It’s Friday night here. Bangalore starts getting hot post Pongal, but strangely, this year, it has got cold over the past 3-4 days – just when I had sunned the quilts and warmers, and tucked them away neatly until next winter. Well, so are the ways of the weather. The chill has also got us craving for hot and comforting food again. Many days you are excited about spending hours in the kitchen dishing out fancy recipes from far away lands with your young chef at home in tow for company. And then, there are days like today when rolling out half a dozen phulkas seems like a humongous chore.
It’s on days like today that a few fancy helpers in the kitchen serve as the right accessories to pep up momma’s mood. I know, I know Gary and George wouldn’t approve of a julienne peeler in their kitchen. Is the MasterChef in you asking, “what good are your knife skills if you can’t julienne a carrot?” But, hey, I’m just a home cook! So, I’m going to allow that bit of indulgence.
1. Oil and vinegar dispenser for Rs. 220 from Pasabahce on Junglee
2. Rectangular muffin mould for Rs. 382 from Bergner
3. Bada dabba for Rs. 450 from Forty Red Bangles
4. Hanging planter made from recycled tins for Rs. 300 from Forty Red Bangles
5. Julienne peelers for Rs.680 from Home Collective
A special mention for Home Collective: I first came across Home Collective about two years ago in Good Homes, and was floored by many of their products like the potato/onion bag, for instance. There are many more like that which I love but haven’t featured here because of the price constraint for my picks for the Shopping Friday post. But, do go and check out their range (disclaimer: this is not advertorial).
Did you know that (all tips courtesy Home Collective) …
1. Adding warm water to adulterated honey will make it ferment, and sugar added honey will solidify
2. Dried herbs, when crushed first before using in a recipe, release fragrance .
3. Placing an apple in a bag of potatoes will prevent the latter from budding.
4. A pinch of salt to empty containers will keep them fresh.
5. Remove the stems from chillies before storing to increase their shelf life.
For many more such valuable tips, check out Home Collective on FB.
Have a great weekend and I’ll see you Monday!
Image courtesy:
Shopping list linked to respective sites.
