photo by Mavis

DEAR SARA: I have a question about dry beans. Do they ever expire? My parents have sealed buckets of them that they stocked up on during the Y2K scare. Are they still safe to cook? They’re trying to pass some to me. They say they are still good because of how they stored them. I am not sure. — Palooka, via forums

DEAR PALOOKA: If stored properly in a dry place and inside an airtight container, they have a long shelf life. You’ll discover it takes longer to cook older beans. Eight years is a long time. Some beans harden up and won’t rehydrate. You can test your beans by soaking them in water. Toss the beans that float.

DEAR SARA: If I want to make meatloaf on Sunday but serve it on Thursday, I cook it Sunday and then freeze, right? I don’t just mix it all together and then freeze the uncooked meat? I’m hoping to try some new stuff around here that could make life easier. — Amy Bozza, New Jersey

DEAR AMY: You can do it either way and simply thaw the night before in the fridge. If you plan to make quite a few ahead of time, uncooked and flattened in freezer-storage bags will take up less space. But you’ll need to plan more cooking time for the uncooked meatloaf mix.

DEAR SARA: Which is cheaper? Frozen concentrated orange juice or fresh? Or is it just a few cents difference? I’ve tried to compare, but the tags on the concentrated are always in different quantities than the fresh. — Bloo, via forums

DEAR BLOO: Frozen is typically cheaper. Also, according to The Green Guide (www.thegreenguide.com), while concentrated juice might be less efficient to produce than fresh in the manufacturing process, it’s still a better green choice when considering packaging, transportation costs and the preservation of vitamin C. Although some orange-juice aficionados prefer fresh for flavor, opting for frozen concentrate is one way you can be frugal and green. If you can’t seem to part with fresh orange juice, consider cutting it with water to save money.

DEAR SARA: We want to put in blueberries this year. I have heard that you need to plant at least two different kinds. Is this true? If so, why? I’m just trying to figure out exactly what to get. Thanks! — Jennifer, Ohio

DEAR JENNIFER: Yes, you should buy two or three varieties to ensure pollination. They often take two years to produce fruit. They like acidic soil, and their roots are susceptible to rotting if their location is too soggy. They’re sensitive to soil that’s too compact, too. You want to pick a sunny location, and don’t forget to protect them from critters. You can contact your local county extension office for info about proper planting and care for your area.

DEAR SARA: I never have enough flat workspace. My house is small. I struggle working in the kitchen, bathroom and my bedroom that doubles as an office. Any ideas? — Kelly J., e-mail

DEAR KELLY: I have limited kitchen counterspace, too. We use a large wooden cutting board and place it over our sink. I’ve pulled out a drawer and set it on top, too. I use it daily when prepping vegetables and whenever I bake. You could use a spare section of plywood if your cutting board isn’t big enough. It’s low cost and can be used in your bathroom and office whenever you need a little extra flat space.

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