The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, but it can also be a place of stress and frustration. Fortunately, there are numerous kitchen hacks and techniques that can help simplify your cooking experience and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable. In this article, we will explore 10 practical tips that can save you time, money, and effort.
1. Sharpening knives with a coffee mug:
If you don't have a knife sharpener on hand, use the bottom edge of a ceramic coffee mug to sharpen your knives. Slide the blade at a 20-degree angle against the unglazed part of the mug's base, repeating the motion several times for a sharper edge.
2. Prevent boiling over:
To prevent pots from boiling over, simply place a wooden spoon over the top. The spoon will break the bubbles and prevent the liquid from spilling onto your stovetop.
3. Revive stale bread with a damp paper towel:
Instead of throwing away stale bread, moisten a paper towel, wrap it around the loaf, and place it in the oven for about 5 minutes at a low temperature. This will make the bread soft and fresh again.
4. Use ice water to peel eggs easily:
After boiling eggs, place them in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. The rapid cooling will create a small air pocket between the egg and the shell, making it easier to peel.
5. Avoid teary eyes while chopping onions:
Chill the onion in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes before chopping. The cold temperature reduces the release of irritants, which results in fewer tears.
6. Store herbs in ice cube trays:
Preserve leftover fresh herbs by finely chopping them and placing them into ice cube trays. Fill each compartment with a little water or olive oil and freeze. This way, you'll have perfectly portioned herbs ready to use in future recipes.
7. Peel garlic effortlessly:
Place a whole garlic bulb in the microwave for 15 seconds, and the cloves will be easier to peel off their skins. You can also use two metal mixing bowls to shake the cloves vigorously—the friction will cause the skins to come off easily.
8. Properly measure sticky ingredients:
When measuring sticky ingredients like honey or syrup, lightly oil your measuring utensil with cooking oil or spray. This will help the sticky substance slide off smoothly, leaving you with an accurate measurement and minimal mess.
9. Prevent brown sugar from hardening:
To prevent brown sugar from hardening into a rock-like state, store it with a small slice of bread or a fresh marshmallow within an airtight container. The moisture from these items will keep the sugar soft and easy to use.
10. Quick ripening of fruits:
Need a ripe avocado or banana ASAP? Place the unripe fruit in a paper bag along with a ripe apple or banana. The ethylene gas released by the already ripe fruit will speed up the ripening process of the others.
11. Freeze excess herbs in oil:
If you have an abundance of fresh herbs that you know you won't be able to use before they spoil, chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil. Once frozen, transfer the herb-infused oil cubes to a freezer to bag. These cubes can add instant flavor to sautès, marinades, or roasted vegetables.
12. Use a vinegar solution to clean a microwave:
Cleaning a dirty microwave can be a hassle, especially if there are stubborn food stains and odors. To simplify the cleaning process, combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture for a few minutes until it starts to steam. Carefully remove the bowl (using oven mitts) and wipe down the interior of the microwave with a cloth or sponge. The steam will help loosen the grime while the vinegar eliminates any lingering odors.
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