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To assemble a steamer at home, just take a large deep vessel, a colander which fits on the rim of the vessel and a lid which when used inverted will fit well on the rim of the vessel. Place some water in the vessel, place the colander and add the contents. Cover with inverted lid and place a small weight over it to keep the lid firmly down. Use a metallic colander which has holes punched into it.
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Excess tomato puree may be frozen in an ice cube tray. Remove frozen cubes and store in a sealable freezer bag, using as and when required.
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To give abetter flavour to pureed onion, pierce onion with a long fork. Roast over direct flame turning all around, till out 2 layers are burnt. Wash burnt layers under running water, chop and puree onion.
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A regular warm shower just before going to bed, can work wonders for mild insomnia. Avoid late night teas and coffees.
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If there is a lot of leftover paneer crumbs, dry in a warm oven. Fry till crisp and store in the fridge. Soften in boiling water, drain and add to thicken gravies of any vegetables and curries.
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One may cut and keep vegetables, beans, carrots, etc. previous night for an early meal next day. But put them in a bowl, not tightly packed and slip the bowl into a polythene bag, knotting the mouth loosely. This way the chopped vegetables will stay crisp and fresh till used.
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Put chips and biscuits in a polythene bag and store them in a refrigerator to keep them fresh for a long time.
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Soak brass or silver items in water drained from curdled milk. Allow to soak in the hot water for 10 minutes. Remove and wash with regular washing soap. They will sparkle like new.
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All ground, dry spices should be stored in a dark place as they tend to lose their flavour in the light.
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Add a few tsps. of milk to cauliflower while boiling to rid it of the raw smell. Drain and wash before adding to the recipe.
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If you cannot get hold of diwali diyas (lamps), make your own by mould out of ordinary wheat flour dough, about a week ahead, dry well and paint.
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If you write your own labels for kitchen or storage containers, cover the lables with transparent cellotape so that do not smudge.
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Drop a capful of your favourite shower or bath gel into the water runnig into the tub or bucket. It will make your bath a pleasure and leave a lingering fragrance on you and in the bathroom For a long time.
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Use thick short grained rice for dosa and idli batter where ordinary rice is asked for. This will give a netter texture than using long grained basmati rice.
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If buns are too soft to be stuffed for any recipe, bake them blind in a hot oven for 4-5 minutes. Cool, and they will be much more easy to handle while proceeding with the recipe.
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Store nail polish bottles in the refrigerator to prevent the polish from drying up.
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Ctrl Oil Foam
Sometimes oil begins to foam on heating to deepfry and rises dangerously in the pan. To dissipate the foam add a marble sized ball of tamarind to the oil.
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Dry fifty grams of mint leaves, powder them and add to ten kilograms of rice. Not only will the mint leaves keep insects at bay, they will also impart a delicious flavour to the rice when cooked.
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Always keep dough covered with a moist cloth to avoid a dry crust from forming on it. Keep the cloth moist by rinsing in water every time it begins to feel dry.
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Make a savoury hot snack out of leftover or staled khakhras, seasoning as for chappati kava .
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