[Other] ~Cooking Tips & Tricks~

[Pukhtana_4_Lyfe]

Salam to all of you cooks out there .
I am starting this new thread where we can share some cooking tips & tricks. Share any tips & tricks you think that will be helpful in the kitchen for new & old cooks
So here we go.

I will share the first tip






Tip: If fish is to be stored for more than a day, clean it, rub with salt, turmeric and if liked, a dash of vinegar before freezing.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Easy Tip for Getting Corn Off the Cob
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Method
To remove corn kernels from the cob using a bundt pan, stand the shucked corn cob upright, with the tip of cob placed in the center hole of the bundt pan.

Holding the cob steady, use a sharp knife and make long downward strokes on the cob, separating the kernels from the cob.

Many bundt pans have a stick-free interior. If this is the case with yours, be careful not to scratch the interior of the pan with your knife. If the knife scratches around the edges of the bundt pan hole, that shouldn't be a problem, as when you use a bundt pan baking, this area doesn't usually come in contact with the cake batter. (Note from the comments, you can tuck a paper towel or dish towel into the hole to protect the pan.)

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Cockroaches: Put some boric powder in kitchen in corners and other places. Cockroaches will leave your house.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Storing Onions
Living only a short distance from Vidalia, Ga. where these wonderful onions are grown, I have enjoyed these onions for years. Here are a few tips for storing your onions.

You can store your onions for up to six months without freezing by wrapping your onions separately in paper towels or foil and storing in
your refrigerator.

There are three ways you can freeze your onions. Freezing changes the onions texture, so frozen onions should be used only for cooking.

Chop and place onions on a cookie sheet in the freezer. When frozen, remove and place in freezer containers or bags, and seal. This allows you to remove the amount you want, when you want.


You can also freeze whole onions. Peel, wash, core and place onions in a plastic bag and freeze.


You may also slice your onions and saute them in a little butter, cool and then freeze in freezer bags. I do this for winter soups, stews and casseroles.
Drying - Chop onions and dry in oven using lowest setting and remove when thoroughly dry but not brown. Store at room temperature in airtight container.

To bring out the true sweetness of the onions when eating raw, place onion in the fridge, skin on, for one hour before using. In a hurry? Place the onion in a bowl of ice water for about 15-20 minutes, remove and drain on paper towels.

The tried and true way to store your onions when in season is the old panty hose trick. I sort my onions by size, drop them in, tie off at the top of each onion and keep going until each leg is full. When you need a onion, just cut below the knot above the onion. Make sure you hang your onions in a well ventilated area. I hang mine on my screened back porch by my kitchen so I have quick access to them.

I hope this info will help you enjoy your onions all year long.

Happy Cooking!

[yahyanida]

How to avoid watery eyes when cutting onions

Soak the onions in water for 5 minutes after cutting them into halves and your eyes will water much less.

How to reduce use oil in puris and pakaras


You can use less oil while frying the puris or pakoras etc, by putting a pinch of salt to it.

How to make the Karela less Bitter


Keep the Karela in water and add a pinch of salt in it for 1/2 hour to remove the bitterness of it.

How to retail color of Cauliflower and Cabbage


Retain the white colour of the cauliflower or the cabbage by putting a 1tsp of milk.

How to get Crisp Puris


For getting little crisper puris, add little rice flour along with the wheat flour while kneading the dough.

How to get granules of rice after cooking


Add few drops of lemmon juice while pressure cooking the rice to get separated granules of the rice.

How to get a think gravy


For having a thick gravy, you can add powdered roasted groundnuts or a ground paste of onions.

How to avoid onions from burning while frying


Add little milk while frying the onions.This will help retain the freshness as well as avoid burning of it.

How to make soft chapatis and Phulka


While making puris or phulkas, keep the rest of the dough covered with a wet cloth to avoid drying of the dough and get softer phulkas or puris.

How to increase the flavor of tea


DO not throw away the skin of cardamom instead put them in the teabox and your tea will start having the flavor of cardamom.

How to make use of stale chapatis


Just wrap the chapatis in a clean cloth and pack them in an airtight container which fits into your pressure cooker.Cook it for two whistles and serve fresh.

How to Firm the over ripe tomatoes


Make the overripe tomatoes firm by dipping them in cold water,add some salt and leave overnight.

How to remove odour in fish


Use one teaspoon baking soda with a quart of water.

How to heal wound faster


Applying turmeric powder helps to stop the bleeding portion of a wound and heal it faster.

How to pacify upset stomach


Mix 1 tsp. Of lemon juice with honey to get relief.

