Royal Dainties

Have you ever bought Watermelon, only to discover that it's not ripe or sweet? It can really be, not only disappointing, but also effort and money wasting! This sometimes makes one wonder how to identify a ripe one. On most occasions, you just have to cede your right of judgement to the vendor who makes a choice for you - unlucky you, if you meet a mischievous one! Check out for any or all of the following tips and such woe will never betide you again! 1. SOUND CHECK I'm sure you have severally seen the mallams (vendors) giving the watermelon some slaps/tap, you just might not  know what they are checking for! Ripe watermelon when tapped/thumped gives a HOLLOW sound. If the sound is deep/thick, it means the subject is not ripe. So, you might want to do some knock knock knock when next you are buying! 2. BELLY (FIELD SPOT) CHECK Field spot is simply the side upon which the watermelon rested while growing till maturity/harvested. A ripe watermelon has a creamy y

Tomatoes certainly is an essential (or a near  compulsory) ingredient in almost any kind of soup. It is however highly perishable, and like any other farm produce, seasonal. So, at a point, it's cheaply available (wasting away) everywhere and at another very costly, if available at all. At such times, we more often than not turn to canned 'tomatoes' (at least, that's what we are told they are!). But such are not free from all manner of additives and preservatives which most of the times are not only unhealthy for consumption but with adverse effects over time. But you know, you can eat YOUR (at least you are sure tomato it is!) tomatoes near fresh and cheap all year round! Oh yes, you can! Here is a  time tested, simple, cost effective and healthy (do-it-yourself) way you can preserve tomatoes for an all year round consumption for you and your family: INGREDIENT/EQUIPMENT 1. Tomato (Desired quantity based on available Jam jars) 2. Jam jar(s) (It has to be gla