Unstick those marshmallows

Dear Heloise: Please tell me how to keep marshmallows from sticking together. I have stored them in the bag they came in, closed and in a dry, cool pantry.

Is there a way to unstick them? This has happened to me several times. —Anna L. Kasmiersky, Garwood, Texas

Anna, we get this question a lot, so don't feel like the lone marshmallow (terrible pun intended! — Heloise)! It's usually pretty easy to unstick marshmallows. Just pour a little confectioners' (powdered) sugar or cornstarch into the bag, close and shake, shake, shake until the marshmallows are coated. Most of the marshmallows will fall apart, but there might be a few that remain stubborn, and you should be able to gently pull them apart.

To keep marshmallows fresh and unstuck, put them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or a container with a tightfitting lid and store them in the freezer. When needed, remove and thaw at room temperature, and they are good as new.

Here's a hint if marshmallows are too dry: Be sure you have a sealable container or bag and add a piece of white bread. The moisture from the bread will help soften the marshmallows. —Heloise

Dear Readers: Since we are on the subject of marshmallows, let's test your knowledge. Here we go: How many small marshmallows equal one large one?

a. 5

b. 7

c. 10

Do you "c" the answer? That's right, 10 small marshmallows equal one large one. OK, let's try one more time: How many large marshmallows equal a 10-ounce bag? About 38-40! —Heloise

Dear Heloise: Here is a gravy hint to pass on: Any brown gravy tastes sooo much better when you add a little leftover coffee from breakfast. How much? When making brown gravy, start with a little and then adjust to taste. Try it — you will love it. —Ann Coulter, Punta Gorda, Fla.

Dear Heloise: Filling bottom-loaded saltshakers can be a trial. Now I cover the holes at the top of the shaker with a bit of tape and fill it from the bottom without any spills. —Dolores D. Crispen, Oceanside, Calif.

Dear Heloise: Since my measuring cups don't have ounces on them, I purchased a couple of baby bottles. Now, when my recipe calls for a couple of ounces of milk or water, presto!

Also, I have watched cooks on television open cans and throw the lids into a bowl or the trash. I wish they would just place the lid in the can after the can is empty to prevent cuts on fingers or hands. —A reader from Kent, Ohio

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