When making a pie crust, if you add too much water to the dough you will end up with a tough pie crust. Instead of the water, use half vodka and half water. You’ll get a perfect crust every time.
If you have a rug that constantly slips there is no need to buy an expensive rug pad. Just grab your glue gun and apply zig zag lines of glue to the underneath part of the carpet. Let dry completely and then put the rug down. The wax and resin in the glue will grip the floor.
If you have a musty smelling basement (no one likes that!!!) put a few pieces of charcoal briquettes (without the starter fluid) into an empty coffee can and seal. Punch holes in the lid. Put the cans all over the basement where kids and pets cannot get to them. The charcoal will absorb the odor very quickly.
Want to impress your guests with a fancy dessert presentation? Just buy a plastic ketchup bottle at the dollar store, put your sauce in it and draw zig zags, swirls, or dots on your plate before putting your dessert on top.
Having trouble with your cheese turning moldy before you can use it all up? Just soak a paper towel in a solution of 2 cups of water and ¼ cup salt, wring it out, and wrap the cheese in it. This will keep it mold free.
I love serving things with mushrooms, but just hate cleaning them beforehand. Use a paper towel dipped in a mix of ½ water and ½ lemon juice. The lemon will help break down the grit and also keep the mushrooms from turning brown as you prepare them.
A family member of mine got seriously cut when digging though my drawers for a knife. Since then I have bought curling iron mitts and now use them in all my drawers to store my long knives. I also use foam glass cases to store the smaller knives. Works like a charm.
Sometimes I come across an article that I want to save for a very long time. You can use this method to save your important papers: Use 2 tablespoons of milk of magnesia and 1 quart club soda. Using a 1½ quart bowl, mix the milk of magnesia into club soda. Refrigerate overnight. The next day, pour the mixture into a pan. Lay the papers in the solution. Let soak for one hour. Remove soaked clippings and blot between paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Spread clippings on a flat surface to dry thoroughly.
Want some bubble fun with the kiddies? Buy a large economy-sized bottle of bubbles and an ordinary fly swatter. Pour the bubble solution into a dish big enough so you can dip the fly swatter into the soap. Swirl the swatter around the yard and presto, a lot of bubbles.
Are your piano keys looking quite dingy? Try using Colgate toothpaste on a damp cloth and rub the keys well. Wipe dry; buff with a dry soft cloth.
If you have any fun tips, please do not hesitate to send them in to heimishhouse[email protected].
Gail Hochman has been a resident of Bergen County for over 30 years and is the proud mother of three who have blessed her with many grandchildren.
By Gail Hochman
