Introduction:
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it can also be a place of frustration if you don’t know all the little tricks that can make cooking and cleaning a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these 20 kitchen tricks will save you time, reduce stress, and help you get the most out of your kitchen. From smart storage solutions to clever ways to cook, these tips will transform the way you cook and organize your kitchen forever!
1. Use a Bowl to Separate Egg Yolks
Separating egg yolks from egg whites doesn’t have to be a messy task. Simply crack the egg into a bowl, then use an empty shell to scoop out the yolk and transfer it between the two halves until all the whites are separated. It’s easy, quick, and clean!
2. Keep Herbs Fresh by Freezing Them in Olive Oil
Want to keep your fresh herbs from wilting too quickly? Chop them up and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil. When you need fresh herbs for cooking, just pop out a cube and add it to your dish.
3. Use a Pot Lid to Strain Pasta
Instead of reaching for a colander, use the lid of the pot to strain pasta. Simply tilt the pot slightly and hold the lid in place while draining. It’s a quick, hassle-free way to drain your pasta without needing an extra dish.
4. Freshen Your Microwave with Lemon
Got a microwave that smells like last night’s leftovers? Simply heat a bowl of water with a few lemon slices in it for 3-5 minutes. The steam will loosen any food particles, and the lemon will leave your microwave smelling fresh.
5. Peel Ginger with a Spoon
Peeling ginger can be tricky, but it’s easy when you use a spoon. Gently scrape the spoon over the skin of the ginger, and you’ll have perfectly peeled ginger without wasting any of the root.
6. Use Parchment Paper to Line Baking Sheets
Avoid the hassle of scrubbing your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. It prevents food from sticking, ensures even cooking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
7. Revive Stale Bread with Water
If your bread has gone stale, don’t throw it away! Lightly dampen the crust with water, then pop it in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 375°F. The steam will soften the bread, making it taste fresh again.
8. Keep Brown Sugar Soft with a Slice of Bread
To keep brown sugar from hardening, simply place a slice of bread in the container with the sugar. The bread’s moisture will keep the sugar soft and easy to scoop.
9. Use a Rubber Band to Remove Jar Lids
If a jar lid is too tight to open, wrap a rubber band around it for extra grip. This simple trick gives you more leverage and makes opening jars much easier.
10. Freeze Your Wine to Make Ice Cubes
If you’ve got leftover wine, don’t let it go to waste! Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. These wine cubes are perfect for adding to sauces or even as a chilling agent for future wine glasses.
11. Cut Soft Foods with Dental Floss
For soft foods like cakes, cheese, or sticky caramel, use unflavored dental floss instead of a knife. It slices through cleanly without squishing the food, and it’s perfect for cutting even, smooth slices.
12. Speed Up Avocado Ripening with a Brown Paper Bag
If your avocado isn’t ripe yet, place it in a brown paper bag with a banana. The ethylene gas from the banana will speed up the ripening process, and your avocado will be ready to eat in no time.
13. Prevent Boiling Over with a Wooden Spoon
If you’re boiling a pot of water, place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. It will prevent the water from overflowing, as the spoon helps break the surface tension.
14. Use a Potato Peeler to Slice Cheese
Skip the grater and use a potato peeler to slice cheese into thin, uniform strips. It’s a great trick for when you need cheese for sandwiches, salads, or even garnishes.
15. Keep Produce Fresh Longer with Paper Towels
Wrap berries or other delicate fruits in a paper towel before storing them in the fridge. The towel absorbs excess moisture, helping the fruit stay fresh and mold-free longer.
16. Use Ice Water to Stop Cooking Vegetables
If you’re blanching vegetables, have a bowl of ice water ready. After boiling, quickly transfer the vegetables into the ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and texture.
17. Remove Tomato Skins with a Simple Cut
To easily peel tomatoes, make an “X” cut at the bottom of the tomato, then dip it in boiling water for about 30 seconds. The skin will peel right off, making it perfect for sauces or soups.
18. Soften Butter in Seconds with Warm Water
Need softened butter but forgot to take it out of the fridge? Simply place the butter in a bowl, then cover it with warm water for a minute or two. It softens quickly and is ready to use in your recipe.
19. Quickly Chill Drinks with Salt and Ice
Want to chill a bottle of wine or soda quickly? Fill a bucket with ice, add water, and then sprinkle in some salt. The salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing your drink to chill faster.
20. Store Bananas Separately to Prevent Ripening
To keep bananas from ripening too quickly, store them separately. Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening. By keeping them apart, you can extend their shelf life.
Conclusion:
These 20 kitchen tricks will not only make cooking easier, but they’ll also help you save time, reduce waste, and make your kitchen experience more efficient. Whether you’re prepping, cooking, or cleaning, these simple yet effective tips will soon become your go-to methods in the kitchen. So go ahead—start using these tricks today and watch how they transform your cooking game!
