For better or worse, we spend a good amount of our time in the kitchen. And whether you're reheating last night's pizza leftovers or an experienced chef cooking pasta from scratch, there are always new things to learn. So we've compiled this handy list of hacks that'll make your time spent by the stovetop more efficient. From quickly chopping up herbs to making food last longer, these tips make those trickier tasks easy. Keep scrolling if you're ready to up your kitchen game.
Stick Onions in the Freezer Before Chopping Them - Your Eyes Will Thank You
Freezing onions before slicing them up can help prevent your eyes from watering while cutting them. We sometimes cry when we slice onions because onions contain a chemical called syn-propanediol-S-oxide, which is released when the onion is cut and reacts with the moisture in the air to form sulfuric acid. This acid is what causes the eyes to burn and tear. However, freezing onions before cutting them causes the onion cells to rupture.
This minimizes the amount of sulfuric acid formed when the onion is sliced. Place the onions in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting them; this should make chopping onions a much more pleasant experience.
Make the Perfect Crispy Taco Shell With This Technique
If you love tacos as much as we do, you'll likely already know there are two types - softshell and crispy. If you want to make the latter yourself, hang soft tortilla wraps over the oven grill and bake them. The result? Deliciously crispy homemade taco shells. By draping them over the oven grill racks, heat can circulate around the entire tortilla, resulting in an evenly cooked and crisp texture.
Best of all, they only take a few minutes to do! Spritz a few pumps of cooking oil spray onto the tortillas before putting them in the oven for a crisper texture.
Keep Reheated Pizza Moist by Placing a Glass of Water in the Microwave
We love cold pizza. It is delicious! However, if you would prefer to reheat your pizza slices, don't worry; we've got you covered. Put your pizza on a microwave-safe plate/container alongside a glass of water and microwave the pizza for a few minutes. This hack will help keep the pizza moist and crunchy because the water acts as a humidifier, keeping the microwave's dry heat from drying out the slice(s).
As the water heats, it creates steam which keeps the pizza from becoming too dry and hard and the cheese from getting rubbery. It's a simple hack that can make a big difference in the final outcome of your reheated pizza!
A Plastic Water Bottle for Quick and Easy Yolk Separation
Are you looking to make a meringue? Or an egg white omelet? Or is there another reason why you need to separate an egg yolk from the whites? If so, this hack is the best way to do exactly that without all the mess. To do this, crack an egg into a bowl. Then grab a plastic bottle with a narrow neck and carefully place the bottle’s mouth to the yolk.
Then, gently squeeze the bottle to create a bit of suction to suck the yolk into the bottle, separating the egg yolk from the whites. It’s quick and mess-free, making it a great way to separate eggs for cooking.
Use a Rubber Band to Open Stubborn Jars
Opening a stubborn jar can be so frustrating. But using a rubber band can make it a breeze. Simply stretch the rubber band around the lid of the jar, and then try and twist the lid open. The rubber band provides extra grip, making it easier to turn the cap, even when it's tightly sealed. This method can also be used to open jars with wet or slippery hands, as, again, the rubber band provides a better grip on the lid.
It is a simple yet effective trick that can save you a lot of time and energy when trying to open particularly hard jars. Plus, it's cheaper than buying those fancy jar-opening devices - win-win!
Put Plastic Wrap Around Banana Stalks to Prevent Browning
One way to prevent bananas from going brown is to grab some plastic wrap and place it around the stalks of the bananas. Be sure to cover the exposed ends. Why does this work? Interestingly, bananas release ethylene gas, which causes the fruit to ripen. By covering the exposed end of the stalk, the gas is trapped inside, slowing down the ripening process and preventing the bananas from going brown.
So, the next time you buy a bunch of bananas, be sure to try this hack. It will help keep this tasty fruit fresher for a longer, which should result in less waste!
