Handy hints - feel free to reply with your own hints
I’m trying to get a feed set up to post handy hints on. The wonderful Neighbourly team as flat out at the moment and suggested I post here.
So here’s a couple.
Baking powder mix:
2 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp cornflour
4 tbsp cream of tartar
It’s better (and cheaper) than the bought stuff. Use it the same as commercial baking powder.
Ciabatta
500g plain flour (about 3 1/2 Cups)
1/2 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp dry yeast (check the back of your fridge for a forgotten jar. It lasts forever there)
1 1/2 tsp salt
450 ml warm water (tap is fine)
Olive oil
Mix your dry ingredients together (preferably in a bowl)
Mix in the water (don’t worry about being gentle)
Rub oil all over, around and under the dough with your hands (think wet play dough)
Cover the bowl with glad wrap or a tea towel and leave to double in size (takes about as long as a movie, so go watch one)
Preheat the oven to 200C
Pour the sticky mess into an oiled and floured tray (a big one), or into an oiled and floured loaf tin (or whatever oven proof dish you like.
Just remember, the wiser it is, the flatter it will be, the less time it will take to cook.
Cook for 30-40 minutes. If you want a softer crust, put a dish of warm water in the oven to steam the dough. I like it crusty.
To check if it’s ready, lift if out of the dish (don’t use your hands, unless they’re made of asbestos), knock on the bottom, and listen for a “hello possums!” (or a hollow sound).
Enjoy. It will go a little dry if kept out, but it toasts like crumpets. Yum yum.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.
Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?
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43% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
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56.4% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
Today’s riddle: For all the curious minds next door!
My thunder comes before the lightning.
My lightning comes before the clouds.
My rain dries all the land it touches.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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