photo by nutmeg
DEAR SARA: How do you get a Crystal Light stain off a kitchen counter? I am going to blame my kitty cat for this. It’s that red color, and I have been cleaning it today, and it is a little lighter but still there. — Palooka, forums
DEAR PALOOKA: I use melamine foam, such as Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser. Assuming you don’t have granite countertops, you can use bleach …

photo by ginnerobot
DEAR SARA: How do you stretch steaks? We bought half a cow. It’s a ton of meat, but I am hoping that I can make it. I know how to make ground beef go further, but am at a loss on what to do with the steaks to make them last for more than one or two meals. — Rachael, Texas
DEAR RACHAEL: Stretching meat is fine within the …

photo by erix!
DEAR SARA: My husband has a great recipe for homemade sausage. Last time, he made it in cornhusks, but he asked if I could ask where he might be able to find sausage tubes (or wrap, whatever it is called). — Chrissy, Florida
DEAR CHRISSY: Natural casings can be found at a butcher shop or meat department. You’ll need a sausage stuffer, too. If you don’t want natural casings, …

photo by AzAdam
DEAR SARA: I ended up with several small bottles of tonic water. I feel bad throwing them out. What can tonic water be used for other than in mixed drinks? I don’t like the taste of it! — Becca, Texas
DEAR BECCA: Tonic water contains quinine. It can help digestion and ease muscle cramps. Since you don’t like the taste, you can use it to clean stains. For example, …