TEST WHETHER YOUR BAKING POWDER IS FRESH – Baking powder is a leavener that contains a combination of baking soda, an acid (such as cream of tartar), and a moisture absorber (such as cornstarch). Baking powder releases carbon dioxide gas bubbles when mixed with liquid, and this is what causes breads and cakes to rise. However, baking powder loses its potency over time, so if you’ve had the same supply for eons, be sure to test whether your baking powder is still good. Pour 1/4 cup of hot tap water over 1/2 tsp of baking powder and observe – the fresher the powder, the more actively it will bubble. If a weak reaction occurs, or none at all, your baked goods will end up flat!

TOAST NUTS TO INTENSIFY THEIR FLAVOR – Toasting nuts before using them in recipes intensifies their flavor. To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan often, and toast for four or five minutes until fragrant. Cool before using. Because nuts have a high fat content, they go rancid quickly. The best way to store shelled nuts is in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll keep for about four months.

ADD FLAVOR TO RICE – Instead of using plain water when boiling rice, try chicken stock, beef stock or even tomato juice. Serve it as is or add even more flavor by sauteeing some vegetables in olive oil and garlic and adding them for a delicious and healthy side dish.

MAKE FLUFFIER RICE – For fluffier rice, add one teaspoon of lemon juice to the water before adding rice. It won’t change the flavor but it will plump up the grains to give you perfect rice.

ROASTING VEGETABLES – There are lots of vegetables that can be roasted like carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers and squashes. For the best results, coat the vegetables evenly in oil and add seasonings before putting them in a non-stick roasting pan. A great way to ensure they don’t stick (and to make cleanup easy) is to line your pan with parchment paper. Ensure that the vegetables are evenly distributed and not overlapping one another.

MEASURE VEGETABLES AND FRUITS PROPERLY FOR RECIPES – When using a recipe that asks you to include a specified amount of a fruit or vegetable, it can be confusing sometimes to know just how much they mean. The general rule of thumb is that if the recipe states “1 cup of diced carrots” then you dice them first and then measure out 1 cup. If it calls for “1 carrot, diced”, then it wants you to dice up one carrot. Most recipes are pretty forgiving though, so don’t stress too much over getting the perfect amount.