Difference Between TOMATO SAUCE, PUREE AND PASTE

By Heloise, Published: February 21

Dear Heloise: What are the differences among TOMATO SAUCE, PUREE AND PASTE, and what is the best use for each? -- Rhonda M., El Paso, Tex.

Tomato sauce has a smooth, uniform texture and mild flavor. It’s typically added to meals like spaghetti and lasagna, or soups, chili and stews.

Tomato puree usually has a chunkier texture than tomato sauce, so it is used in dishes where a strong tomato flavor is desired, such as meatloaf.

Tomato paste generally is thinned with wine, broth or water. Just a small amount added to soups, chili and stews gives tomato flavor while helping to thicken the stock.

Experiment with all types for tomato flavor in your recipes. -- Heloise

P.S.: When these items are on sale, I stock up and buy several cans to have on hand for a quick soup.

BAY LEAF PLANT

Dear Heloise: I purchased a bay leaf plant about 16 years ago from my local nursery. It was about 5 inches tall, and now is over 5 feet tall. I keep it in the house through the winter. In the spring, when I’m sure the temps will not drop below 50 degrees at night, I put it on my back deck.

I have not had to purchase bay leaves for at least 10 years now. Every fall, I trim the plant back, let the leaves dry and then store in a jar. It’s been a fun plant to grow, and it has become a great conversation piece. -- Suzanne, Omaha

CHOPSTICK USE

Dear Heloise: If you choose to use chopsticks at dinner in a Chinese restaurant, bring them back home instead of leaving them to be thrown out. They come in handy as stakes for indoor plants. -- Christine R., via e-mail

You know one of my tricks! I’m sure there are plenty of other uses for chopsticks. Readers, please send your favorite chopstick hint to the address below, writing Heloise/Chopstick on the first line of a postal letter and “Chopstick” in the subject line of an e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you! -- Heloise

FLOUR HINT

Dear Heloise: Is there a way to turn regular flour into self-rising flour? -- Tina D., Orlando, Fla.

There sure is, and it is simple! Just mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ¹ / ₂ teaspoons baking powder and ¹ / ₂ teaspoon table salt. This will be equal to 1 cup of self-rising flour. -- Heloise

STRAWS WHEN SICK

Dear Heloise: I have a hint for when small children (or even adults) are sick. I keep a package of plastic straws in the house. When anyone is ill, we use straws (then throw them away) to keep illness down. Also, we put everything that has been touched in the dishwasher. It seems to really make a difference in length of illness and spreading germs. -- Linda D., Fort Wayne, Ind.

Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state.

2012, King Features Syndicate

Posted via email from WellCare