Cooking with pot partially covered

When your recipe requires simmering in partially covered pot, use 2 parallel chopsticks to balance the lid. That will leave enough space for steam to escape, and will prevent lid from sliding back into place.

Fix an over-spiced chili

To take the heat out of a too spicy chili, add some sour cream to the pot. This procedure should balance the chili's flavor.

Buttering delicate dough

When working with delicate pastry that requires a coat of melted butter, use a small foam paint roller instead of a brush. The job will be done faster and the pastry will be coated much more evenly. Store the washed roller in the freezer and let it thaw for an hour before using.

Storing winter woolens

Keep stored sweaters dry and fresh, by tying a few sticks of white chalk into a pack and place in the container with your clothes. The chalk will absorb moisture and prevent mildew.

Revive yellow roses

To recuperate a bouquet of fading yellow roses, recut the ends of the stems, place the flowers in a vase with warm water and add 0.5oz of yellow liquid food coloring. The stems will soak up the water and disperse the dye throughout the petals, turning them brighter in a few hours.

Peeling oranges

To easily remove the white membranes from an orange, place it unpeeled in boiling water for about 5 minutes and let cool. The pith loosens from the skin and peeling it off becomes an easy job.

Keep peppers fresh longer

If you have to use only a portion of a bell pepper, slice the vegetable from the bottom. The top holds the seeds which will keep the moisture for a few more days without the veggie becoming soft.

Perfect grilled cheese sandwich

Buttered bread slices tend to burn before the cheese is melted. Next time, use mayonnaise instead. Mayo has a higher smoke point and gives your sandwich a richer flavor.