DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are considering a Rinaii space heater for our new basement family room and are looking for recommendations from fellow Sun Spotters. We haven’t purchased anything yet so guidance and someone to do the installation is needed.

If anyone has had a good experience with a local contractor, we would certainly appreciate it if you shared the information. — No name, Lisbon

ANSWER: In the Rolodex, I have Sail Energy, based in Turner (https://www.sailenergy.com/heating-service-and-repair/boilers-furnaces/, 536-6375.)

It may be worth contacting Efficiency Maine to ensure that the Rinaii space heater is the most efficient, safe unit for the space you want to heat. They could offer you information, assistance, and incentives. Contact them at https://www.efficiencymaine.com/ or 1-866-376-2463.

Readers, please chime in with your wisdom and experiences. Let’s see if we can help these folks have a cozy winter in their new family room.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is it safe and healthy to store cooked rice and pasta in the freezer? I usually don’t do that but a friend does and told me she never has a problem with it. — No name, no town

ANSWER: Be sure to cool the rice and pasta properly first before slipping it into freezer bags or airtight containers. For the rice (or about any other grain), cool it as quickly as possible, spreading it out on a tray with a little water, and chilling it in the refrigerator before dividing it into portions for freezing. You’ll want to store it in the freezer right away once it’s cooled to avoid food safety issues.

If you’re storing pasta on its own, follow the same instructions for the rice. Sturdy pasta, like lasagna or stuffed shells, freezes best, and if you can store it with sauce, all the better. (I freeze plain macaroni all the time though, as I’m not good at cooking up the right amount and almost always have too much!)

To reheat, simply take the rice or pasta out of the freezer, sprinkle with a tablespoon or two of water and heat with your sauce or other added ingredients over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently.

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