@Judy Eddington, You are quite right about the level of preservative in sauce but I can assure you, it can still go off as I found only a few weeks ago. I kind of compare opened food products a bit like cooked or uncooked food, the facts now are that you should put hot product straight into the fridge to avoid bacteria building up and yet in the past we all waited till the food was cool before we refrigerated. So with condiments, I like to refrigerate for the same reason.

emerald..don't know how you full time mum does it..I wouldn't be able to cope lol I only work part time and yet on the days I work I don't even look after myself properly lol. took the kids to Yum Cha today so I bought groceries at Melb Central before hopping on the train back .. just making a stir fry tonight..was going to have stir fried noodles..turned out my Hokkien noodles are expired..this is the reason why I don't buy stuff beforehand lol so will wing it and have with rice..one wok wonder with some scallops from the freezer.. my kids are easy they don't ever whinge about what I cook they know better..as sometimes I don't cook at all lol

This is a quick, easy and inexpensive recipe. Versatile and nutritious. Fenugreek seeds could be omitted, since not everyone has them on hand. For those who don't like sardines or mackerel... you wouldn't even know they're in there! A great way to get kids to eat fish. TOMATO & FISH SAUCE 2 tins sardines OR 1 tin of mackerel (if fish is in oil, it can be included if desired) 2 tins diced tomatoes 2 large onions, sliced 1 knob garlic, chopped or sliced 1 tsp turmeric 2 tsp chilli, any type, fresh or dried... to taste 2 tsp fenugreek seeds (optional) 2 tsp stock powder, any type fish sauce to taste 1 tsp of sugar or pinch of other sweetener... to taste black pepper to taste Cook all ingredients together on stove top, stirring and breaking up fish. Use as a pasta sauce OR serve over shredded wombok or baby spinach leaves OR with salad OR with hot vegies. Serves 3 or 4 depending on how it's used.

Hmmm, I initially had same idea as bigreader about fridge placement where microwave shelves are, but I doubt there's ample width for a fridge there. Then there's issue with fridge door opening into same area as that door that we are wondering about. What size is your fridge? It sounds like you are considering placing the fridge on the carpeting with the back in the dining/living space. Is that correct? It's generally not a good idea to place a fridge on carpet in case of leakage and subsequent damage to the carpet. Do you own the apartment/unit? If so, this may give you more options. If you were able to remove the bench/cabinet to the right of your stove and the overhead cabinets there, that could be enough space for a fridge. But you would lose food preparation and storage space. As has been suggested, the wall opposite the stove could accomodate more overhead cupboards. It would be helpful to know what that door is for, the size of your fridge, and if you are able to do renovation to the apartment.