Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here is another hint about hulling strawberries: I use a plastic soda straw. I insert it in the bottom of the strawberry and push through. It is a great way to remove the center of the strawberry. Also, it makes the preparation for freezing or eating very easy. – Beverly Trisciani, Manchester, N.H.

And Richard Yerzy of Boynton Beach, Fla., says: “To slice strawberries, use a good-quality egg slicer, inserting the berries point up. They slice uniformly and easily that way.” – Heloise

Dear Heloise: Recently, as we prepared for our family celebration, my daughter-in-law and son were cutting a watermelon that was not cool. As there was a shortage of ice, I suggested that we line a cooler with freezer packs. They cut the watermelon into slices, placed them in plastic bags and laid them in the cooler. A couple of hours later, the watermelon was icy-cold and delicious. – Carol Cupples, Kingwood, Texas