Dried Lasagne Sheets

If making Lasagne I find the dried sheets work better than the so called ' fresh' from the supermarket. Even though the instructions say not to, I find better results by softening the sheets first by putting a roasting pan on the hob with simmering water. Place the sheets in for a few minutes . Rinse in cold water and leave on a tea towel until using.

Bechamel Sauce

Measure your milk for the bechamel sauce the day before making. Add a quartered onion about a dessert spoon of black peppercorns, two torn bay leaves and two crushed cloves of garlic and perhaps a sprig or two of thyme or any fresh herbs you want. Leave in the fridge overnight and strain before making the sauce. Wonderful flavour.

Stopping Bread Dough Sticking

When making bread drizzle some oil on the work top before pulling the risen dough out of the bowl. Rub it onto the work top with both hands. The dough will not stick to you or the work surface

Citrus Peel

Using the juice of an orange or a lemon? Zest them first and pop the zest into a bag and freeze it. Very handy for when a recipe calls for it.


Dirty microwave? Boil the used husks of lemon up in a microwavable bowl for a few minutes until the inside of the microwave is misty. Just wipe with a damp cloth. Sparkling clean.

Been chopping onions or garlic? Rub your board with a bit of lemon to remove lingering odours.