tips and tricks

[Miranda_]

When waiting for a cake to bake, and if you're not sure whether the cake is done yet, simply press the top of it gently with a finger. If it stays depressed, then give the cake another 5 minutes. Otherwise, if it springs back, then the cake is ready.

For a nice filling for a choccy cake, as well as spreading chocolate buttercream on one half, spread chocolate spread on the other half.

Baking muffins.
When making blueberry muffins (or any muffin with fruit, chocolate chips, etc), place the blueberries in a bowl with a dash of flour, then shake the bowl to coat them evenly with the flour. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the muffins when you bake them.

[angel_deceiver]

Chives can be testy to chop, be sure they are rather small and chop a bunch at once to speed up the process.

[Miranda_]

Don't try and emulate the way that chefs chop veg; you'll just cut your fingers. A mate of mine did this, don't be like her. XD

[angel_deceiver]

yeh do be careful, knives deserve respect. if you aren't careful they will mess you up.
- another tip -
always point the handle of a pan inward and not sticking out over the stove, this is a safe way to be sure it doesn't get knocked over or pulled off by little hands.

I really like this thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (sorry but can't think of any tips yet)

[angel_deceiver]

lol coolness lol
-tip-
if you find your chinese too spicy sweet and sour sause does the trick to sooth it.

Wow Siren! Cool tip

Caring for your knives.
Never wash your chef's knives in the dishwasher. This will ruin a fine knife faster than you can chop up a couple of onions. Always wash them by hand, and always dry them with a towel immediately after washing. Never put knives in the sink with dirty dishes. Always keep knives separate; in a knife-block, on a magnetic strip or in a separate drawer. Protect the tips with old wine corks if you keep them in a drawer.

[angel_deceiver]

great tip Sara that is so flippin sweet.

-tip-
a lot of people think that if you have a ****d customer when you a waitressing or waitering you can put visine in their cups of water... and it will only make them have to go to the bathroom. THIS IS NOT TRUE! Visine is VERY toxic and should never be used in any kind of eatery, even to try and get back at a bad customer.

Thanx for liking my tip

To peel a clove of garlic.
The easiest way to peel garlic is to rest the flat side of a large knife on the clove then quickly smack the blade with the heel of your palm. If executed properly, the skin will pop and easily fall away from the uncrushed clove. If you push too slowly, the clove will end up smashed (and possibly embedded with bits of skin).