Q–My sister brought over a bag of green mung beans as a hostess present (we are big salad buffs in my family), and I want to sprout them. Do you know how I would do this? E. Wolff, Morton Grove.

Nervous about baking your own pastry tart shells from scratch? Try using this clever trick of using a sourdough loaf crust instead for a crunchy, but delicious alternative – no blind baking required!

Start by blind baking some small tart shells. Bring the cream to the boil and pour over the chopped chocolate. Using a spoon stir until emulsified. Add yolks trying not to add any air bubbles. Pour ...