Dear Heloise: I live in a tiny home, which is becoming very popular these days. That meant downsizing everything and using things that do double duty. I found that I could use plastic-coated paper plates for a number of chores such as:

— A dustpan: Use it and throw it away.

— Use in the microwave to heat foods.

— Use as a spoon rest.

— Use to feed my little dog. — Harvey T., Silverton, Colorado

Dear Heloise: My three best friends are coming for lunch toward the end of July, and I’d like to surprise them with something unusual by starting off lunch with your papaya recipe for cold summer soup. I’m known for unusual recipes, which is why my friends get excited about having lunch at my place. What I need is the complete recipe, because I’ve lost the one I had. Would you reprint that recipe for all of us who love to surprise our guests with a delicious and novel soup? — Marjorie P., Nashua, New Hampshire

Marjorie, I always felt this was a fun soup to serve before the main course in the warm summer months. Every time I taste it I’m reminded of Hawaii. You’ll need:

2 large papayas, peeled and cut into large cubes

3/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt (non-fat won’t work)

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup mild-flavored honey (clover honey works well)

Place the papaya, 1/2 cup of yogurt, lime juice and honey in a food processor, reserving some of the papaya for garnish. Process until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of the sparkling water and continue processing until blended. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Just before serving, add the remaining sparkling water and mix well. Garnish each serving with several papaya cubes, 1 tablespoon of yogurt and a mint sprig. Makes about 4 servings.

If you like recipes that make your guests wonder where you get your clever ideas for unusual recipes that taste great, then you need my pamphlet “Heloise’s Spectacular Soups.”

Just go to www.Heloise.com, or send $5, along with a stamped (78 cents), self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Soups, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. The pamphlet includes recipes for both hot and cold soups. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I recently moved into my first apartment, and I’m learning to cook. I keep my olive oil in the refrigerator, but it gets all cloudy and thick. Does this mean it’s gone bad? — Brad K., Tillamook, Oregon

Brad, no, your olive oil is fine. Just leave it out at room temperature, and it will become lighter and easier to pour. The cold of the refrigerator is what makes it appear cloudy. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Whenever someone moves into a new apartment or has a housewarming party, I usually give a gift of a large plastic bucket with supplies inside — things such as dish towels, sponges, scrubbers, rubber cleaning gloves, window cleaners, dish soap and things along those lines. It’s amazing how cleaning supplies can really eat into a budget. — Mary Ann R., Wilmore, Kentucky

Dear Heloise: I just saw in your column this morning about gift ideas for a high school graduate going to college. My favorite gift is a first aid kit. I fill a small storage container with first aid items. The graduates always say how useful it is and that their dorm mates come to them when they need something. — Carol E., Rockingham, Virginia

Dear Readers: Pour baking soda under the bowl of your child’s potty chair to reduce any lingering smells. A sprinkle a day can keep the odor at bay.

Baking soda also can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking. Learn more uses in my pamphlet “Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes.” Get a copy by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (78 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: Carpet in the trunk of your vehicle smelly? Sprinkle a healthy amount baking soda all over the carpet and leave on for several days. Smells should dissipate, then vacuum the carpet. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I’ve recently discovered something that has enriched my life, and I want to share with your readers. It might be a new tip for them, too. Have a hobby? Do a topic search on Facebook. You can discover groups that you can join. Let the creative juices flow and see what your peers are up to. — Elizabeth, Stephens City, Virginia

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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