Fancy chocolate spoons a doable home project

Q. I've seen chocolate on plastic spoons that that can be stirred into beverages such as coffee, tea or cider. Any ideas for how to make them?

C.B., forums

A. I use plastic spoons and Wilton chocolate wafer candy melts. Melt the chocolate wafers in the microwave as per the directions on the package. Dip the spoons to coat them in the melted chocolate, then place them on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. You can add decorations such as sprinkles, mini marshmallows, crushed candy canes or cookies by dipping the coated spoons in them before the chocolate hardens. I place the spoons in the freezer to harden, then I repackage them in plastic storage bags and leave them in the freezer until ready to use.

If I am gifting them, I transfer them from the storage bags to a cellophane wrapper tied with curling ribbon. Visit www.giverslog.com/?p=3290 for a tutorial for using molds and popsicle sticks to make hot chocolate on a stick, which is another option.

Q. I have a ton of mint from my own mint plant and I don't know what to do with it. Besides tea, mojitos and mint jelly for lamb, what other foods make good use of mint? I'd prefer to use it fresh versus dried, but I'll be drying it out and keeping it in a food storage bag as a last resort.

Libby, Canada

A. Add some to lemonade, iced tea, potatoes, cooked carrots, chocolate mousse or pudding, hot cocoa, ice cream, milkshakes, cakes, cookies or brownies. You can dry them and make mint sachets, too. For mint julep recipes, visit frugalvillage.com/forums/kitchen-basics/36952-2-versions-mint-julep-kentucky-derby-tomorrow.html.

Q. I've been hearing about how vinyl shower curtains contain the “no-no” PVC as well as other not-so-nice chemicals. The recommendation is to replace them with cloth shower curtains. My first thought is that cloth is not waterproof, so I'm imagining water all over my bathroom floor. Would cloth block water like the vinyl ones?

Lilly, Illinois

A. The decorative fabric curtains that are draped on the outside of the tub/shower and are often used with a waterproof vinyl liner are not the same thing as cloth shower curtains, which repel water quite nicely. I simply tuck my cloth shower curtain inside the tub when showering and it keeps the water inside, just like a plastic/vinyl liner. You can hang it alone or pair it with a decorative curtain. The material is lightweight and dries quickly. You can wash it in your washing machine, too. Cloth shower curtains come in cotton, polyester or a combination of both. One of mine is a Canopy brand polyester curtain that retails for less than $20.

Q. How do I remove tar from jeans?

Linda H., New York

A. Apply ice and scrape off as much as possible. You can use your fingernail, a toothpick, or a dull knife to scrape. Apply oil (such as olive, baby or vegetable oil) or WD-40 to the stained area with a cloth and blot, then scrub to lift away the sticky tar. Finally, launder as usual.

Ÿ Sara Noel owns Frugal Village (frugalvillage.com), a website that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. Send tips, comments or questions to Sara Noel, c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO, 64106, or sara@frugalvillage.com.