From our kitchen

Get Rid of the Red

New Cascade Plastic Booster brightens discolored plastic containers. It gets rid of the stains left by spaghetti sauce, chili, etc.; it's also a good way to freshen the interior of your dishwasher. Squeeze 1/4 cup into the prewash cup (the one without a closable lid); then fill the main dispenser cup with your favorite detergent, load the washer, and let it run on the normal setting (including drying cycle). The product is available in 6.8-ounce tubes for about $3.

Road Food

Pass up burgers and fries on your next road trip, and pack your own lunch. You can enjoy healthy sandwiches, fruit, and beverages at a fraction of the cost. Here are our travel tips.

* Pita bread makes great sandwiches that don't get smashed.

* Choose easy-to-pack snacks, such as nuts and pretzels, in family-size bags. They save money and leave less trash in the car.

* Crackers, spreads, dips, and cheeses are also terrific between-meal treats.

* Let the kids help pack the cooler. Store it in the backseat of the car instead of the trunk. It'll stay cool and be within easy reach.

* Stop, stretch, and eat in a shady spot at a rest area.

(For more hints on traveling with children, see this issue's Postscript column, page 62.)

Is It Red Snapper?

A discussion in a restaurant made us curious about fish labeled "red snapper." There's a whole category of great-- tasting fish called snapper, and there are some differences among species. When you buy small (2- to 3-pound) whole red snapper at a seafood market, there's a good chance it's vermilion snapper. While these two types of seafood look very similar, this small fish has a darker, finer flesh; richer taste; and softer texture than true red snapper. The latter is large (generally 5 pounds and up) and seldom found whole. If you must have the real thing, look for big, red-skinned, firm-fleshed fillets. You'll find the freshest fish at seafood markets. Get to know the staff, and tell them what you like. They'll help you get the best selections

ANDRIA SCOTT HURST

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2002
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