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Give Fridge A Fresh Look For Holidays

Rick Bonino Food Editor

When it comes to cleaning out refrigerators, as O.J. Simpson defense lawyer Johnnie Cochran might say: “If it’s started to sprout, you must throw it out!”

Today is the Whirlpool appliance people’s annually proclaimed “Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day,” in preparation for the holiday crunch (although they’d probably just as soon see you toss the whole thing and buy a new one).

So who needs encouragement? According to a Whirlpool survey, 18 percent of people clean their refrigerators but twice a year, 5 percent do it only once and 3 percent never bother.

The most common items found in fridges: milk (80 percent), eggs (37 percent) and butter (26 percent). Among the more unusual: a cordless phone, a frozen rat, a remote control, a snakeskin, a toaster and a blue jay.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of that stubborn stain, or whether you should get rid of that voting-age taco sauce, Whirlpool has set up a tollfree telephone line to answer consumer questions. Call (800) 953-7434, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST.

For copies of free brochures about refrigerator cleaning and maintenance, send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to: Whirlpool Refrigerator Reasons & Remedies, P.O. Box 85, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Cold facts

If buying a new refrigerator is in your plans, the Bonneville Power Administration can help you find one that uses the least electricity possible.

Brand-name appliances produced in conjunction with the agency’s Super Efficient Refrigerator Program are available throughout the Northwest. For a list of authorized dealers, call toll-free to (800) 622-4520.

After all, what would make a more romantic Christmas present?

Cheap advice

More brochure freebies for seasonal entertaining:

A holiday desserts recipe booklet from Baker’s chocolate. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Make Your Home a Sweeter Place This Holiday Season with Baker’s Chocolate, c/o Hunter & Associates, 41 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10010-2202.

Holiday recipes and gift-giving ideas from Quaker Oats. Send your name and complete address to: Quaker Oats Holiday Favorites, 332 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 900, Dept. N, Chicago, IL 60604.

Holiday tips, ideas and recipes from Karen Quiqley, publisher of the FOOD newsletter. Send a stamped, self-addressed, business-size envelope to: QEC&S Holiday Brochure, 4057 N. Drake, Chicago, IL 60618.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Drawing

MEMO: We’re always looking for fresh food news. Write to: The Fresh Sheet, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call 459-5446; fax 459-5098.

We’re always looking for fresh food news. Write to: The Fresh Sheet, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Call 459-5446; fax 459-5098.