Cook frozen pizzas without hassle
Hints from Heloise
DEAR HELOISE: We so enjoy your column. I tried this method of cooking a frozen pizza, and it works well for me. The box directions say to put the frozen pizza directly on the hot oven rack. Most of the time, the cheese melts onto my racks and makes a mess.
I now grab a nonstick baking raised-wire cooling rack (the ones to cool cookies after they come out of oven) and place the frozen pizza on it. I put it crossways in the oven and cook the pizza per the instructions. Nothing seems to fall off the pizza or stick to the oven racks. Simply lift the cookie rack out and transfer it to a plate for cutting.
The cookie rack is easy to wipe clean if needed. (It’s so much easier than cleaning an oven or oven racks.) Thanks for your wonderful hints!
— D.R.C., in Manhattan Beach, California
DEAR HELOISE: Lori, in Texas, suggested marking the top of lotion bottles so that you know which way to turn it. Well, I do this with shampoo and conditioner. The bottles look so similar, and when I am in the shower, it’s hard to tell which is which, especially without glasses. So, I put an “S” or a “C” on the top with a marker. This way, it’s easy to grab the right one.
My husband and I read your column every day in the Orange County Register. We love your hints.
— Judy, in Anaheim, California
DEAR HELOISE: Thanks for sifting through our generations. Don’t forget the Greatest Generation and the Silent Generation.
— Barbara L., via email
DEAR HELOISE: In reference to senior widower Charles H. and his frustration over stores offering BOGOs to the detriment of those on a fixed income and / or those who live alone, may I suggest that he reach out to neighbors who may also be in the same predicament to see if one of them would like to be the other half of the “GO”?
Perhaps a neighbor would be willing to go in with Charles to get, for example, a Costco or Sam’s membership. Items that are purchased at either of these stores could easily be divvied up between the two households.
— Jo R., via email
DEAR HELOISE: My father taught me and my sister how to open and close lids and screw in things by giving us the little jingle “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.” I have never forgotten it and smile to myself when I hear myself say the phrase while I’m opening or closing something! I’m thankful for your column; I read it every day!
— Susan, in Hamilton, Ohio
