Dear Readers: Carrots are one of my favorite vegetables, and you can do so much with them. Carrots have a sweet, nutty flavor, and they are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium. Research shows that a daily consumption of carrots or carrot juice helps lower cholesterol, improves vision, and boosts the immune system. — Heloise

KEEPING COFFEE HOT

Dear Heloise: I hate cold coffee, so when a pot is brewing, I place my coffee mug that is filled with water in the microwave and heat it for 1 minute, then pour the water out. It helps to keep the coffee warm for a little longer when it’s poured into a mug that’s already heated. — Jenny, in Texas

TIP TAKER?

Dear Heloise: My husband and I paid for our meal at a restaurant with a gift card. The waiter then told us that the card only had a penny remaining on it! We believed the waiter took a nice tip with the balance that was on the card.

Advise your readers to know the balance on their card before they use it. You can call the customer service number on the back. We learned too late. — A Reader, via email