Caution with Microwave


Never use metal containers, foil, or dishes with metal trim in the microwave.

How to get granules of rice after cooking


While cooking rice, add little vinegar or lemon juice to avoid sticking of the rice.

How to cook Daal quickly


Add little turmeric powder and oil to the dal before putting it in the cooker. This will help dal cook in just 10 minutes.

Less oily pakoras and bhajiyas


While frying Puris or Pakoras, add a pinch of salt and this will help absorb less oil.

How to make potato taste better


Add little salt while potates are boiling. This way the potatoes tastes much better.

How to retain greenness of Vegetabless


While cooking the green veggies, add a pinch of turmeric powder to the oil before putting them and you can still have the fresh green clour.

How to make Bhajiyas and Pakodas Crisp


For getting crisper bhajiyas or pakodas, add little rice flour to the batter.

How to keep the Chapatis soft


Keep chapatis soft & fresh by placing a few pieces of ginger in the container.

How to get relief from indigestion


Take 1tsp of mint juice mixed with an equal amount of honey and lemon juice.

How to avoid the mild from getting burnt


Rinse the container with water before boiling the milk.This will prevent the milk from getting burnt.

How to find out fresh eggs


Immerse an egg in a pan of cool salted water.If it sinks, its fresh; if it rises to the surface,it is spoilt.

How to make the tawa hot enough for Dosa


To ensure that the griddle (tawa) is hot enough before spreading dosa, sprinkle a little water over it. If it sizzles immediately, then the griddle is hot enough. Wipe with a clean rag, proceed.

How to avoid discolring of Brinjals/Egg plants


Always keep cut or slit brinjals soaking in salt water, to avoid their becoming discoloured

Hot to get more from the ladyfinger


Cut bhindi/ladyfinger an hour before frying or stuff to make stuffed okra and refrigerate at least for half an hour before making, to cook it fast and blend the taste well too.

How to get more flavot from cumins


Roast cumin seeds on a warm griddle before dry grinding. They will give a better flavour and grind faster.

How to disgest daal easily


Add a few methi (fenugreek) seeds to toor dal while pressure cooking. This makes the dal easier to digest.

Retaining the greenness of vegetables


Add a pinch of turmeric powder to the oil before adding green vegetables. The vegetables will retain their greenness better even after cooking.

How to clean a Cauliflower


Always soak cauliflower in warm salted water for some time to get rid of the tiny insects sometimes present deep inside the florets and not visible to the eye.

How to keep pressure cooker clean


Put a used lime-peel or two in the pressure cooker when cooking. This will keep the cooker from becoming blackened.

How to remove odour of garlic and onion from hands


Rinse your hands with fresh lemon juice to get rid of smell from garlic or onion.

How to shine brassware


Do not throw away the solid residue left after pressing out water from soaked tamarind. Mix in some salt and use to scrub copper and brassware to bring a shine. Follow with a normal soap wash.

How to get more from the lemons


Heat the lemon in microwave for 20-22 seconds or keep in hot water to extract more juice.

How to peel Garlic faster


Put the garlic flakes in microwave for 15-20 seconds or keep them in water for 5 minutes to easily peel off the skin.

How to get less messy with coconuts


Pierce one of the holes of the coconut on the top side to remove the water and then break the coconut.This will be less messy.

How to keep pressure cooker clean


While cooking the rice, put some quarter of a lemon in the the cooker to avoid blackening of the cooker.

How to keep pressure cooker clean


While cooking the rice, put some quarter of a lemon in the the cooker to avoid blackening of the cooker.

How to check if baking powder is still active


Add 1tsp to 1/3 cup of hot water.If it bubbles rises, then it is till active.

How to cool the cake


Place the pan of cake on a wet towel as soon as it is taken out of the oven and cool for minimum 5min. This way, the cake will easily come out without sticking to the pan.

How to avoid froths in eggs


Add a tsp of vinegar in water while boiling eggs.This will prevent the content fromcoming out even if they crack.


*While beating the eggs, add a pinch of salt. This will help in frothing of eggs quickly.

To clean dirty copper utensils


Fill a spray bottle with vinegar in which 3 tbsp. of salt has been added. Spray solution on utensil liberally. Set aside for a while. Rub clean with a soft cloth.

How to remove tomato skin


To remove tomato skin easily, soak them in very hot water for 8-10 minutes. Remove , peel and then use as required.

How ro reduce dark circles around eyes


Place thin slices of potato over and around your eyes. Relax lying down with them for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash face with cool water. This helps remove tiredness and puffiness of the eyes.

