BOIL EGGS  OR POTATOES WITHOUT CRACKS

Eggs as well as  potatoes tend to split or crack while boiling, making them messy and unpalatable. A simple way to prevent that from happening is to add a pinch of salt to the water you will be boiling the potatoes or eggs in. They will remain in perfect shape after boiling.

HOW TO BOIL MILK WITHOUT CONSTANT STIRRING

You need to stir constantly while boiling milk otherwise it tends to burn at the bottom of the pan. To avoid this, especially when thickening it, simply place a tiny porcelain / stainless steel bowl inverted in the pan before pouring in the milk. This will do the job of stirring by creating light ripples in the milk and will prevent it from burning at the bottom of the pan.

TENDER MEAT WITH PAPAYAS

Add a few pieces of raw papaya to the meat while it is being cooked. This makes the meat very tender and tasty. What’s more it’s healthy too. This is because raw papayas are very nutritious as they contain the vitamins A, B, C and D. Papayas are also good liver cleansers and aid digestion.

BASMATI OUT OF ORDINARY RICE?

While cooking ordinary rice, add 2-3 dry and whole bay leaves. Remove these after the rice is cooked. This gives the rice a distinct aroma and Basmati flavour.

SKIN GARLIC CLOVES  OR ONIONS EASILY

Dry the garlic or baby onions in the sun before using them (or even before storing them). Rub a few drops of oil on your palms. Then rub the garlic or baby onions between your palms. The skin will come off easily.

PREVENT LEFT OVER YOGURT FROM GETTING SOUR

Prevent curd/yogurt from getting extra-sour, by pouring water over it gently without breaking the curd. Keep the curd immersed in water and remove the water just before consuming. If it has already turned sour and a yellowish layer has formed on top, remove the layer carefully and gently rinse the curd with water. The sourness will reduce.

CRISPY BROWN ONIONS WITHOUT DEEP FRYING

Cut onions into thin strips, sprinkle little salt and keep aside. After a few minutes, remove the water that drains from the onions and spread the strips onto a clean cloth or a large tray. Dry them well in the sun. Store this in a dry container. Only when you need to use them in cooking, remove from the box and fry. The onions will turn crisp brown in no time, consuming very little oil.

CRISPY LADYFINGERS

To prepare ladyfingers without getting the vegetable all sticky and messy, wash the vegetable before cutting and wipe it with a clean soft cloth or tissue. While cooking add a teaspoon of lemon juice --- to the preparation. This prevents the vegetable from getting sticky.

WHEY FOR NUTRITION!

Preserve the whey (the liquid residue after making the paneer/cottage cheese) in a glass bottle and refrigerate it when cool. This whey is rich in protein and can be added to wheat flour while making dough for wheat breads (chapattis). It also adds a flavour to the breads as well as keeps them soft hours after baking.