photo by Ricky Irvine

DEAR SARA: How do you store your bread? It seems that many people have breadboxes. Do they serve a purpose? — Michele, Kentucky

DEAR MICHELE: In my home, I have a cabinet “garage” in which I store bread and various pantry items. I think most people use this cabinet to house small appliances. We go through a loaf of bread fairly quickly, so I don’t get concerned about its getting stale. If I find that a loaf of soft bread hasn’t been consumed as quickly as I would like, I simply pop it into the freezer. I don’t store it in the refrigerator, as I find that it doesn’t stay as fresh there.

You live in a fairly warm climate, so I don’t suggest using a breadbox; it might encourage mold. Traditionally, a breadbox was made to hold in moisture and keep bread from going stale. Most modern breadboxes seem to be designed more to prevent pests or pets from gaining access to the bread and to de-clutter the countertop. A frugal alternative, when climate isn’t an issue, is to store bread in the microwave.

DEAR SARA: What is a good way to store pet food? — Sari, Florida

DEAR SARI: I know that many people store their pet food in the garage. The problem is, pet food can go rancid in temperatures above 90 F or below 50 F. I wouldn’t store it in a basement, either, because of the moisture. Storing the food in its original paper bag can cause it to go stale and may encourage pests.

I store pet food much as I store some people food — in an airtight container. When choosing a container, consider ease of access, dispensing and cleaning as well as durability. Many people have had luck storing their pet food in a metal trash can with a tight lid.

DEAR SARA: My boyfriend and I go through a lot of breakfast cereal and have tons of cereal boxes. Every time I throw one out, I think, “There has to be something I can do with this,” but I can never think of anything. I was curious as to whether you had any ideas. — Christi, North Carolina

DEAR CHRISTI: You can reuse the liner as well as the box. Liners can be used to crush nuts for baking. Simply put nuts into a liner and crush them with a rolling pin. You can use the liners instead of paper or plastic bags when coating meats or poultry to make breaded pork chops or fried chicken. Cereal liners can also be a frugal substitute for waxed paper.

As for the cereal boxes, you can cut them up and use them to hold magazines, mail and coloring books, or unfold them and use the unprinted side to write on. You can also use them as gift boxes by covering them with contact paper. Alternatively, use them to store plastic grocery bags; cut and make bookmarks out of them; or use them to house bulk or bagged cereal. They can also store plastic lids, be cut down to make drawer dividers or hold crafts such as ornaments and puzzles.

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