pie in five even pieces, first cut a large "Y". It will then be easy to cut the other two slices. Ruth Rheams, Twin Falls, Idaho Readers: If you want to share your good ideas, send them to IT MAKES CENTS, P.O. Box 122, St. George, Utah 84770. Thanks to all who make this column delightful, for all of us. |