Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here are a few more uses for leftover bread crusts, bread ends or stale hamburger or hot-dog buns that are stored in the freezer. There’s no reason to throw away perfectly good bread:

•To make breadsticks, cut bread into strips, brush with melted butter or olive oil, sprinkle on spices and bake until crispy.

•To create inexpensive croutons, cut into cubes and add seasonings.

•To enhance brunch casseroles, layer bread with beaten eggs and browned sausage.

•To spice up meatloaf, cut into cubes and combine with prepackaged stuffing (you might need extra seasonings). Add chicken broth, browned sausage and sauteed mushrooms, onions and celery. – Tina Watts, Coon Rapids, Minn.