Dear Annette, According to diabetes.org, real maple syrup in small quantities (2 tbsp.) is acceptable in recipes where diabetes is a concern. Unsweetened applesauce, Splenda and unsweetened brown sugar are adequate substitutes for maple syrup. Consider substituting a half cup of real maple syrup with 2 tbsp. maple syrup, and 2 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce. If your husband is restricted to no maple syrup at all, use one quarter cup unsweetened applesauce instead.

Dear Reena, I am having a dinner party and would like to make cheesecake for dessert. Can you tell me if I can quadruple my cheesecake recipe and bake the cake in a large rectangle pan? — Brittany

Dear Brittany,That’s not a good idea. The cheesecake will brown on the sides and the centre will remain under-baked. You are better off using a round spring form pan and baking several cakes (one at a time). Here is another cheesecake tip: After baking cheesecakes, partially freeze them. Doing this will make cutting easier and you will end up with professional looking slices.

Dear Reena,Please advise me on how to clean
the black ceramic shower tiles in my shower. We have very hard water. I have used many products to eliminate the mineral deposits and soap scum, but the tiles remain blotchy and stained looking, even after they have dried. — Barbara

Dear Barbara, Whenever I want to freshen up
old grout, I get a handy little piece of pumice stone. Pour some dish soap onto the pumice stone and wet it, then scrub the grout. Next spray isopropyl alcohol onto the grout to prevent mildew from growing and discolouring the grout (keep away from small children). Another option is to make a paste of borax and water and scrub the grout with an old toothbrush.

– Reena Nerbas