Coffee Cubes - Never Have a Watery Iced Coffee Again
First, brew a pot of coffee as you usually would. Then, let it cool down to room temperature or put it in the fridge to speed up the process. Once cooled, pour the coffee into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Leave the tray in the freezer for several hours (or until the coffee is frozen). Then simply add them to a glass of cold milk or water - or a glass of coffee! - to make iced coffee.
You can also add them to a blender with some milk, ice cream, and sweetener to make a coffee milkshake. Prepping these coffee cubes will make grabbing your morning iced coffee so much easier!
Use Lemons to Stop Fish From Sticking to Grill Grates
Grilled fish is delicious but often gets stuck to the grill grates. However, using lemon slices to stop salmon from sticking to your grill grates is a simple and effective method for grilling fish. First, prepare your grill by heating it to high heat. While the grill is heating up, slice a lemon and place the slices on the grill grates. Then, place your salmon filets on top of the lemon slices.
The acidity in the lemon juice helps create a barrier between the fish and the grill grates, preventing sticking and allowing you to flip the fish without breaking it apart. Plus, it also infuses the fish with a subtle citrus flavor!
Dip a Cake-Cutting Knife Into Warm Water Before Using It
Cutting desserts can be challenging - especially crumbly delights like cheesecakes, brownies, sponges, etc. However, a wet knife can make the task much more manageable. Before cutting, grab a container and fill it with warm water. Then, dip the knife into the water. The water's warmth helps soften the dessert and lubricates the blade to reduce friction, making for a smoother slice. It also prevents crumbs from sticking to the knife for a cleaner cut.
Be sure to wipe the knife clean after you've plated your first slice (the debris from the dessert will make cutting your next slice tricky). Then repeat the process for every slice you plate.
The Secret to Perfectly Poached Eggs Is (food-Grade and Heat-Resistant) Plastic Bags
Cooking poached eggs to perfection can be difficult. We can't tell you how many times we've gone to make a poached egg only to split it in the pan, creating a huge mess! However, plastic bags can make the process much easier. To use this method, crack an egg into a plastic bag, seal it, and carefully lower it into simmering water. The plastic bag will keep the egg together and prevent it from spreading out in the water. But make sure you have the right kind of plastic bag.
Please note that the bag should be made out of food-grade and heat-resistant material. All in all, this hack should result in a perfectly poached egg with a runny yolk and a firm white coat.
Use Ice Cub Trays to Freeze Leftovers - It's Easy to Serve and Saves a Ton of Storage
This hack is for you if you want an easy way to prevent food from going to waste. First, pour your leftover sauce, dough, or whatever other ingredients you have going spare into the ice cube trays. Then, place the trays in the freezer. Freezing the food in ice cube trays allows for easy portion control. It is especially convenient for recipes that call for small amounts of an ingredient.
It is also a great way to ensure you have a variety of flavors on hand, like different sauces and broths that you can easily add to your future dishes.
Use Ice Cubes to Get the Fat Out of Your Stock
Interestingly, you can use ice cubes to skim the fat off your stock. This method is quick and effective. However, it is essential to note that this technique should only be used after the stock has been simmered for a while. This is because the fat will only rise to the surface once it is hot enough. Then, once the stock simmers, add a few ice cubes to the pot.
The ice cubes will cause the fat to solidify and float to the surface. Use a ladle or a spoon to carefully scoop off the solidified fat that's risen to the top.
Make Your Cake Last Longer by Placing Slices of Bread at the Openings
Do you want a cake to stay fresher for longer? If so, pin a slice of bread using toothpicks on the exposed portion of the cake. Make sure the bread covers the edges of the cake but not the top or center. The bread absorbs moisture, which prevents the edges from drying out and becoming stiff. Then, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil, or place it in a cake tin.
Of course, the bread will go hard and somewhat stale, but the cake beneath it will stay fluffy and moist. Yum! All this talk of cake is making us hungry...
Test Your Eggs in Cold Water to Make Sure They're Still Fresh
Dropping an egg in cold water is a simple method for determining whether an egg has gone off. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom of the bowl and lay on its side, while a spoiled egg will float to the top. Apparently, this occurs because there's a difference in density between a fresh egg and a bad egg. As eggs age, an air pocket forms in the large end of the egg, causing it to float in water.
