Latest news with #TheKitchn
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal the worst thing you can do to your air fryer as warning is issued
Experts have warned this one mistake could lead to your entire air fryer breaking down. Using just a spritz of cooking spray can severely affect the interior of your device. This is because the sprays contain emulsifiers, which can build up over time and leave a goo-like texture inside the machine. The sticky texture is a result of the sprays breaking down the nonstick surface, which can ruin your air fryer. The Kitchn said: 'Cooking spray is oil contains lecithin (an emulsifier), dimethyl silicone (an anti-foaming agent), and a propellant. 'The droplets have a low smoke point and, over time, the lecithin will start to build up onto your basket or rack, resulting in a sticky spot. 'This sticky spot is hard to remove and can degrade the coating so that the nonstick surface no longer does its job.' They recommend using an oil with a high smoke point to prevent this from happening. Meanwhile, Isabella Forgione AO's small appliance expert has said it could be better to stop using oils altogether. But if you want to crisp up your meal, try spraying the oil on the food before putting it in the air fryer. She said: 'Because of the way air fryers work by circulating hot air around the appliance, this means that oil shouldn't be needed to cook your food. 'Try to spray your food before putting it into the air fryer. 'This will help to reduce the amount of spray touching your appliance and protect the non-stick coating from being damaged.'
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Cucumbers last much longer without going mushy if stored in 'correct' way
Cucumbers are a versatile and refreshing vegetable, but their high water content means they can go mushy quite quickly - however, two simple kitchen items can help Cucumbers, a favourite in many British households particularly during the summer season, can quickly turn to mush due to their high water content if not stored properly. Luckily, with just a zip-lock plastic bag and some kitchen roll, you can keep them fresh for longer. The Kitchn suggests that by wrapping cucumbers in kitchen roll and then placing them into a sealed zip-lock bag before popping them in the fridge, you can greatly extend their shelf life. This technique controls moisture levels, stopping the cucumbers from getting slimy or soft, as the kitchen roll soaks up any extra dampness and the sealed bag keeps the humidity just right, reports the Express. According to The Kitchn's experts, this approach can maintain cucumbers in prime condition in the refrigerator for 16 to 19 days, whereas leaving them unwrapped in the fridge would only preserve their crunchiness for about 7 days. The research notes: "The towel-wrapping method was interesting. It helped to wick away the moisture that seemed to contribute to sliminess and squishy spots, and the sealed bag seemed to offer more protection than an unsealed bag." Moreover, the expert pointed out: "It's not fussy at all, and the smallest option on those select-a-size paper towels works perfectly for each cucumber. "Plus, you can re-use the zip-top bag numerous times, so it's less wasteful than the methods involving plastic wrap."
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Tourists issued warning over ordering ice cream in Italy
Tourists have been urged to take care when ordering ice cream in Italy this summer as they could be being duped. Italian gelato is world famous for its creamy texture with tourists often flocking to purchase iconic flavours such as pistachio and stracciatella. But they might not be getting the real thing. The Express reports that many tourists are actually buying a cheap copy of gelato with the cheeky scam particularly prevalent in Rome. Foodies at explain that classic gelato is 'churned at a much slower rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato denser than ice cream'. And there's also an easier way for tourists to spot inauthentic gelato. If the ice cream colours are particularly bright, it's generally a sign that you're not buying a real gelato. Classic gelato is usually pale in colour as makers don't use artificial food colouring during the process. Tourists can also check reviews on Google and Tripadvisor to find gelato cafes with particularly high ratings. One popular spot is Vivoli, a historic ice cream shop in Florence which is home to an iconic new treat. A €6 coffee dessert has become the latest Tuscan viral sensation, drawing crowds of tourists and creating hour-long lines outside the city's oldest gelateria. The creamy drink, called the Gran Crema Caffè Vivoli, is a twist on the classic Italian affogato - a shot of hot espresso served in a pre-chilled cappuccino cup with four strips of smooth vanilla gelato lining the edges.
Dublin Live
7 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
The simple way keep mice out of your home that costs less than €10
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info While mice may be an exciting sight in the countryside, or a popular housemate which safely contained in a cage, they are less popular when they take up residence in your walls and under floorboards. While they may look cute, mice are a public health pest and can cause serious harm. Mice have been known to spread diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria to humans through their urine, droppings and bedding. As they scurry around on your countertops, cabinets and tables, they can carry dirt and bacteria with them. They also cause a lot of property damage thanks to their compulsive need to file their teeth. This puts your electric cables, doors, skirting boards and floorboards all at risk. Luckily, however, there is an ingenious natural solution which avoids the need to spend large amounts of money on traps as it helps keeping them far from your house. (Image: Getty Images) Peppermint oil has become a popular solution for keeping mice away from your home. Mice find the smell of peppermint overwhelming and confusing as the strong scent masks their pheromones on their pathways. As a result, it will deter the pests from entering your house, according to lifestyle blogger The Kitchn. The blogger suggests to combine in a small spray bottle two teaspoons of 100% peppermint oil for every 230 ml of water. Then you can spray this solution anywhere you have seen mice. You can also dab the oil straight onto cotton balls and place these in mouse-prone areas. Bottles of peppermint essential oil can be bought on Amazon for as little as €9.80. It should be noted, however, that if mice are actually living inside your home, the smell of peppermint is not going to convince them to abandon their nest. You may need to take more drastic actions to eradicate these unwanted houseguests. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mice will scurry away for good if 1 natural repellent is placed in your home
While mice might be a delightful sight in the Irish countryside, or a cherished pet safely housed in a cage, they are less welcome when they decide to nest in your walls and under floorboards. Despite their adorable appearance, mice are a public health pest and can cause significant harm. Mice are known carriers of diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which they can transmit to humans through their urine, droppings and bedding. As they scuttle about on your countertops, cupboards and tables, they can spread dirt and bacteria. They also cause considerable property damage due to their compulsive need to gnaw, putting your electric cables, doors, skirting boards and floorboards all at risk. Fortunately, there is a clever natural solution that avoids the need to spend large sums on traps and helps keep them away from your home. Peppermint oil has gained popularity as a method for deterring mice from your home. Mice find the smell of peppermint overpowering and disorientating as the potent aroma masks their pheromones on their pathways. Consequently, it will discourage these pests from entering your house, according to lifestyle blogger The Kitchn, reports the Express. The blogger suggests mixing two teaspoons of 100% peppermint oil with every 230 ml of water in a small spray bottle. You can then spray this solution anywhere you have spotted mice. You can also apply the oil directly onto cotton balls and place these in areas prone to mice. You can purchase 100 ml bottles of peppermint essential oil on for a mere €9.99. However, it's worth noting that if mice have made themselves at home inside your property, the scent of peppermint alone won't be enough to persuade them to vacate their nest. More drastic measures may be required to get rid of these unwelcome visitors.
