1. To get a better egg glaze on your pastries first pinch the membrane off the yolk.
2. Debearding tough mussels can damage the flesh. Wait until they are cooked to remove the beards for easily and neatly.
3. Have you ever washed a steak under running water? No. Then why are you cleaning fish under running water. Just scrape with the back of a knife.
4. Does chopping onions make you cry? By pouring a small amount of white vinegar on the (wooden) board it will stop the fumes. Alternatively light a candle which will neutralise the teary chemicals.
5.Troubled by soft bottomed pies? Bake them on a pizza stone to crisp them up.
6. Make your sauces much more intense by finishing them with a fortified wine.
7. Starchy potato water is worth saving to use as the liquid element in chocolate cake. It also can be used for breadmaking. Or in sauces.
