111 Ask Martha
Q: What is the best way to remove waterbased-paint stains from clothing? —Katie Burtzlaff, Santa Monica, Calif. A: While oil-based-paint stains are best left to professional dry cleaners, a quick reaction to water-based paints can make this a do-it-yourself job. As soon as you see a stain, remove the garment and rinse it immediately in warm water before putting it in the wash. Don’t put the garment in the dryer until the stain is completely gone, as the heat will set it. And if a waterbased splatter has dried before you notice it, you should rely on professionals, says Lorraine Muir, director of textile testing and research services at the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute. A dry cleaner has the stain-removal agents and tools needed to clean the fabric without damaging it.
Q: Which gluten-free pastas are the tastiest? —Amy Spellacy, Upper Arlington, Ohio A: As interest in gluten-free diets has risen, so has the number of appetizing alternatives to wheat pasta. We polled members of our test kitchen to find out their favorites, below. Each pasta type has a distinct flavor reminiscent of its main ingredient, so try tailoring your recipes to that base. For example, buckwheat soba noodles pair well with grilled eggplant, sesame, and soy. Fresh vegetables are a good match for sweet-corn noodles, and quinoa pasta is delicious with a meat sauce. Try roasted tomatoes and olives with rice, soy, and potato penne, and add a cheese sauce with bacon and peas to brown-rice spirals for a spin on classic mac and cheese. Quinoa Shells
Rice, Soy, and Potato Penne
TI P Check glutenfree pastas for doneness on the early side—the noodles can become soft and gummy if overcooked.
Buckwheat Soba Noodles
Q: I’m a first-time fish owner. Any tips for tank setup? —Kimber Rutledge, Saint Charles, Mo. A: Arranging your tank properly ensures that your pet has a smooth transition to its new home. Follow these steps from Stephen Zawistowski, science advisor emeritus for the ASPCA: 1. Buy a 20-gallon tank. Not only will your fish have plenty of room to swim, but it’s easier to maintain healthy water conditions in a larger aquarium. 2. Fish like to hide and have a place to relax. Use plastic plants or other tank décor,
MARTHASTEWART.COM
Brown-Rice Spirals
Corn Spaghetti
such as a treasure chest, to add camouflage. 3. You’ll need a filtration system to keep the water fresh and eliminate waste. Choose either an easy-to-clean filter that hangs on the tank’s side or an invisible version that hides under the gravel (but is admittedly a little more trouble to clean). 4. Fill the tank to one inch below the rim with tap water (65 degrees for goldfish; 78 for tropical fish). Most fish thrive in water with a pH of about seven—neither acidic nor alkaline—so test the pH with a kit and use a chemical neutralizer to adjust the level. (Both are available at pet stores.) Then let the water sit for a few days before introducing your new pet.
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