6) The dish is too greasy/oily
To remove surplus oil, there are several techniques. You can for example put your mixture into the freezer and allow it to harden, which will allow you to remove the visible fat.
Another even simpler technique involves using ice cubes. Dip them in your sauce several times, and watch the excess oil stick and solidify on them. You can also put the ice cubes into a metal ladle and lightly dip it on the surface of the mixture, so that the oil sticks to it.
7) A mayonnaise that doesn’t take
Put a dessertspoon of lukewarm water into a fresh bowl and add the mayonnaise to it spoon by spoon, stirring well.
You can also put your mayonnaise into the fridge for 10 minutes before whisking it again.
Another tip consists of adding a few drops of vinegar, an egg yolk or grains of fine salt, whisking throughout.
8) Your rice is too sticky
Rice that sticks together during cooking can be saved by plunging it into very cold water. Stir it well and drain it. To reheat it, put it into a dish that can go in the oven, with the oven having been pre-heated and switched off beforehand.
If nothing works, accept the sticky rice for what it is, and use it to make rice balls that you brown in a pan. You can also make a fresh rice salad if the idea appeals.
9) A sauce that’s too lumpy
When you are attempting a sauce such as a gravy, a bechamel or a pancake mixture, lumps seem to be inevitable. Sometimes, a quick turn in a blender is all that is needed. You can also strain it in a sieve or a colander. What people don’t know won’t hurt them!
If your sauce is too runny, heat it for a little longer on a gentle heat, or add cornstarch or potato starch, whipping it vigorously.
10) Your lettuce has seen better days
If you were buying in advance (a little too far in advance, perhaps), or if it has been sitting in your fridge for ages, you can rescue your lettuce by soaking it in very cold water and lemon juice, or in lukewarm sugared water for a few minutes. You can then dry it out and put in the fridge for 30 minutes. It will come out nice and crunchy.
Sources: Biba; Plurielles; Fourchette-et-bikini – Main image: lacuisinedebernard.com
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