September 2010 Hints

Use a peeler to shave candles so that they fit into your candlestick holder. To retain the color of Cauliflower while cooking, add 2 tbsp of Vinegar or Milk to the dish. You can use your old pressure cooker as a gas “tandoor”. Preheat the cooker, stick chapattis on the side of the cooker and [...]

August 2010 Hints

To keep lentils like Tuvar Dal, Moong Dal etc. insect free, roast them for a minute and store them in dry airtight containers. To get a strong aroma of saffron, soak the strands in either hot water or milk for about 10 minutes before adding to the dish. Curry leaves and coriander will stay fresh [...]

July 2010 Hints

To keep Ginger fresh for a longer time, store them in the refrigerator in a jar filled with water. Chop Cauliflower into florets and soak them in water to which little vinegar or 1tsp of salt has been added. This will help to dislodge the dirt and the worms. Wash plastic and melamine crockery with [...]

June 2010 Hints

Reseed your lawn just before the rains, so the buds get lots of water and sun. To make the idli batter ferment faster in winter, add a packet of Eno. This also helps to make them softer. To retain the strong flavor of coffee beans and coffee powder for longer, keep it in the freezer [...]

May 2010 Hints

Neem powder mixed with water sprinkled on plants works as an insecticide. When cooking bitter gourd, add a few pieces of raw mango or dry mango powder to remove the bitterness. This adds a little tang to the curry. To remove unpleasant odor from your bathroom keep a glass bowl filled with half a cup [...]

April 2010 Hints

If you are not sure about the quantity of water to be added while cooking rice, it would be a safe bet to keep the water level 2.5 cm, above the rice level. Add a teaspoon of Ghee to the almost cooked rice before removing it from heat. The aroma that arises is very appetizing. [...]

March 2010 Hints

Wrap vegetables in newspapers before storing in refrigerator. They remain fresh for a long time. If you need Sour Cream urgently, add lemon juice to fresh cream and mix lightly. When you are all set to make ice cream, turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting an hour before you need to freeze the ice [...]

January 2010 Hints

Cookies / biscuits will be crisper if  little Rice flour is added to the flour while preparing the cookie dough. School leather shoes usually get scratched and peel off.  Rub a slice of Raw potato over these areas and then polish the shoes.  The scratch will not show. If you are in doubt about the [...]

December 2009 Hints

When fruits are sliced and left either inside or outside the fridge, the color of the fruits slice changes.  Wrap the container in cling film, the fruits will remain fresh and will taste great! Wash the mixie jar with hot water and then churn the cream, the butter will not stick to the sides of [...]

November 2009 Hints

Few days before your planned trip / tour, jot down the things to be packed on a sheet of paper and keep adding as you remember the things to pack.  On the day of journey, mark the check list with things that are packed.  You will never regret for leaving something important. While cooking, keep [...]