Our handy list of tips and tricks will save you time (and money!) in the kitchen.

1. Pick the perfect avocado every time

Selecting a perfectly ripe avocado to top your toast with is an undeniably stressful task, but this handy kitchen hack will have you picking the ultimate one each time. Just pop the top stem off – if the skin is yellow or green underneath, you’ve got yourself a perfect avo. If the stalk doesn’t budge, leave it for a few extra days but if it’s brown underneath it’s past its prime.

2. Store your avocado halves the clever way

Only used half of that perfectly ripe avocado that you ever so skilfully selected? Keep your leftovers super fresh and green by popping a thin slice of lemon on top. The acidity slows down the oxidisation process, helping you banish any brownness for a little longer.

3. Prepare your mangoes with minimum fuss

Easily remove the skin from your mango by sliding quarters over the edge of a glass. As well as being super fast, it also means you won’t waste any of the flesh. While you’re at it, simply remove the stems on strawberries by skewering them with a straw.

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4. Impress your guests with crystal clear ice cubes

Party season is just around the corner, and this super simple hack will have your icy summer cocktails looking their best. Try boiling the water you use to make your ice cubes – they’ll come out of the freezer perfectly clear.

5. Cut potato wedges in a flash

Need some wedges ASAP? Use an apple cutter to chop your potatoes into the perfect wedge in no time at all. As a bonus, the completely uniform size will make cooking them a breeze too.

6. Separate eggs the easy way

Do you require a bunch of egg whites for a summer pavlova? Or maybe just some yolks for a mayonnaise? Rather than separating your eggs the usual precarious way, try using your hands to gently scoop the yolks straight out of the bowl. (Note: you’ll need nice fresh eggs for this to work best).

7. Crack eggs like a pro

Cracking the shells on a flat surface (like your kitchen bench) is key – this will give a much cleaner break compared to the side of a bowl.

8. Bake your bacon for crispy perfection

While we’re on the topic of eggs, we may as well share a hack for their ultimate companion – bacon. Next time, try cooking your rashers in the oven. They’ll be perfectly cooked all over and you’ll achieve a level of crispness once only reserved for cafés.

9. Avert the disaster of a pot boiling over

We’re all guilty of getting distracted in the kitchen, only to return to the stove to see half of the contents of our pot boiling over. Avoid this mishap forevermore by placing a wooden spoon across the top of your pot – it will stop it from overflowing.

10. Salvage a not-so-great bottle of wine with a blender

It may seem strange, but whizzing a lacklustre wine in the blender will aerate it, improving its flavour and aroma. Try it out with a younger drop.

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