Easy dumplings

Dear Heloise: Some time ago, I believe you had an article about making dumplings from biscuit dough. Mine are heavy with too much flour, or they fall apart. Can you help? -- Dolly Behrens, Salina, Kan.

Dumplings made from canned biscuits could not be easier. Just roll the biscuits out to the thickness you like. Cut them with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. They are ready in a jiffy.

Another quick-and-easy dumpling solution is to use flour tortillas. Just cut them in any shape and use them as you would regular dumplings. I hope these kitchen helpers work for you. -- Heloise

CLEAN GARBAGE

DISPOSAL

Dear Heloise: I find it very easy to keep my garbage disposal clean. I put the splash guard and stopper in the top rack of my dishwasher. They are clean and fresh in no time and with no effort.

I also put my dish drainer and its tray in the dishwasher top rack. Why scrub when there's an easier way? -- Barbara, Via E-mail

We spoke to a leading garbage-disposal manufacturer, and a representative said that you might not want to do this, as the hot water from the dishwasher might cause the splash guard to deteriorate faster. -- Heloise

LEFTOVER PIE FILLING

Dear Heloise: I would like to share a hint I happened upon during the holidays:

I was making a pumpkin pie and had extra pumpkin left over. So, I put the extra in a covered dish and baked it with the pie, following the same baking instructions.

I tried a graham cracker with a slice of pumpkin and whipped topping. I liked the result and thought this was the answer for extra pumpkin without pie crust. Our holiday tasters agreed.

I'm sure this could be used with most pie filling, as the graham cracker simulates a graham-cracker pie crust. This is great as a snack, especially for children.

I hope you'll try this hint and see if you agree that this could open up a variety of combinations.

Enjoy, as I have enjoyed your hints and your mom's before you. -- Stephanie M. Marshall, District Heights, Md.

EXTRA PLASTIC BAGS

Dear Heloise: To help reduce the amount of plastic bags I use at the supermarket, I keep a stash of grocery bags, either plastic or cloth, in the trunk of my car.

That way, if I have to fit in a quick trip to the market on my way home from work, I will already have my own bags with me. -- Betty Sweeny, Ventura, Calif.

CANTALOUPE STORAGE

Dear Heloise: My friend Ellen in Arkansas taught me to store peeled and sliced cantaloupe in a quart jar in the refrigerator. This contains the strong odor more effectively than double wrapping, and it's so quick and easy! -- Cecille Skaggs, Springfield, Mo.