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Dear Heloise: I have a recipe for some cookies that are made with a raspberry muffin mix. This particular mix contains artificial raspberries, per the list of ingredients. What are they, and are they safe to eat? This “artificial” ingredient has kept me from making them. -- Anni, via email
Anni, when you see “artificial raspberries” listed as an ingredient in a commercial muffin mix, it generally refers to a food-grade flavoring or a fruit-mimicking ingredient that’s designed to provide the taste of raspberries without using the actual fruit.
These synthetic chemical compounds mimic the texture, taste and smell of the real fruit. They’re approved for use in food products, so they’re safe to eat. But I certainly understand the preference for using real fruit. If you’d like to make the recipe without them, you can always substitute the ingredient with fresh or frozen berries for a more natural option. -- Heloise
PILLS IN PEANUT BUTTER
Dear Heloise: When I have to give my dog a pill, I wrap it in peanut butter. She always knows that there’s a pill in there. So, I gently open her mouth with my fingers and put the wad on her tongue. She has no choice but to swallow it because she can’t get rid of the sticky stuff. -- Mary Kay D., in Walton Hills, Ohio
CEREAL TRICK
Dear Heloise: My hint for having my dog take her pills is to smash the pills and add the broken bits to a small amount of cereal. She not only eats her pills but ends up licking the bowl clean! At other times, I’ll simply give her some plain cereal as a treat so that she associates it with being rewarded. -- Jerry A., in St. Louis
Jerry, what a clever idea! Thank you for sharing your tip. -- Heloise
BABY SHOWER GIFT
Dear Heloise: The suggestion of the first-aid kit brought to mind what has become my go-to gift to give at a baby shower. Years ago, I was invited to a baby shower for a person who was far more affluent than I. I knew there’d be a lot of fancy baby gifts and knew I couldn’t afford the kind of gifts that most people would be bringing.
Upon thinking about what no one would bring, I came up with this: I bought on over-the-door hanging shoe holder with pouches to insert shoes. But instead of shoes, inside each pouch was a baby product: baby powder, lotion, diaper rash ointment, a pacifier, diapers, etc. I filled the holder, rolled it up, and wrapped it festively.
I was overwhelmed by how well it was received by these “ladies who lunch,” and every time I’ve prepared and given this gift, it gets the same reaction. It’s not terribly expensive, but it’s very practical. Baby Mama 101! -- Sandi, via email
USING UP LEFTOVER PIZZA
Dear Heloise: I never waste leftover pizza. I carefully wrap each individual piece and freeze it. Then, when I’m ready to use it, I microwave it for 30 seconds, which is enough to loosen the toppings. It makes for delicious omelets! And there are no wasted, leftover pizza toppings this way! -- Adrienne H., in Little Rock, Arkansas