WOMAN TO WOMAN

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 23

WOMAN TO WOMAN

For Mutual Help

All readers who require help in any matter of household management, cookery, etiquette, needlework, or dress may make use. of tliis column for their inquiries. There is no charge, the only condition being (hat tlio full name and address is given. This is not for publication, but for record purposes only. Those requiring a reply by post are asked to send a stamped and addressed envelope. A prize of half a crown is given each week for tho best housewifery bint received for this column by “IVoman’s World Competition.” The prize this week has been "on hv •'.'Jane,” Palmerston North.

To Keep Cut Vegetables Fresh.

Lettuces, beans, spinach, cauliflower, and cucumbers will keep crisp several days if enclosed in several thicknesses of paper, excluding all air. Root vegetables, such as parsnips, carrots, leeks, artichokes, etc., will keep for weeks if buried about six inches under the cartli.—-"Jane,” I’alincrston North. When Your Cake is Baked.

When baking a sweet loaf or fruitcake, take a threefold strip of greaseproof paper about an inch wide and place it across the bottom of the tin, with tlie ends standing up well above the sides of the tin. Then paper tlie tin in the usual w.ay. When the cake is baked these tabs are invaluable for lifting it from Hie tin without fear of mishap. This can be done with either round or sandwich loaf tins.— "Hah,” Wellington. A Soap Shaker.

Tlie best way to use up the odds and scraps of soap that accumulate in tlie house is to take a tin, about 11b. size, and with a sharp nail and hammer knock small holes in the bottom and up the sides of the tin. Then fill up witli tlie scraps of soap. When you wish to obtain soapsuds for soaking clothes or washing, just swisli the tin round a few minutes in the hot water. You will have a beautiful lather without the trouble of cutting the soap into shreds and melting it. —Mrs. C., Palmerston North. A Nice Soft Icing.

If you want royal icing to remain soft and easy to cut, whip up tlie eggwllite only a few seconds —just until it becomes frothy—before adding the icing-sugar.—“L.C.,” Wairarapa. Mock Peach Jani.

This recipe for using rhubarb in jam has been sent in answer to a request last week. Take two bundles rhubarb (241 b. 1 packet raisins (Australian brands are best), 1 pint water. Soak the raisins in the water overnight. Next day ad-d the rhubarb cut up small and skinned. Weigh the fruit (without the water), then boil this 15 mkiutes. Add the weight of fruit in sugar and boil lull'd for from 40 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.—"L.C.,” Wairarapa. A Useful Mop.

x\ useful little mop for cleaning nar-row-necked, wide-based bottles or glass vases may be made by splitting a short piece of cane and inserting a thin piece of sponge between the portions. Bind tlie ends of the cane tightly with thick string and tlie mop is ready for use. To clean tlie mop. remove sponge, and soak in hot, soapy water in which has been put a teaspoon of ammonia.— "Rita,” Pet one. Stocking Savers.

To prevent heels from wearing out long before the rest of the stockings, rub the inside of the stockings before wearing them with a piece of paraffin wax. This will preserve them amazingly. 'When dyeing stockings, till them with jiaper while wet and this will prevent the sides from touching and the stockings from becoming streaked. —Mrs. D., Wanganui.

Handy Fire-lighter. When visiting the beach, pick up a piece of pumice about the size of your fist. Twist a small piece of wire round the pumice and leave a piece for a handle. Soak the pumice all night in kerosene, and when a lire is required put a match to the pumice and you will find it will light, the most stubborn tire. Keep this fire-lighter in a tin with a little kerosene, taking earc to let it get cold before putting in the tin.—M.S., Mai'tinborough,