Dear Heloise: My first cousin with whom I’m close is registered for several items at a large department store. Her wedding is approaching very soon, and as of yet, I haven’t gotten around to buying her a gift. The only thing no one hasn’t bought yet is something called a “ramekin.” Can you tell me what this is? — J.E., in Mississippi J.E., a ramekin is a small individual-sized baking dish. It’ll do as a last-minute gift for your cousin! — Heloise REPAIRING WINDOW SCREENS Dear Readers: To repair a small tear in a wire screen, you can push the wire strands back into place with an ice pick. If you cannot close up the hole completely, sparingly brush clear nail polish or shellac across the opening. After the sealer dries, reapply until the pinhole is sealed. Blot up any drips of sealer that run down the screen to make this a neat job. — Heloise FORCEMEAT Dear Heloise: I have my great-grandmother’s cookbook that was published in 1910. In one section, it briefly discussed “forcemeat.” I have no idea what that is. Do you?

— R.C., in Washington R.C., the word “forcemeat” is a very old term that is rarely used today.

It’s seasoned stuffing that’s been finely minced, pounded, ground or combined in a food processor and cooked separately to be served with a garnish.

— Heloise PROTECTING CARD NUMBERS Dear Heloise: I use clear office tape to cover the printed numbers on transit passes, gift cards, work-access fobs, badges, etc. These codes easily rub off often, and the tape provides the right amount of protection to keep the numbers legible for years!

— J.B., in New York REMOVING MUSTARD STAINS Dear Readers: With spring and summer approaching, it will soon be time for outdoor barbecues and parties. Of course, hot dogs and hamburgers will surely be on menu. But the mustard that we love to slather on dogs and burgers may also drip and end up on our clothing.

If this happens, try to remove it as soon as you can. Dampen the areas and rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain.

Rinse, then soak in laundry detergent and hot or warm water for several hours. It will be gone, and then you can launder it with enzyme detergent. — Heloise SANTA CLAUS BELIEVER Dear Heloise: At which age do children stop believing in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny? My son is 9 and still believes they exist. — K.A., in Mississippi K.A., I believe it varies from one child to another, but eventually, most children figure it out by themselves. If your son doesn’t know that these figures aren’t real, you may have to sit him down and tell him someday. — Heloise PET PAL Dear Heloise: This is our rescued Maine coon, Pyewacket. My daughter and husband got him for me on Mother’s Day 11 years ago during the year my mom passed. He’s so photogenic and thinks he’s the boss. (Which he is!) We have five rescues that we adore. — Mellissa Fetzer, via email Readers, to see Pyewacket and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise. com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise (Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.)

HINTS FROM HELOISE