So, if the egg sinks to the bottom and lays on its side, it is still fresh. However, if it floats to the top, it has gone bad and should not be consumed.
How to Make Perfect Whip Cream Without Getting the Mixer Dirty
Shaking cream in a mason jar is a simple and effective way to make whipped cream without using a mixer. First, ensure the cream is cold and the jar is clean and dry. Then, add the cream and any desired sweeteners or flavorings to the jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for several minutes until the cream thickens and forms stiff peaks. The shaking process aerates the cream, creating a light and fluffy texture.
The mason jar keeps the cream contained while shaking, making it a mess-free option. This method is excellent for small batches, with no need for additional equipment, so it's cheap, too - win-win!
Place an Ice Cube on Top of a Patty While It Cooks
You might not have thought an ice cube could be the key to the perfect homemade burger patty, but think again. Putting an ice cube on a meat patty while it cooks can make it taste better. How? Well, as the ice cube melts, it releases water vapor, which helps keep the meat from drying out. The ice cube also helps to cool the outside of the meat patty.
As a result, the meat cooks more slowly, allowing the inside of the meat to cook through without the outside becoming too tough or burnt. Alternatively, if you're not worried about adding extra calories, you can also use frozen cubes of butter. This has a similar effect.
Use a Muffin Tin to Serve Your Condiments With Ease
Have you ever run out of ramakins or bowls to serve your dips in? Fortunately, a muffin tin can be a practical and fun way to serve condiments for a party or gathering. You can fill each muffin cup with a different sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, or whatever other dips you want! You could also decorate the tray by placing a small spoon or fork in each cup.
You could also label each cup with the condiment's name using a small label or a toothpick with a label attached to it. Why not try this for your next fajita or taco night?
Press Down on Garlic With the Flat Side of a Knife - It'll Make Peeling a Breeze
Peeling garlic can be a tedious chore, but using a broad knife can make it much easier. The wide surface of the blade allows for a more efficient and effective peeling experience. Simply place the garlic clove on a chopping board and use the flat side of the knife to press down on it. The skin will easily separate from the garlic, making it ready to use in your recipe.
This method also helps prevent the garlic from getting crushed or smashed while peeling. You also don't handle the garlic as much, so your fingers won't smell as garlicky afterward!
Floss Is Your Best Friend When It's Melon Slicing Season
Did you know you can use floss to cut watermelons into neat wedges? This is a quick and easy hack if you're looking to prepare the fruit for a party or gathering. To start, cut the watermelon in half. Then, make several parallel cuts through the watermelon flesh. Make sure each cut runs from the top of the watermelon all the way to the rind. Then, trace the floss along the inside of the rind to separate the watermelon for it.
And voila! You should have easy-to-pick-out watermelon wedges ready for all your guests - or just yourself; we're not judging.
Spray Some Apple Juice on Your Meat to Keep Things Moist While Grilling
Pour apple juice into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the meat while it's on the grill. Make sure you season your meat as desired before placing it on the grill. Then, as the meat cooks, spray it with the apple juice every few minutes. Not only does it season the meat to add delicious flavor and a subtle sweetness, but it also adds moisture, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
In addition, using a spare spray bottle to apply the apple juice ensures that the meat is evenly coated. It also prevents you from accidentally over-saturating the meat with juice.
Soften Butter the Perfect Amount by Placing It Inside an Upside Down Glass
Have you ever grabbed some butter out of the fridge for baking or to spread on bread or toast, and it's too hard to manipulate? No problem, follow these simple steps: Cut the butter into cubes. Then, place them under a heat-proof glass, such as a Pyrex measuring cup or a mason jar. The heat trapped inside the glass will help soften the butter, making it easier to work with.
The butter won't fully melt but will become soft enough to cut and spread. So, if you're cooking and want to soften butter quickly without waiting for it to get to room temperature, this is for you.
