Then there are those who enjoy dining at fanciful restaurants and quaint hawker centres, and others who prefer cooking up a storm at home. Now, you don't have to develop the talent of a chef in order to whip up a decent meal. All you need is little pointers or shortcuts that can help you spice up your act: 

• Leftover pasta? Add diced raw vegetables and Italian dressing for a refreshing salad.



• Don't trash leftover beef or chicken - it can be used to make pot pies or tortilla wraps.



• Freeze leftover bread to make into croutons, crumbs or stuffing at a later date.



• Freeze leftover coffee or tea into ice-cubes to jazz up iced coffee or tea drinks.



• Remove fat from a soup or stew by dragging a slice of bread across the surface to soak up as much grease as possible.



• Use an egg slicer to slice fresh mushrooms in a jiffy.



• To crush nuts quickly and easily, place them in a self-sealing bag and run a rolling pin over the bag.