How to reduce toothaches


Bite a clove or apply clove oil to reduce the toothache.

How to seek relief from soar throat


Gargle one full glass of warm water with a pinch of salt early morning to reduce itchiness of throat OR Drink a glass of boiled milk adding 1 tsp of turmeric powder(haldi) to it.

How to reduce acidity


Drink one glass of cold milk to sooth the burning of stomach

How to get relief from Nasal Congestion


Put Ecalyptus oil/ vicks in boiling water, cover your head with some towel and take steam from it for few minutes.

How ro reduce dark circles around eyes


Put cucumber round slices over your eyes for 15-20 minutes to reduce the tiredness and dark circles.

Removing stickiness of lady finger


Add a spoonful of curd to the ladyfinger vegetable while cooking to avoid sticking it to the sides of the pan or a vessel.

Keeping the colour of green vegetables


Avoid overcooking of the green vegetables to retain it's fresh green colour.

How to keep the skin soft


Apply haldi (turmeric powder) mixed with little curd while bathing instead of soap in winter season to keep the skin soft.

How to make pickles last longer


Always store the pickles in glass/ porcelian jars.

How to make flout last longer


Always store plain flour(maida) in fridge to stay longer and to keep it away from insects.

How to keep the coconut fresh


Keep the coconut in the freezer and it will stay fresh for much longer time.

How to store peeled potatoes


To store the peeled potatoes, put 1tsp of vinegar in water and keep the potatoes in it.

How to store green chillies


Remove the stem of the green chillies so that they stay fresh for much longer.

How to store coriander leaves


Store the coriander leaves in a muslin cloth in the refrigerator and they will stay much longer.

How to store wheat grains


Storing the wheat grains for a year needs lot of care.


First keep them spread on a cloth sheet in the hot sun for atleast 2 days so that it becmes insect free.


Then apply boric powder to the grains or put mercury tablets(para) in it and then store in tight-pack boxes.

How to store curry leaves


Store curry leaves in silver foil, it will last as much as one month.

How to firm the overripe tomatoes


Make the overripe tomatoes firm by dipping them in cold water,add some salt and leave overnight.

How to make chilli powder last longer


If you put a piece of asafoetida(hing) in the same container as the chilli powder, the chilli powder lasts much longer.

How to make pickles last longer


Never use wet spoons, ladles etc. to remove or handle pickle. Moistures paves way for rotting.

How to store chopped vegetables


Store chopped vegetables in airtight plastic containers in the fridge to keep from browning and drying up.

[anz3611]

Nice tips..... Thanks for sharing...

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Homemade Non-Stick Coating
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Shortening
1 cup Flour
In a large mixing bowl, mix until smooth with electric mixer. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until needed. Use this to coat pans for cakes, muffins, pies or anything that requires greased and floured' pans.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

After you have used a stick of margarine or butter, save the wrappers and put in a ziploc bag and throw in the freezer. The next time one of your recipes call for greasing a cake pan,etc. pull out one of these wrappers and use it for that purpose. It works great and is economical too!! :-)

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

CANNED FOOD SAFETY & STORAGE

• Cans or glass jars with metal lid can get rusted if not used properly i.e. touched by wet hands or spoon & when rust will be deep enough, tiny holes open in the can or lid may let spoilage agents in & will spoil the food. That's why we should avoid water contact from can.
• Cans could even corrode, if food will chemically react with metal container. Especially highly-acid food like canned tomatoes and fruit juices gets easily corroded. When kept or used for several years causes change in taste and texture. It eventually lowers down the nutritional food value also. So this type of food should not be kept for very long time in home
• Temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit are harmful for canned foods. If the storage temperature rises, the risk of spoilage of food jumps sharply. There are high chances of loosing nutrient of the caned food, if stored at above 75 degree for very long period. In the glass jars the light can cause color changes and nutrient losses in foods. That's why we are advised to use the older canned food earlier than the newer one i.e. we should follow the technique of LIFO (last in first out).
• We should never use foods from containers with the spoilage warning signs given on the container. So before taking the can check for statements written along the top, side or bottom seam.
• You should never take loose or bulging lids on jars; leaking or badly dented can or foods with a foul odor. These all are the symbols of old or poor packaging of food. If the packaging will be old the product inside the can can't be used for longer time period.
• If the cans doesn't show any sign of spoilage or damage than also you should take care as a edible inside it may deteriorate in color, flavors & nutritive value. So don't go on packaging but check out the date.

There are certain points which should be kept in mind while storage of the canned food. For better & prolonged use of canned food we must keep them in mind. It will solve your purpose of keeping canned food at your home. So be ready to apply them in your kitchen & enjoy your food as longer as you want.

