From the “why didn’t I think of that!?” moments to serious game changers – below are a list of my favourite hints, tips and hacks for when I’m in the kitchen.

1. Packets of Micro – Rice

These are an absolute kitchen hack anyway but did you know the bottoms split at the side so the packet remains upright when you put them in the microwave.

2. Fresh Eggs?

Test the freshness of your eggs by popping them in a jug of water. If the egg sinks straight to the bottom and stays there, it’s as fresh as can be. If it starts to stand, it’s still fine to eat. If the egg floats to the top, throw it in the bin.

3. Easy Peel Ginger

Don’t peel it at all, scrape that papery skin with a spoon.

4. Freezing Fresh Herbs

Pop left over fresh herbs in an ice cube tray with a little bit of oil.

5. Singing Swede

Have you ever tried to peel and dice a Swede? Impossible task! Microwave your Swede for 20-30 mins, cut in half and scoop out the flesh. This method also works well with butternut squash.

6. Egg Shell In Your Mixture?

Use a larger piece of the shell to scoop out any egg shell fragments.

7. Get Juicy

Before juicing citrus fruits, microwave them for a few seconds.

8. Smooth Mash

Sounds crazy but use a hand mixer for lump-free mashed potatoes.

9. Reheating Pizza (and other bakery goods)

Pop a small glass of water in the microwave when reheating pizza to keep that base crispy.

10. Keep That Water

Use the water you boil your veggies in for making gravy.

11. Frozen Potato Waffles Can Be Cooked In The Toaster…

Couple of pops and job done.

12….So Can Hash Browns!

Again, couple of pops needed but they come out lovely and crispy.