Reviving tips

Some foods, that you might have earmarked for the bin, can be revived and given a new lease of life. Read on and please tell us your ideas too.

• Off milk

  Submitted by Rachel, New Zealand

  “Off” milk makes the best scones! Don’t toss iffy milk, but rather whip up a batch of scones, or freeze it in scone-sized portions until you’re ready to use it. Rotten milk makes scones much fluffier and tastier then regular – you’ll be amazed!

• Incorporate surplus food into your next week's menu

  Submitted by C. Lawrance, Chalfont St Giles

  In planning my 2-week menus, I incorporate any ingredients that are already in my fridge/freezer/cupboards to ensure they are used and not just sitting there.

• Separate your salts

  Submitted by Lucy, Derbyshire

  Adding a few grains of rice to your salt shaker will stop it from getting damp.

• Avocado Smoothies

  Submitted by Zena from cookeryclub.co.uk, Norwich - Cookeryclub

  Blend over-ripe avocado flesh down with milk, yogurt and a touch of maple or sugar for a lovely green smooth tasting smooothie.

• Stay fresh salad

  Submitted by Robin Greenwood, Dunblane

  If you have leftover salad, cover with a damp piece of kitchen paper before covering with cling film or putting in a sealed container. This REALLY prolongs the life of the salad leaves. This also works well with salad bags, which when left in the bag tend sweat and go limp/brown very quickly.

• Keeping coriander fresh

  Submitted by Jen Clews, Australia

  Instead of putting your coriander in the veg crisper drawer, half fill an old coffee jar with cold water, put in the coriander and cover with a (recycled!) plastic bag held with an elastic band. Keep in the door of your fridge, change the water every few days and it will keep well.

• Use Up Leftover Potatoes

  Submitted by Jo Brennan, London

  Thinly slice leftover boiled potatoes and add to omlettes.

• Fresher Bread

  Submitted by Gareth McLorie, London

  For bread that is a little stale, place it in the microwave on full power for about 10 seconds (depending on the power of the microwave), and it will soften up nicely. Not quite fresh but the next best thing.

• Succulent dried fruit

  If you’re making a fruitcake and the your dried fruit looks a little dry, pour boiling water over it in a bowl and leave for 30 minutes. You can add a tea bag for flavour.

• Limp lettuce

  Submitted by Cathy Price , Bromley, Kent

  If your lettuce is looking rather too limp to serve, just place the leaves in a bowl of cold water with a peeled, sliced potato and 'hey presto' it's as good as new! Just rinse, dry and serve that same day.