Melt marshmallows in microwave or double-boiler

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This article was published 18/12/2021 (1596 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Question: I am making a snow display for my son’s Grade 2 class. How can I melt marshmallows without burning them? Mary-Jo

Answer: Sounds like fun! Before heating marshmallows on the stove, grease the bottom of the pot. You may also want to add water to the pot if it won’t compromise your recipe. Marshmallows are less likely to burn if you use a double boiler or use your microwave oven. You will need a large microwave-safe bowl because the marshmallows expand when heated. Microwave the marshmallows for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until melted.

Question: What should I use to clean the floor of my acrylic shower stall? Seth

Answer: Into a spray bottle combine two cups white vinegar and one tbsp. Dawn dish soap. Use the steam from a hot shower to your advantage by cleaning the shower floor shortly after use. Choose a non-scratching abrasive pad (this is key in making the job easier). Spray the floor with a liberal amount of the solution. Scrub with the pad, and then rinse with water. For badly stained shower floors, consider using Iron Out, occasionally. Switch to vinegar and dish soap for regular cleaning.

Question: Do you have a suggestion for a good way to organize sets of bed sheets? Donald

Answer: If you want to keep all your bed sheet sets together; just fold the sheets and extra pillowcase and put them in one of the pillowcases. That way you will always have your sets in order.

Extra Tip: To reduce the amount of space that pillows and blankets take up, put them inside a garbage bag. Put the nozzle of your vacuum inside the bag. Wrap the opening of the bag around the nozzle to trap air inside, hold onto the bag around the nozzle. Turn on the vacuum. The vacuum will suck out all the air and compress pillows and blankets greatly. Close the opening of the bag with an elastic bag so that no air escapes. Whenever you need to use the pillows or blankets, open the bag and they will immediately fluff up once again.

Question: What suggestions do you have for cleaning spots on a really nice suede couch? Oli

Answer: To remove the marks on the suede, brush with a soft eraser. For larger areas, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to each area and wipe back and forth, using a stiff brush. When cleaning the entire chair use either commercial cleaner, or a brush that has been dipped in vinegar. Do not over wet. If your furniture is very expensive, you may want to have it professionally cleaned, just to be safe.

Baking for the holidays

For the best tasting shortbread, avoid substituting butter with margarine. The taste and texture will not be as good. — Margret

When baking sugar cookies, roll out the dough, between parchment paper. Chill the dough for one hour. Remove the dough from the fridge and cut with cookie cutters. The dough is much easier to roll when it is warm, and it won’t crack. — Jalissa

Sprinkle your counter with icing sugar instead of flour, before rolling out cookie dough. The taste is better, and you won’t end up with extra flour in your batter, and your cookies won’t be dry. — Peter

Living alone, I find that one batch of cookie dough makes too many cookies. Instead of baking all the cookies, I scoop out the cookie dough and freeze them on a pan. Once frozen, I remove them from the pan and seal them in a plastic container. I bake a few at a time: when I am in the mood for freshly baked cookies. — Peter

Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.

Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.

info@reena.ca.