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TOYVEHICLEPOPUPSALE. RTP Toys,etc.(OwnerBobPersia)tobringtoysaletoUnderthe AppleTreeAntiquesandGifts, locatedat:7407RidgeRoadWest, BROCKPORT,NY14420.Saturday,February11thfrom10-4PM. SellinglargescaleTonka,Buddy L,andErtltucksplusothervintagetoysfromthe1950’s-90’s. GreatsaleforeBaysellers.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

* To store asparagus, trim the ends and wrap them in a few paper towels that you have dampened. Keep it in the fridge for two days max. This will keep it very fresh and tasty.

* “To stretch your food dollar -- especially now that the weather is colder, and soups and stews are daily fare -- substitute peas, beans and lentils for meats whenever possible. Not only will this semivegetarian diet keep your food dollars down, it will make you healthier and it’s a more ecofriendly diet.” -- K.F. in Connecticut

* If you add dried fruit or raisins to your batter for cakes or muffins, roll them or shake them in flour first. This will prevent them from sinking down to the bottom of the pan.

* Bathroom fan reminder:

When you leave your bathroom fan running excessively, you are pumping heat out of your house. Set a timer for 10 minutes maximum, and then turn it off.

* “Old pantyhose can be washed and cut up to use as stuffing for a toy. The same is true for other light materials. This can be a good way to get one more use out of something rather than putting it in the trash bin.” -- P.L. in Pennsylvania

* If your bathtub has a grainy or rough texture, try soaking the bath in vinegar, either by adding a large bottle to some water and plugging it up, or by laying down a towel and soaking it in vinegar. Scrub and remove.

Our Sales Professionals not only come with years of experience, they also live in the areas they serve. Contact one of our HUNT Batavia Professionals today.

97 Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 Visit us at HUNTrealestate.com

STRAWBERRY-GLAZED FRENCH TOAST WITH SWEETENED SOUR CREAM

• 8 1-inch-thick bread slices, cut from a country or peasant loaf

• 2 cups half-and-half

• 4 egg yolks

• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, plus 1/2 teaspoon

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1/3 cup strawberry jam or preserves (see note 2)

1. Arrange a rack at center position and preheat the oven to 400 F. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and bake until dry and very lightly browned, about 8 minutes per side. Watch carefully so that the bread does not burn. Remove the bread from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200 F.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, egg yolks, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture into a shallow pan (a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish works well). Add the large plate or platter

3. Place a large, heavy frying pan over low to medium heat. Add about 2 teaspoons of the butter, or enough to coat the bottom of the pan lightly. When melted, add enough bread slices to fit comfortably in a single layer. Cook slowly until the slices are golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a baking sheet and place in the warm oven. Repeat, adding more butter to the pan as needed until all the bread slices have been sautéed.

4. In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, granulated sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

5. When ready to serve, spread each toast with a thin coating of strawberry jam and top with a dollop of sweetened sour cream.

Note 1: The best bread for this dish is an unsliced loaf of good-quality peasant or country bread, preferably one without an extra-hard crust. One that is rectangular, rather than round, is more convenient, but either will do. Cut off the ends of the loaf, and reserve for another use. Then slice the bread into 1-inch-thick slices. If your loaf is large and the slices seem large, cut them in half.

Note 2: You can try other jams, preserves or marmalades. Cherry, raspberry or peach preserves and orange marmalade are other possibilities.