Kitchen tips
While kneading the dough use warm water instead of normal water and keep the dough in a wet cloth or wet tissue for some time then try making the chapattis. This really helps in getting Soft Chapattis.
I refrigerate the whole garlic cloves dipped in coconut oil, that oil condenses in fridge so they remain preserved for a month. I get the peeled garlic cloves from supermarket to save time.
To enable the reuse of cooking oil for a fresh recipe, cut a small piece of ginger & fry in the oil; it removes any lingering odors/ flavors
Keep the coconut in the freezer for around an hour, the inner layer will come out very easily and then you might see a crack line on the outer layer as well. You can then use a hammer to break it, and it will be quick and easy as you will not have to apply a lot of pressure.
f you are preparing kheer and are in a hurry, just add a little bit of milk powder in that, kheer will be thick and can be cooked in half the time. if you are busy while cooking kheer and cannot stay all the time alongside the vessel, just leave a spoon in the vessel the kheer is being cooked, it won’t come out.
Always keep toothpaste handy in your kitchen. If you get scalded with a hot liquid or even oil splatters, immediately apply some toothpaste. you won't get bad boils. I just "steamed" my whole thumb while removing the lid from boiling dal, and immediately rubbed a blob of paste. I did get 2 boils but they weren't as bad as they could have been. Many a times, boils and bad scars have been avoided using this method. It really works!
To keep curry leaves and coriander fresh for longer in the fridge, wrap it in cling film and then place in your vegetable compartment of the fridge. Many vegetables like cabbage also keep well like that.
If you have excess coriander, wash and chop it up finely, and immediately freeze it. When you need it, remove from freezer, take out only how much of the frozen greens you need, and add to your dish. Remember to immediately refreeze what you don't need. It remains fresh and green. You can do the same for methi leaves too.
To get rid of cockroaches, if you stay in Singapore, the perfect solution is the little packets of grainy like medicine available at all Chinese med shops and most supermarkets. There are many brands available so you can use any. I am using the Once For All at the moment. Just ask for the cockroach med, and they'll give you.
A packet usually costs S$1.80. There are 5 little packs inside the box. Just make a cut on one little pack and sprinkle a few grains in the nooks and corners of your home, or cabinets. make sure it doesn't touch food. From one little pack you can put in many cupboards. Once you open the pack you'll either have to use up the whole think or just scotch tape to seal it up. You'll get rid of all the cockroaches soon enough. It works wonders for ants as well.
After every cleaning of your cabinets, just keep putting the grains. I have hardly seen cockroaches in my house in 21 years!! I have taken packs of these to India, Dubai and Africa, and you can visibly see the results very soon.
Potatoes can be stored to last a long time, without becoming sweet, turning green or sprouting by putting them in a paper bag with holes in it. Do not use plastic bags, as they to increases condensation which causes mold formation.