Cooking tips

I know most of you probably don't care about cooking, but I think these things I've learned recently can help everyone. And I post so randomly that maybe you'll read this even if you don't care, just because it's new!

• When hard-boiling eggs, use old eggs. Seriously. At least seven days. Otherwise you end up with a bowl full of mess that's half pitted eggs, half shells still stuck on. And a full portion of frustration.
• Baking powder expires. (I know!) If you don't bake often and don't want to buy it every few months, try this: Mix one part baking soda to one part cornstarch and two parts cream of tartar.
• It's important to use really cold butter when baking pastries, because when it hits the oven it lets off steam, forcing the pastry to rise.