Ceasar Salad, alcohol on ice, baking soda

Q: The waiter at the restaurant I went to says that Ceasar's Salad is not an Italian creation. Where did it originate? ……. Tracy, R

A: The 2nd most popular salad today, the Ceasar Salad, is often found in Italian restaurants, but did not actually originate in that country. The salad was created by an Italian immigrant, Ceasar Cardini in the early 1920s. He operated restaurants in San Diego and in Tijuana, avoiding prohibition. It became popular in American restaurants in the 1940s.

My favorite way to have a Ceasar salad is at a restaurant where the experienced waitstaff know how to make it tableside. Yumm. It is a totally different experience than getting the dressing out of a bottle and dripping it over some romaine lettuce leaves.

Q: Is having a drink while ice fishing or skiing helpful in keeping you warm? My uncle insists he is very comfortable on the ice when he imbibes. ……….John, S

A: No No! Says the Swiss Institute for Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems. If the legendary St. Bernard finds you stranded in the Alps (or in an ice house) you would “be better off hugging the hound than the hooch from the pooch”.

Taking a sip of alcohol expands the blood vessels and brings the blood to the surface of the skin where it momentarily feels warmer, but then the air cools it and your body actually gets colder as a result, possibly causing hypothermia. Drinking alcohol also causes the body to draw water from the cells, creating a sense of thirst, thus creating a dangerous cycle. Any hot beverage will keep you warmer and safer. So the next time your uncle goes ice fishing, pack him a nice thermos of hot chocolate.

Q: I have a drain that is persistently slow and I do not want to continually use Drano or harsh chemicals in it. What alternatives do you suggest? ………..Jeff, T

A: You know that box of baking soda that has been sitting in your fridge forever? It is a safe, natural, inexpensive way to unclog and freshen your drains. Instructions: Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1 cup of hot vinegar. Wait 5 minutes before flushing the drain with 2 quarts of hot water. You can repeat this several times if necessary. An alternative is to use 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup salt, let sit overnight and flush with 2 quarts hot water in the morning. This will unclog the drains and make them smell better too.

Have a question, or is there something you’ve always wondered about. Ask Madalyn invites your questions.

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