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• “When you’re slicing flank steak or chicken breasts (anything that needs to be cut thin and has a lot of skin or fat that makes it hard to trim), try partially freezing the meat beforehand. It makes it much easier to cut, and it defrosts quickly when it’s sliced thin.” — C.O. in Indiana • “Being Southern, I make my own biscuits from a recipe that’s been in my family forever. But here’s a tip for people who like to bake: freeze and grate your butter when mixing it into your dry ingredients. Less handling means more flakiness and a more tender texture. It’s just right for biscuits, and for pie crust and scones too.” — R.L. in Alabama • Add some shaker pegs or a peg rack to your closet door. They are great for scarves, necklaces, purses and other bags. You can store many items in places that might otherwise go unused. • “Use plastic food-storage containers to hold your accessory cords in a ‘junk’ drawer. If you flip them bottoms up, you can see what cord is in the container to access it quickly. This way, you don’t need to worry about family who don’t put things away in the right box. Or is that just my family?” — A.L. in South Carolina • “I purchase big boxes of assorted greeting cards by mail order. They include many generic cards, as well as birthday and other occasions. I donate them to my local nursing home, along with stamps. Many residents love to keep in touch by mail, but aren’t able to go out and choose greeting cards or stationary on their own.” — M.A. in Texas • Substitute 1/4 cup of applesauce or mashed banana for an egg in baking recipes. Send your tips to Now Here’s a Tip, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803. © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.