Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these 10 kitchen hacks are sure to make your culinary adventures easier and more efficient. From cutting down on prep time to saving leftover ingredients, these tips and tricks will help you become a master chef in no time.
1. Freeze leftover herbs in olive oil:
Have leftover herbs that you don’t want to go to waste? Chop them up and freeze them in an ice cube tray filled with olive oil. This way, you’ll have perfectly portioned herbs ready to use in your next dish.
2. Use a spoon to peel ginger:
Instead of struggling to peel ginger with a knife, use a spoon to easily scrape off the skin. The rounded edge of the spoon will help you get into all the nooks and crannies without wasting any of the precious ginger.
3. Keep brown sugar soft with a slice of bread:
If your brown sugar tends to clump and harden, simply place a slice of bread in the container to keep it soft and easy to scoop out. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, preventing the sugar from getting hard.
4. Use a potato masher to make guacamole:
Instead of mashing avocados with a fork, use a potato masher to quickly and easily create the perfect guacamole texture. The masher will help you achieve a smoother consistency without making a mess.
5. Save citrus peels for infused water:
After juicing lemons, limes, or oranges, don’t throw away the peels. Save them in a container in the fridge to use as flavorings for infused water. Simply add the peels to a pitcher of water for a refreshing and fruity beverage.
6. Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays:
If you have leftover wine that you don’t want to go to waste, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. You can then use the wine cubes in sauces, stews, or soups for added flavor without having to open a new bottle.
7. Use a pizza cutter to chop herbs:
Instead of painstakingly chopping herbs with a knife, use a pizza cutter to quickly and evenly slice through them. This technique works especially well for herbs like basil, parsley, and mint.
8. Store onions in pantyhose:
To keep onions fresh for longer, store them in pantyhose. Simply drop an onion into the toe of the pantyhose, tie a knot, and repeat with the remaining onions. Hang the pantyhose in a cool, dry place, and cut off an onion as needed.
9. Keep bananas fresh longer with plastic wrap:
To prevent bananas from turning brown too quickly, wrap the stems of the bananas in plastic wrap. This will block the release of ethylene gas, which causes bananas to ripen faster.
10. Use an egg slicer for mushrooms:
Instead of slicing mushrooms by hand, use an egg slicer to quickly and evenly slice them. The wires of the egg slicer will create uniform slices, making it easier to cook mushrooms evenly.
These 10 kitchen hacks are sure to make your cooking experience more efficient and enjoyable. Try incorporating these tips into your daily cooking routine and watch as your skills in the kitchen improve. Happy cooking!
