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Dear Heloise: You had a recipe for a fat-free cream soup base that was delicious. Since my husband and I love preparing soup all year, I wanted to ask if you'd print this recipe for me and other soup-lovers. With a little leftover chicken and mushrooms, I can make a tasty soup. By the way, I've read your column for years and love all the hints you’ve shared with your readers. -- Linda A., in Ponca City, Oklahoma
Linda, of course! For this recipe, you'll need the following:
2 cups nonfat dried milk powder
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Put all of the ingredients in a large saucepan with 2 cups of cold water. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly. Once it becomes thick, add your other ingredients such as shredded chicken, mushrooms, celery that is sliced very thin, and whatever else you'd like in your soup! -- Heloise
TOMATO PASTE FOR STEWS
Dear Heloise: I love to try new recipes, so when my sister-in-law told me that she makes her beef stew with some tomato paste and water as her base, I thought it sounded tasty. So, I tried it, and this is the only way my husband wants stew now. When I make stews or chili, I often double the recipe and freeze the leftovers. For some reason, it always tastes better about a week or two later!
Thank you for all of your wonderful hints. I never read the paper without turning to your column first! -- Betty Jo M., in Fort Wayne, Indiana
GOODBYE, TENNIS BALLS
Dear Heloise: I've used a walker for five years and used tennis balls on its legs for three years. They wear out quickly and can be hard to cut and place on the legs. So, I switched over to plastic ski sliders about two years ago and haven't had to replace them since. Two years ago, it cost about $6 for a package of four ski slides, which is cost-effective and works well on any flooring or outside on cement. I read your column daily in the Temple Daily Telegram. -- Lois S., in Temple, Texas
OPENING TINY BOTTLES
Dear Heloise: I use two pairs of pliers to open tiny bottles. One holds the bottle in place, and I use the other to gently but firmly turn the cap. -- Pat C., via email
PACKING A FLAT SHEET
Dear Heloise: Now that summer camping season is upon us, consider packing a flat bedsheet with your tent. On cold nights, it's amazingly good at keeping the ground chill from your sleeping bag. On hot nights, it lets you sleep on top of the bag with just the sheet as a cover. During the day, it can serve as a tablecloth for a picnic table. A twin sheet is also perfect for a pup tent. Larger tents call for larger sheets, of course. -- Thomas F., via email
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.