Solutions and Substitutions by Reena: Meatloaf, Mothballs, Cupcakes and Vinegar

Reena Nerbas

Reena Nerbas, Courtesy of Gazette Grande

Dear Reena,
I was asked to bring meatloaf to a potluck that I am going to next month. I want to give it great flavor so that it doesn’t taste like ordinary, boring meatloaf. Any suggestions? ~ Dawn

Dear Dawn,
I love including uncooked, boxed turkey stuffing to meatloaf when I mix it. The meatloaf ends up with great flavour. Other ingredients to include: grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese, peppers, seasoning and chopped onion. Before baking, top the meatloaf with a mixed combination of; half cup tomato sauce, half cup brown or white sugar and one tsp. mustard. After baking, remove from oven and let stand for 10 mins. Release meatloaf from pan. Wrap in aluminum foil and slide inside a plastic bag, freeze. On the day of the potluck, remove meatloaf from the freezer and partially thaw. Cut slices of meatloaf and display meatloaf on a platter. Since the meatloaf is partially frozen, the slices will cut cleanly. Heat meatloaf or serve cold.

Although not a healthy choice here is an alternative way to bring a punch of flavour to meatloaf. Before packing the ground beef mixture into the pan, line the bottom of the pan with uncooked bacon and drape the bacon over the sides of the loaf pan. Add beef mixture and bring the ends of the bacon strips over the top of the meatloaf. Now add the topping and bake.

Hi Reena,
We recently purchased a trailer and the people we bought it from had put mothballs inside to keep vermin out. Well, it’s been closed for some time, at the very least all of winter, and now we can’t get the smell out! Any ideas on how to rid us of the mothball smell? ~ Anne-Marie

Dear Anne-Marie,
You may want to consider renting an ozone machine. This little machine is not recommended for regular use but it is great for enclosed areas that have had smoke or flood damage or just smell. The machine lets out a molecule called O3 (which of course is oxygen with an extra molecule attached). The third molecule escapes into the air and absorbs all odors. These machines can be rented at tool rental retailers as well as some hardware stores. Wash walls and floors with shampoo and water. Clean appliances and upholstery and leave windows open as much as possible. Boil vanilla, cinnamon and water on the stove. Mothball scent is powerful and without extra help, it will take a long time to disappear but the good news is that it will eventually disappear.

Dear Reena,
I love your website but couldn’t find the answer to my baking quandary. I always choose colourful cupcake liners when I bake cupcakes. Why does the cupcake liner separate from the cupcakes during baking? ~ Andrew

Dear Andrew,
Some cupcake liners are made of thin paper and are more likely to separate during baking; other liners have a wax coating also making it difficult for batter to cling to sides. Purchase your liners from a variety of manufacturers before trying anything else; cheaper liners can make a difference. Next, choose slightly larger eggs for your recipe. Fill liners half to two thirds full so that the top of the cupcake holds onto the liner.

Dear Reena,
We are enjoying your column and wonder whether you have a remedy for our problem. We used commercial vinegar to fight the weeds between the stones, thereby discolouring the bricks. Is there a product to bring back the original color? We are looking forward to receiving your advice which we will much appreciate. ~ Anne

Dear Anne,
While commercial vinegar and pickling vinegar are amazing at killing weeds, there is a risk that the colour of brick materials may be altered in some cases. TSP (trisodium phosphate), water and elbow grease (or a pressure washer) is an effective solution. After the brick is clean, consider sealing it with a masonry primer to avoid future discolouration. Some also have great results with muriatic acid but, test first and take caution because this product is dangerous.

Hair Raising Tips of the Week

• If your hairline looks greasy and shiny, brush baby powder (not too much) onto your scalp to absorb grease and get rid of shine.
• Tell your hair to stay in place by spraying your brush with hairspray and running it through your hair instead of spraying directly onto your hair and risking the plastered look.
• Use an eyebrow brush to apply eye moisturizer to eyebrows. Doing this prevents white flakes from sitting on top of brows.

Thank-you to all who responded to Anne’s inquiry about her Torchiere floor lamp. She greatly appreciates your advice.

I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Missed a column? Can’t remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event?

www.reena.ca