Handy tips and tricks

[SOLACE]

Parties—decorating, centerpiece with frosted fruit

Frosted fruits are a delicious-looking centerpiece and are simple to make. Simmer apple jelly with a little water, let cool, then brush over fruit. Roll the fruit in granulated sugar to coat

[SOLACE]

Gardening—tools, avoid rust with car wax

Prevent rust on garden tools by cleaning them with car wax.

[SOLACE]

Burnt toast

Scrape the really dark part off with a cheese grater, and no one will have to know.

[SOLACE]

Organisation and storage—broom or mop

Cut the fingertip from an old rubber glove and slip it over the end of your broom or mop handle. Now it won’t slip when leaned against the wall.

[SOLACE]

Groceries—stop impulse b*ying

When you pick up an item that is not on your grocery list, place it in the child’s seat of the shopping cart. Just before checking out, reevaluate the budget-breaking items and make yourself put all of them back except for one item. That’s your reward for controlling your impulses in the grocery aisles

[SOLACE]

Cooking Vegetables

To cook root vegetables (such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and turnips), place them in cold water and bring the water to a boil. Add non-root vegetables (such as corn, peas, beans) to water that’s already boiling.

[SOLACE]

Tomatoes—slicing for sandwiches

Slice tomatoes from top (bud end) to bottom. They’ll lose less juice, and sandwiches won’t get so wet and soggy

[SOLACE]

Soup—getting rid of fat in cans

Store cans of condensed soup upside down in the refrigerator for a while. The excess fat will rise and then stick in the bottom of the can when it is turned upright and opened. It’s an easy way to get some of the fat out

[SOLACE]

Salad—make ahead of time

Here’s how to prepare a green salad ahead of time without the greens getting soggy. Place dressing in the bottom of the bowl. Add cucumbers and other ingredients that marinate well. Then add greens. Cover with a damp towel and refrigerate. Toss just before serving

[SOLACE]

Short term pantry or cupboard space

Create more pantry/cupboard space by laying a narrow board across two tall soup cans.