DEAR HELOISE: Parchment paper often doesn't lay flat ...

... on a cookie sheet. A friend of mine, who cooks a lot like me, told me to sprinkle a little water on the bottom of the pan and even out the paper. It worked!I enjoy all your hints and read your column in my local newspaper. I met you once many years ago at a town hall series. I'm 85 and have used many of your hints over the years. Joyce B. Troy, Ohio Dear Heloise: Please reprint your Red Velvet Cake recipe. I want to make one for a Christmas celebration this year. Lonnie W. Colby, Kansas Lonnie, this has always been one of my favorites:4 bottles (half an ounce each) red food coloring3 tablespoons cocoa powder½ cup solid vegetable shortening1½ cups granulated sugar2 eggs1 teaspoon vanilla2½ cups sifted cake flour1 teaspoon salt1 cup buttermilk1 tablespoon vinegar1 teaspoon baking sodaMix food coloring with cocoa powder and set aside. Beat shortening with sugar; add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add food coloring and vanilla.Alternately add flour, salt and buttermilk, beating well. Stir in vinegar and baking soda. Bake for 30 minutes, or until done, in an oven heated to 350 F. Makes one large loaf cake or one three-layer cake.Icing for Red Velvet Cake:½ cup butter1½ cups sugar⅔ cup milk1 teaspoon lemon juice½ cup white shortening3 tablespoons flour2 teaspoons vanillaPinch of saltCream together butter, shortening and sugar (until it is not grainy). Add flour, one spoonful at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk and beat; then add vanilla, salt and lemon juice. Turn mixer on high and beat 12 minutes, or until smooth and creamy.If you like this classic recipe, then you'll like the other recipes in my pamphlet "Heloise's Cake Recipes." It can be yours by going to www.Heloise.com or sending $3, along with a stamped, self-addressed, long envelope to: Heloise/Cake, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. You'll be delighted to have this pamphlet, especially during the coming holidays. Heloise Dear Heloise: My family complained that they were tired of maple syrup as a pancake topping and asked me to see if I could find something a little different. I bought some applesauce, the chunky style, and some blackberry jam with chunky fruit. They loved it! Sometimes a small change of pace can pick up everyone's appetite. Lorraine H. Sparta, New Jersey Lorraine, that's a great idea. More fruit and less sugar in their diet! Heloise Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001; by fax: 1-210-HELOISE; or by email: Heloise@Heloise.com