Brett McGregor: Quick tips to be a better cook

Brett creates recipes with a view to saving time and money in the kitchen. Photo / Supplied

As the whirlwind of summer parties, Christmas and New Year's descends, we often find ourselves spending more time in the kitchen with a growing grocery bill.

Here, 2010 MasterChef winner Brett McGregor shares his list of crafty kitchen hacks to help you make the most of your culinary endeavours this silly season and beyond.

Brett's top tips

1. Grow your own
Grow as many fresh herbs as you can. Not only does it save you money, it adds a little magic to everything you cook at home.

2. Hang onto your chicken
Never throw away your chicken carcasses, they make a great base for homemade stock.

3. Do double up
If you have a busy week ahead cook twice as much as you need and freeze or store portions to help save you time.

4. Keep it seasonal
Produce always tastes better and is much cheaper when it's in season.

5. Handy lemons
Always have a lemon on hand, it can heighten the flavour of almost any meal.

6. Sharpen up
A good sharp knife is a must in the kitchen. You'll be less likely to have an accident, too.

7. Prep for perfection
Par boil and thoroughly dry your roasties before they go in the oven for crispy perfection.

8. Time to rest
Always rest your meat before serving.

- nzherald.co.nz