We are all about reducing as much waste as possible, and we have rounded up a few ways to ensure you are using your teabags to their full potential. There is no reason to chuck them away right after you have finished brewing your cuppa, especially since a used teabag contains a host of antioxidants and tannins.

By Roxy Greeff

1. FLAVOUR PASTA AND GRAINS

Bring a pot of water to the boil and pop in a few used teabags. Allow to boil for a few minutes before removing the bag and adding your pasta and grains. This is especially delicious with camomile and jasmine tea.

2. FEED YOUR GARDEN

Brew some weak tea and allow to cool. Use this to water your plants for a nutrient boost and to deter fungal infections. Alternatively sprinkle the damp tea leaves around the base of your plants to compost them and keep pests like mice away.

3. GET RID OF HOUSEHOLD SMELLS

Brewed teabags can be popped in a corner of the fridge and in the bottom of your dustbin to keep them smelling fresh. Just remember to change them regularly. You can also mix the damp leaves into your new batch of kitty litter to banish bad odours.

4. DIY AIR FRESHENER

Set your used teabags out in the sun to dry out. Then add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. The leaves are super absorbent and most bags already have a string attached. Secret them in all the rooms in your home.

5. SCOUR DIRTY DISHES

Pop your greasy pots, pans and grids in a sink of hot water with a few used teabags. The tea will help to loosen grease, saving you the trouble of scrubbing.

6. TAKE A BATH

As we all know, tea is full of antioxidants, and so taking a bath with a few of them will do wonders for your skin. You can either just drop them into the warm water or hang one from the tap and let the water run through it as you fill your bath.

The post The secret power of the used teabag appeared first on MyKitchen.

It’s the end of the year, when budgets are tight and time has become a scarce commodity. Ditch the stove and oven – hot, time-consuming energy guzzlers – and turn to these microwave hacks for tasty dishes in only minutes.

By Jana du Plessis

1. Mug cake

Need we say more? A super-simple dessert that rises to the sweet occasion, plus you don’t have to share!

2. Scrambled eggs

If you don’t know this one already, it’s time to hop on board. Whisk two or three eggs together with a splash of milk and pop in the microwave for 45 seconds, take out and give it another whisk. Continue to whisk at 15-second intervals until cooked to your preferred consistency.

3. Melting chocolate

Who has the time and energy to use a double boiler? Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium-high for one minute, remove from the microwave and stir. Repeat the process of stirring at 20–30 second intervals until completely smooth.

4. Cheat’s French toast

Yes, it’s possible to create this breakfast favourite in the micro! Prepare the egg mixture as usual and dip in the bread slices. Smear a microwave-safe plate with a little butter or oil and place the first slice on the plate, microwave on high for one minute and repeat with the other slice.

5. Fruit compote

This one is handy for all the ice cream you will be eating over summer. Put 2 cups of diced fruit, such as berries, apple or peaches in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Cover the fruit mix and microwave on high for 2 minutes, give it a stir and place back in the microwave until soft and sticky.

The post Save time and money with these microwave hacks appeared first on MyKitchen.

Modern life is all about the rush of work, family, friends – and social media! Here is our selection of handy tips from our favourite foodie Instagram accounts. These nifty hacks will make things a little easier in the kitchen.

By Jana du Plessis

1. Fast Food
@doyoubake

This cooking hack allows you to shred chicken in mere seconds! Simply place a warm, cooked chicken breast in your food processor, pulse for a few seconds and you have finely shredded chicken in a jiffy! Use your shredded chicken in pies, Mexican burrito’s or tossed in a salad.

2. Roll with it!
@chefalaine

To get the most from a lemon’s juice, roll the lemon on your countertop. The pressure from the palm of your hand will gently burst the juicy cells inside. You’ll get all that tangy juice without heavy squeezing. The best way to add some zing and brightness to a dish is with a drizzle of lemon juice – think gaucamole, grilled fish or citrus pancakes!

3. Herby Hack
@maharajawhiteline

Place your leftover fresh herbs in a jar and submerge their stems in water. This nifty trick will keep your herbs crisp and green for longer. Use basil for pesto, mint leaves for smoothies and rosemary for a hearty roast!

4. Freeze focus
@localrootsnyc

Enjoy your favourite summer produce – in winter! Freeze your leftover fruits and veggies in ziplock bags. Add frozen berries to winter desserts or your morning bowl of oats and frozen corn adds a bursts of sweetness in a warming stew.

The post 4 quick and easy hacks to steal from Instagram appeared first on MyKitchen.

‘Buy in bulk and save’ is slapped on many a bargain-buy, but sadly, it ain’t always so. We tell you which groceries to stock up on and which to buy when you need.

Stockpile these (especially when they’re on special!)

1. Long-life milk: Even if you’re buying fresh milk too, there’ll be days when you run out and you’ll be grateful to have a carton of long-life in your cupboard for your afternoon cup of tea.
2. Condiments: Any industrially sealed (and unopened!) sauce or spread will keep until its expiry date.
3. Tinned food: Fish, beans, veggies and sauces are handy staples to keep in your pantry.
4. Kitchen supplies: Dishwashing liquid, roller towels and paper napkins.
5. Pickles: These are made to last! Olives, capers and preserves, such as marmalade and jam, will also go the distance.

Do not stock up on these
1. Fresh produce: Buy what you’ll eat!
2. Spices: Pungency decreases over time, especially with ground spices.
3. Flours and grains: Weevils can wipe out an entire stock, even through plastic packaging!
4. Baby food: What will you do with those 27 jars of puréed peas when Baby’s taste changes?

The post How to make the most of your groceries – in less than 5 minutes! appeared first on MyKitchen.