Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: Since I have reached the age when the strength in my fingers has lessened, my daughter gave me a pair of small pliers with rubber-coated handles that fits right in my utensil drawer.

They are especially helpful to grip the plastic pull-tabs on milk and juice containers and the foil, plastic or paper liners on chips, cheese spreads, etc. that have small pull-tabs.

The pliers can be expanded to open vinegar, soy sauce, flavorings and other jars with small lids. This would also make a thoughtful gift to anyone who is past 65. - Barbara Kelly, Abilene, Texas Whatever the age, your hint is a winner! - Hugs, Heloise

Dear Heloise: When making tiny filled tarts, I use mustard and ketchup squeeze bottles to fill the tiny pastries. It saves me lots of time and I find it very much easier. - Viola Kaplan, Princeton, N.J.