Handy Hints

Everyone has some hints at times which make things a little easier, or a recipe better, we should all pass them on. Here a a few that may help you

• Use a 30 ml ice cream scoop to make your biscuits, it makes them all the same size and looks professional
• Large glass jars look great filled with biscuits and they keep for weeks.  I have 5 displayed in the pantry, you could display them on a shelf or bench top
• I always cream butter and sugar in a stainless bowl over a large dish of hot water, using a whisk, still get that creaminess with less washing up
• Prepare a few batches of biscuits before you turn on the oven, then you dont have the oven running while you are still making batches
• Make a couple of extra cakes or slices while baking then freeze, then you always having something on hand when unexpected guests arrive
• Muffins are great to eat and also freeze well, keep a supply on hand for packing lunch boxes, savoury ones also for a healthy alternative
• Freeze excess lemon juice, orange juice and passionfruit pulp when they are cheap or you grow yourself, put in ice cube trays
• Grow a lemon grass bush, great as a hot tea, infuse then have as a refreshing cold drink, also bruise the stems and place in dish when you make rice or use in Asian dishes, can also make a lemon scented oil by putting the bruised stems in a good quality Olive oil. 
• Many herbs can be diffused in oil, display in fancy bottles and jars, great for gift giving too
• Always use butter in cooking it has a superior flavour.
• Consider having a couple of chooks if you have room, gets rid of your vege scraps and the poo is great diluted for that vege garden you were always going to start! Theres nothing better than a freshly laid egg and the colour is so rich
• Pour some bi carb soda followed by some vinegar then after a few minutes boiling water, helps clear drains and is not harmful to the environment
• Make a batch of drop scones,  ( see recipe under treats)  if guests arrive, very quick to make and you will have all the ingredients in your pantry
•  There's nothing better than home cooked corn beef ( silverside)  Place in large pot with cold water, make sure the water covers the meat, then add 5 star anise ( anniseed flavour) a couple of bay leaves, a splash of vinegar, a tablespoon of brown sugar, a couple of onions and a sliced orange, gives the meat a beautiful flavour.  Dont discard the stock afterwards, leave it to cool then carefully take off any fat left on the top.  Put in a covered container and freeze till you need next time, I have used it 3 times before discarding, the flavour will intensify after the first time
• .When mangoes are in season buy a case when they are cheap and pulp them, place in airtight containers and freeze,  You then have it on hand to makes all kinds of yummy desserts and sauces.  Its a messy job but licking your fingers is part of the fun.  Use some of those yummy mangoes, puree then stir through a tub of good quality vanilla ice cream then refreeze, serve with some mango coulis
• Even though flours are supposed to be sifted before packaging I always sift flour just in case, doesnt hurt to have it lighter anyway
• Always beat eggs in a small bowl before adding to a mix, nothing worse than an off egg!!!!
• Cool biscuits on trays if possible, helps to have 4 trays, 2 in the oven and 2 with cooling biscuits, make sure they are cold before storing in airtight containers, otherwise they will go soft
• Try using Kangaroo Mince in rissoles, burgers and any other mince dishes, much healthier than other mince meats and the kids wont know the difference
• Try using polenta and oats in rissoles , also a tin of drained lentils, healthier than flour and breadcrumbs
• to make buttermilk mix 2/3 cup plain yoghurt with 1/3 cup milk,  or 15 tablespoons milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar