Dear Reena: My cinnamon buns always taste delicious. The problem is the buns open as they bake, and the shape is slightly squished from cutting the dough. I would like to present restaurant-quality cinnamon buns to my family. Suggestions?
Amelia
Here are a few suggestions to fix this common challenge: After the dough rises, handle it as little as possible. Add filling to the rolled-out dough, being careful that one of the long edges of the dough remains free of sugar. Roll the dough and press it closed with your fingers. Some bakers seal the edge with a brush of egg white. Instead of cutting cinnamon buns with a knife, use dental floss. Slide the floss under the roll, then draw the ends up, cutting through the dough. The dough will not become compressed, and the round shape will remain intact.
Dear Reena: I have a large, vinyl exercise ball that I have tried to clean but it has sticky areas. Why would it be sticky? Is it starting to break down from age?
Deb
Absolutely, vinyl is a petroleum-based product that will eventually break down. High humidity or heat can also affect the life of the ball. Proper maintenance of exercise balls helps increase the life of the equipment. Wash with a cloth and Dawn dish soap, and rinse with water. If there are only a few sticky areas, clean the ball with rubbing alcohol and rinse with water.
Dear Reena: I live in a rural community and I rely on a well for water and a septic system. Cleaning with vinegar is a no-no for septic systems. Is there any other solution that you could provide besides the all-powerful vinegar?
Yolande
It’s important not to overuse commercial cleaners, as some experts agree that this may break down the beneficial bacteria in septic tanks. Experts agree that a small amount of ammonia will not kill helpful bacteria or leach into groundwater, and is therefore safe to use.
Feedback from readers
Re: Baby power in cat litter boxes
Dear Reena: My mom alerted me to a hint she saw in your column recently from a contributor named Eric who suggested the use of baby powder to keep your cat’s litter box smelling fresh. I did that and paid dearly. Cancer from talcum powder is not limited to humans. All four of our cats developed cancer from being exposed to baby powder in their litter boxes. They all developed lung cancer (mesothelioma), abdominal cancer, bowel cancer and lip/nasal cancer. They all died within 26 months of each other. I spent thousands of dollars on treatments, medications, surgeries and palliative care. Please, please, I beg of you, remove this “hint” from your column and advise your readers why the hint has been removed. Talcum or baby powder has been proven to cause cancer in humans and, unfortunately, also our pets.
Linda
Re: Hardened spill on ceramic stovetops
Dear Reena: We have had ceramic stovetops for many years and have discovered that everything that we baked onto the top could be removed fairly easily with those little packs of razor blades that can be bought at any home store. Rubbing the blade over the crud will eventually remove it, without any damage to the ceramic top, no matter how much force you use. We always keep a blade near the stove for this purpose. Works great on windows as well.
Bill
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
