The Wheeling Gourmet by Nicolas Steenhout

Telling Hard Boiled Eggs From Raw Eggs

If you plan to boil several eggs ahead and keep them in your fridge, add a drop or two of food coloring in the cooking water of the egg.

Chicken Pieces

If you buy a whole chicken and would like it cut in pieces, don’t hesitate to ask the butcher at the meat counter.

Pre-Cut Veggies

Look for pre-cut vegetables, like mushroom, carrots, celery, broccoli. They are a little more expensive, but it often is worth the extra cost if you are unable to cut them yourself, or are short on time.

Peeling Garlic

Peeling garlic can get tricky if your fingers aren’t nimble. Use the flat side of a chefs knife, or the clean bottom of a small frying pan to whack the garlic, the skin will then come off in a blink. It will be easier if you can cut the ends off first.

Ripening Vegetables

It is sometimes difficult to find ripe vegetables. Most vegetables will ripen nicely on a sunny window sill, but tomatoes and avocados will do better in a paper bag in a dark and dry environment.

Mixing and Handling Liquid Batters

Mix fairly liquid batters in a pitcher with a hand held mixer. It is then easier to pour and control the portion of bafter you want to use.

Stabilising Measuring Spoons

You can keep measuring spoons level on the counter top by placing a slice of bread or a pencil under the handle of the spoon.