Tips For Using Canned Food

• You should always store cans in a cool, clean & dry place where temperatures must be below 85 degrees. It is advisable to keep temperature between 50-70 degrees but not at the freezing temperatures.
• Foods should be rotated so the older one is used first &later one at last. Moreover you should not try to keep canned foods more than one year because the edibles may get spoiled after such a long period.
• As like other food canned foods, canned meats and seafood must be used within 12 months.
• The high-acid canned foods must be used within 6-8 months as they can easily react with metal.
• Canned fruit juices can be stored up to 3 years but keep check on it. They should be kept at right temperature, what is prescribed on the can.
• Before storing the food you must read the instructions given on the can. It will help you out in storing the food at right temperature & right place.

These all points or safety measures will help you out in keeping your canned fresh & usable for longer period. You can feel free in using the canned food if you will keep them carefully. So handle the canned food with care & enjoy the nature fresh food anytime, anywhere

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Just an easy hint for all who love cabbage rolls. I take the core out of the cabbage, wrap in WET paper towels, & microwave for about 10minutes. You can use every leaf this way. If all the leaves aren't soft, just re-wet the towels & microwave another 2-3 minutes. Hope this helps some...

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Choosing Butter, Margarine
For the best flavor and texture, be sure to use the exact type of butter, margarine or vegetable shortening -- called for in each recipe. Substituting one type for another could change the taste or the texture of your finished product. Do not use vegetable oil spreads, diet, "lite", soft, whipped, or liquid versions of butter or margarine. These products may also give you unsatisfactory results.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Tips On Leftover Food:

• If you are making pasta or rice, cook some extra and store in refrigerator for the next meal.
• Keep some boiled potatoes in fridge, to make quick sandwiches for breakfast.
• Use left over rice for next day meal, use your imagination and cook something new.
• Keep some extra dough in fridge to make chapatis for breakfast.
• Use leftover sukhi dal to make stuffed paratha.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Tips For Gravies:

• Always use ghee or vanaspathi with or instead of oil, which gives a good flavour to the gravy. If oil alone is used, it does not get separated easily from the ground mixture, as ghee separates from it.

[speedyturtle]

I have been thinking about posting this but didnt know where to post so i thought ill ask here.
Main darasal dhoond raha tha ke koi machine ho jo atta ghoond de mujhe pata hai ke roti maker hain aur woh mil bhi jaatey hain lakin koi atta ghoondney ki machine hoti hai? mujhe paney liye chahiye hai industrial nahi

SPEEDY
enjoy

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

I have been thinking about posting this but didnt know where to post so i thought ill ask here.
Main darasal dhoond raha tha ke koi machine ho jo atta ghoond de mujhe pata hai ke roti maker hain aur woh mil bhi jaatey hain lakin koi atta ghoondney ki machine hoti hai? mujhe paney liye chahiye hai industrial nahi

SPEEDY
enjoy

haan ji aata ghoondhnei ki machine aati hai

ab aap kahan rahtei ho,pata nahi wahan milegi ya nahi??

online shopping kar lein.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Measuring Ingredients
Be sure to measure your ingredients carefully. Use metal or plastic nested cups for dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and graduated glass or plastic cups with spouts for liquids. If you use the liquid measuring cup for flour you may get an extra tablespoon or more per cup, which could make cookies hard and dry. To measure flour, lightly spoon it from the canister into the measuring cup and level it with a straight edge of a spatula or knife. Do not tap or shake the cup to level it. When measuring brown sugar, pack it firmly into the dry measuring cup so that it holds its shape when it is removed.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

To prevent milk from getting spoiled.
Add half a teaspoon of soda bicarb while boiling milk. It will not get spoiled even if you forget to put it in the refrigerator.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Curry turned out a bit oily and pungent ?
Take two bread slices and powder them coarsely. Add this to the curry and mix well. Bread absorbs the excess oil and spice.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Eggs will not crack
Pierce eggs with a sharp pin before boiling. This way you will prevent them from cracking.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Boiling pasta & noodles
Boil pastaodles in plenty of water and remove just before it is fully cooked. They continue to be cooked even after it is removed from flame and drained.

[Barbie Doll Jiya]

Preheating Your Oven
Preheat oven for at least 10 to 15 minutes before starting to bake. Oven temperatures can vary from the dial settings by as much as 50 degrees, so you may need to check the temperature with an oven thermometer. If you don't have one, try a test cookie. If it spreads too much, the temperature may be too high.