photo by thetruthabout

DEAR SARA: With the economic downturn, what do you think about taking in boarders? — Julie H., Indiana

DEAR JULIE H.: As a young woman in my early 20s, I once took in boarders. It was a nightmare. They charged up the phone bill and were late paying rent. I was lucky to get them to move out by simply asking them to leave. I thought I had all my bases covered, but all the legalities and planning are no assurance a boarder will pay on time. It’s difficult to live with anyone, let alone a stranger. Placing a public classified ad is risky, too. Having a friend or relative can quickly turn into a bad situation, as well. While it works for some people (some homes are better suited for boarders), I wouldn’t suggest it. Especially not if children are involved. I suggest seeking additional income or getting out from underneath the debt that is sucking the life out of you. For me, it was my house. I would have worked two jobs, but I was in school full time and working full time. So I sold it. I rented for a few years and then bought again on much better financial footing. No regrets. But as a last resort, taking in boarders can be a better option than foreclosure. If you choose to do so, I suggest you look into home sharing agencies rather than placing a classified ad.

DEAR SARA: I need ideas for tailgating foods. This year, it was expensive to feed my son’s football buddies. Parents usually divide the food responsibilities, but there are always way too many chips and desserts. Help me organize for next year. — Gail, Ohio

DEAR GAIL: I’d bring food like chili, bratwurst, chicken wings, kabobs, BBQ ribs, sausage, beef stew or hot dogs.

DEAR SARA: I have two glass bowls stuck together. I can’t get them apart. Please help before I throw them away. — Linda K., Texas

DEAR LINDA K.: Fill the top bowl with ice and place the bottom bowl in a sink of hot water. Spray WD-40 in between them the best that you can. Then tap with a wooden spoon as you hold them upside down, but keep them close to the bottom of the sink so they don’t break. It might take some prying with a butter knife or rubber spatula, but it works.

DEAR SARA: What’s your favorite meal for under $5? — Kim, Iowa

DEAR KIM: When I want to make a cheap meal, I lean toward breakfast for dinner most of the time. An omelet with home fries is my favorite cheap meal. I enjoy hearty soups, such as stuffed pepper soup. Since it makes enough for two meals, I count it in my under $5 meals.

Stuffed Green Pepper Soup

2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, diced
28-ounce can tomato sauce
28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups chopped green pepper
1 can beef broth
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
pepper to taste
water
2 cups cooked white rice

In a saucepan, brown beef and drain grease. Add the remaining ingredients except rice. Bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of water at a time until desired thickness. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about half an hour or until peppers are tender. Stir in cooked rice.

DEAR SARA: I hear of many people freezing milk. Do you need to remove some to allow for expansion? Does it taste the same once it is thawed? I have memories of partially frozen milk as a child when it was very cold outside when the milk man came. I wasn’t crazy about the ice in my glass. — Meg, Missouri

DEAR MEG: Yes, you need to remove some milk for expansion. Remove about 1-1/2 cups from the container before freezing it. Thaw it in the refrigerator. Most people simply shake it up because there’s some separation and use it as they would their regular unfrozen milk. Some people use milk they’ve frozen only for cooking. I prefer to cook with it rather than drink it. I hate to sound picky, but I drank bad milk once, so I am always on high alert to milk texture. But it tastes the same. You might discover you don’t mind drinking it at all.

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