Useful Tips for a Lifetime

1. Stuff miniature marshmallows in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips
2. Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle - perfect shaped pancakes every time.
3. To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.
4. To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard boiling.
5. Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispie treats into the pan.  The marshmallow won't stick to your fingers, or try rubbing some shortening on your fingertips.
6. To get the most juice out of fresh lemons, bring them to room temperature and roll them under your palm against the kitchen counter before squeezing.
7. To easily remove burnt-on food from  your skillet, add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
8. Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato-based sauces to prevent stains.
9. When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead - no white mess on the outside of the cake.
10. If you accidentally over-salt a dish while cooking, drop in a peeled potato.  It absorbs the excess salt.
11. Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting it in the refrigerator, it will keep for weeks.
12. Brush beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.
13. Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it.
14. When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.
15. To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water.  If it sinks, it is fresh.  If it rises to the surface, throw it away.
16. Cure for headaches:  Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead.  The throbbing will go away.
17. Don't throw out leftover wine.  Freeze it into ice cubes for futre use in casseroles and sauces.
18. If you have difficulty opening jars, try using latex dishwashing gloves.
19. Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers.   Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.
20. To get rid of itch from a mosquito bite, try applying soap on the area
21. Ants are said to never cross a chalk line.   Draw a chalk line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march.
22. Use air freshener to clean mirros.  It does a good job and leaves a lovely smell to the shine.
23. When you get a splinter, reach for scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle.  Put the scotch tape over the splinter and pull it off.  It removes most splinters painlessly and easily.
24. Uses for Alka-Seltzer:
    Clean a toilet:  Drop two tablets in, wait 20 minutes and flush.
    Clean a vase: To remove a stain on the bottom, fill with water and drop two tablets.
    Polish jewelry:  Drop two tablets in a glass of water and immerse jewelry for two minutes.
    Clean a thermos: Fill with water drop in two tablets, soak for at least an hour.
    Unclog a drain:  Drop three tablets in drain follow with a copy of white vinegar, wait for a few minutes and run hot water.