Welcome to Kitchen Queries, where the nigella.com team will answer your cooking or food related questions.  We’d love you to submit some of your recipe problems, dilemmas or queries for us to get our teeth into!

Please note, we are only able to answer questions selected for publication and aren't able to enter into personal correspondence.

• Caring for Cast Iron Skillet

  Dear Nigella and Team, I want to purchase a cast iron frying pan but I hear complaints that everything sticks to it. How can I stop food sticking to the cast iron skillet?

  Posted by cutchswife. Answered on 10th Jan 2011 at 12.00

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• Left over roast duck

  Hi, Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. I roasted a duck today and have leftover meat and I dont want to waste it. Any suggestions? I have thought of duck spring rolls but I hate plum sauce - is there an alternative? All suugestions greatly received! Sona.xxf

  Posted by angel25. Answered on 9th Jan 2011 at 12.00

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• Vegetable Shortening substitute

  Dear Nigella Team, I am really looking forward to making the lovely scone recipe. However, I have not been able to find vegetable shortening in any grocery store. Can I use butter or vegetable oil as substitute? If so, how much? Thanks 

  could you please tell me the british equivalent to vegetable shortning and baking soda .alismith

  Posted by narrisca. Answered on 8th Jan 2011 at 12.00

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