Tips from Heloise: A fudge recipe and more...

NAIL BITING IS HARD TO STOP

Dear Héloise: Biting my fingernails is a lifelong habit that I just can’t seem to stop. It seems like I always have a finger in my mouth. I’m not sure why I started. My nails are a disgrace, and at my age it’s embarrassing. I often bite my nails without thinking. Do you have any tips for quitting? –Cynthia P., Elsmere, Delaware

Cynthia, there are over-the-counter products you can buy online that will leave your fingers with an unpleasant taste. There are also latex finger protectors to cover your fingers. Some people have tried hypnosis, but I can’t say that I personally know anyone who has been successful with this method.

One thing you can try is seeing a family counselor to find out why you started biting your nails in the first place. Knowing the cause of this habit can be the beginning of quitting nail biting. –Héloïse

Héloïse’s FUDGE

Dear Héloise: If I remember correctly, you had a recipe for fudge that was a big hit in our house. I think it was called ‘Heloise’s Fudge’ and it was so easy to make. Since the holidays are just around the corner, I was hoping you would print this tasty recipe. My son is coming home this Thanksgiving, and he absolutely loved your fudge! — Connie W., Ponca City, Okla

Connie, this recipe is so easy to make and so popular with everyone that you will want to have it on hand all holiday long. Here it is:

4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 large can of evaporated milk
3 (6-ounce) packages of chocolate chips
1 (10 ounce) package miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chopped nuts

Mix sugar and milk in a large saucepan and bring slowly to the boil. Let this mixture boil for about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add all the chocolate chips, marshmallows and butter. Mix only until the chips and marshmallows are melted.

Add the vanilla and nuts. Spread the mixture into a large, ungreased pan, let it cool and cut into squares. It is best to store the fudge in the refrigerator. –Héloïse

TEA PARTY

Dear Héloise: I work as a private nurse for the elderly. Many of my patients like to drink tea all day long. Unfortunately the tea seemed to cool too quickly. Now when I make tea or coffee for one of my patients, I put it in a thermos so they can drink hot tea at any time.

The thermos keeps the tea or coffee nice and warm all day long. This means they don’t have to wait for a hot drink while they watch the birds, enjoy their day or watch their favorite TV show. — Sharon H., in Houston

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH REUSE

Dear Héloise: My daughter gave me an electric toothbrush for my birthday. I already had an electric toothbrush, so I now use the old toothbrush to clean small areas in my house, like the grout and chalk in my kitchen. (I sterilized it before using it to clean the house.) It’s so great for small spaces! — Maureen D., Eden Prairie, Minnesota

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