The first flat I occupied after graduating from college remains etched in my memory. The kitchen was so diminutive that it was impossible to pass by if the refrigerator door were ajar. Cooking initially appeared to be an aggravating experience rather than a soothing one. I was unable to locate the necessary ingredients, and the … Read more
It’s wonderful how quickly an air fryer can go from spotless to chronically greasy. One week, you can be crisping up perfectly healthy veg and enjoying leftovers. A week later, your air fryer is coated with the residue of reheated, greasy, and unappetising meals. Cooking heavily salted or seasoned frozen foods, bacon, burgers, or chicken … Read more
What if the seemingly innocent bowl of grains is actually a science project? It’s important to recognise the signs of spoilt rice. Understanding the shelf life of cooked rice can be crucial when planning your next meal or if you want to avoid wasting food. Learn how to spot spoilt rice so that your meals are safe and … Read more
A colourful tray of oven-ready chopped vegetables is one of the most enticing cooking tasks. We imagine caramelised edges, tender innards, and a simple side dish that goes with practically anything. Unfortunately, reality rarely matches dreams. Many home cooks have removed a sheet pan from the oven to find burnt, bitter broccoli florets and rock-hard, … Read more
Every home cook knows the frustration of trying to cut a tomato, only for it to slip and smash the fruit. A dull knife can make prep work difficult and increase the likelihood of an accident. When faced with a dull blade, people often reach for a metal rod and scrape it a few times. They … Read more
Deep corner storage spaces often seem practical at first, but they quickly turn into confusing nooks and crannies where items easily disappear. Due to their depth, these spaces appear large, yet they are difficult to utilise. With deep shelves, people naturally place items at the front and ignore what is behind them. Cans, snacks, and … Read more
On your quest for a snack, you see the microwave is looking a little rough. It’s a common sight. The microwave is a workhorse in the kitchen, and messes build up over time, but food residue can accumulate, dull the glass, and trap odours. The turntable may even rattle over time. Every use causes more … Read more
If you have ever placed bananas, apples, and mangoes together and noticed that they suddenly softened or ripened much faster, you are not alone. This is a common occurrence in kitchens and is confusing for people who believe that fruit stays fresh longer if stored together. This phenomenon occurs because many types of fruit undergo … Read more
You get the water measurement just right so it’s fluffy and light and simmer a batch of jasmine rice or quinoa for forty-five minutes. You serve supper and put the leftovers in a plastic container in the fridge. The next day you open the same container and find a solid block of dry, hard, unappetising … Read more
Wear protective gear such as closed-toe shoes, goggles, and thick work gloves to avoid wounds. Look for broken glass on the floor with a torch, then sweep up the pieces with a dustpan and brush. Put them in a box lined with old towels to keep them safe. Dispose of dull kitchen knives as hazardous … Read more