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Dear Heloise: I recently read that one in four Americans can't make a basic meal, and I found this to be surprising. If you can read, you can follow instructions in a cookbook. If your mother cooked most of your meals, just ask yourself, "What did she make for dinner?" You don't need a master's degree to toss a salad. People who say that they can't cook haven't tried to cook. (And I'm talking to all you bachelors out there!)
Don't believe anyone who says they can't cook. They may not be good at it, but anyone can make a basic meal. While I was in college, my frat brothers and I read your column and learned a lot from you.-- Jason M., in Hillsboro, Oregon
A TRIED AND TRUE HINT
Dear Heloise: A friend of mine had these remarkable wide rubber bands that she used to keep her cereal boxes closed. I asked her where she got them, and she said that when a pair of rubber gloves get worn out and have holes in them, she cuts along the cuff part of the gloves to form these large bands.
When I mentioned how clever I thought she was, she told me that she had found this hint in your column. So, from both of us, thanks a million for all your wonderful hints! -- Kelly and Isabel, in Mississippi
PORK ROAST POISONING
Dear Heloise: My mother always left frozen meat on the kitchen counter to thaw out, and nothing bad ever happened … until now. We went to Mom's place for Sunday dinner, and she served a pork roast. Everything was fine until later in the evening, when we all ended up in the emergency room. Turns out, we all had food poisoning from the pork roast.
The physicians warned us to never thaw meat on a kitchen counter. We never had a problem in the past, but this one event was enough to make me sit up and listen to the doctor's warning. My husband, my kids and I spent three days recovering. -- Deborah E., in Eugene, Oregon
WHILE YOU WAIT
Dear Heloise: Most of us go through situations where we have to wait for a while. Instead of glancing through outdated magazines or staring at the walls, I take a crossword puzzle from a newspaper or a crossword puzzle book with me. Time seems to fly by while I wait to see the doctor or while my son takes his piano lesson. -- Anne R., in Marietta, Georgia
THE HEALTHIEST NUTS
Dear Heloise: What are the healthiest nuts to eat as a snack? -- Rachel K., in Renton, Washington
Rachel, well, there really isn't a "healthiest" nut because they all offer nutritional value. However, most dietitians usually rank pistachios, walnuts and almonds as their top picks due to their protein, fiber and antioxidants.
-- Pistachios are classified as a complete plant protein with all nine essential amino acids.
-- Walnuts are often called "brain food" and contain the highest plant-based omega-4 fatty acids.
-- Almonds have the highest fiber and protein per serving of any nut. They are also a very good source of vitamin E. -- Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.