Tips for the pantry

Rice

Cool cooked rice completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than a few days and always heat completely before eating; it also freezes for six months. Uncooked brown rice goes rancid in the pantry after 12 months; store in an airtight container and use it before that.

Bread

Store bread in a linen bread bag, airtight container or beeswax wrap on the bench, otherwise freeze and use when needed.

Potatoes

Store potatoes and sweet potatoes in a cool dark place — never with onions, as they will make your spuds sprout!

Corn

Give your corn cobs another chance and add them to your stock box.

Plants

Don’t salt your rice water (salt the cooked rice itself) and cool the water to use for thirsty houseplants. If using the absorption method, save the water you use to rinse your rice and use this! (Any unsalted cooking water works!)

Wine

Freeze leftover wine for a quick flavour boost when cooking casseroles. If you pour it into an ice tray you have

easily accessible portions.

Mashed Potatoes

Cooked potatoes don’t freeze well, but mashed spud is the exception to the rule — as long as it has good amounts of butter and cream it freezes perfectly.

Biscuits

Oldish gingernut biscuits in the pantry? Whizz them up in a blender to make gingernut dust, sprinkle on ice cream or use as a muffin topping.

Eggs

Eggs can be stored at room temperature, but as the shells are porous they absorb smells and liquids, so keep them in their cartons. Keeping them in the fridge is probably best (particularly in summer). In New Zealand they are safe to eat after the best before date. However, if they float in a bowl of water, treat with suspicion!

Aquafaba

Whizz up chickpea juice (or any canned bean juice, white beans work best but black bean juice can be used) with 1 cup of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of salt and mustard powder to make a tangy mayo. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks — thanks Mandy for the tip!

Jars

At the end of your peanut butter jar, use it to make a dressing.