Dice Herbs More Efficiently by Using a Pizza Cutter
Using a pizza cutter to chop herbs is a quick and safe way to prep your herbs for cooking. Simply lay your herbs on a cutting board and roll the pizza cutter back and forth over the herbs. The sharp blade of the pizza cutter will easily chop through the herbs. Just be sure not to roll over your fingers accidentally! The round shape of the cutter allows for a rocking motion, making it easy to chop through lots of herbs at once.
This method is especially useful for delicate herbs such as parsley or cilantro, which can be challenging to chop with a chef's knife. It's also safer than using a sharp knife!
Create Perfect Milk With Only a Microwave
This is a simple and inexpensive way to achieve a professional-looking milk froth without special equipment. To start, fill a jar with milk and add a small amount of sugar. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously for about a minute until the milk becomes frothy. Then, remove the lid and microwave the jar for around 20-30 seconds (depending on the power of your microwave). The heat will create more foam and increase the volume of the milk.
The result is delicious and frothy milk that you can use to put the finishing touches on your cappuccinos, lattes, and other specialty drinks at home. Much cheaper than going to the coffee shop around the corner, right?
Keep Your Salad Crispy and Fresh by Storing It Above a Bag of Ice
To keep salad fresh without it getting soggy, grab a zipper-lock bag. Fill it with ice, press out as much air as possible, and seal it tightly. Then, place the salad on top of the bag of ice and pop it into your refrigerator. The ice will keep the salad chilled and crisp, and the zipper-lock bag prevents the salad from getting soggy. This method is excellent for keeping salad fresh for a few days.
It can also be used to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. Just make sure to drain the melted ice and replace it with fresh ice if you want to keep the salad fresh for extended periods.
Peel Ginger With Ease Using This Spoon Trick
Peeling ginger root can be a tricky task, but using a spoon is an easy and effective way to do it. First, take a spoon in one hand, and hold the ginger with your other hand. Next, place the spoon against the skin of the ginger, and press down slightly, using the rounded edge of the spoon to scrape off the skin. Repeat this process all over the ginger root.
Turn the ginger as you go until all the skin is removed. This method is perfect for those who want to avoid wasting ginger and avoid the potential danger of using a sharp knife.
Stop Peanut Butter From Separating by Storing It Upside Down
Peanut butter is known to separate. This is due to the natural oils present in the peanuts. To prevent this from happening, store your peanut butter jar upside down to keep the peanut butter more evenly mixed. This works because when the jar is upside down, the oil can distribute itself more evenly, preventing separation. This technique is also recommended for other nut butter like almond butter, sunflower seed butter, etc.
So, there you have it; gone are the days when you would have to manually stir your peanut butter before using it. Just make sure the lid is tight to avoid any leakage!
The Easiest Way to Ripen Fruit Quickly: Put It in a Paper Bag
Waiting for fruit to ripen so that it's perfect for eating can be time-consuming. To overcome this difficulty, put the fruit and veg (like avocado) you want to ripen in a paper bag and seal it using a rubber band. This method works because the paper bag traps the ethylene gas (a natural hormone that helps in the ripening process) emitted by the fruit. This is why this hack accelerates the ripening process.
Leave the bag at room temperature for a day or two, and voila, deliciously ripe fruit that's ready for eating! Interestingly, apples and bananas contain exceptionally high levels of ethylene gas, so this method is particularly useful for ripening up these fruits.
A Gollop of Mayonnaise Is E Secret to the Perfect Homemade Burger Patty
Adding a dollop of mayo to your burger patty mix can make it taste great. Mayo is made out of eggs, oil, and vinegar, which add moisture and flavor to the meat. More specifically, mayo's acidity helps break down the meat's proteins, making the burgers more tender and flavorful. Plus, the oil in the mayo also helps to keep the burgers moist and juicy as they cook. Additionally, mayo contains emulsifiers that can help better bind the ingredients together and hold the burger shape.
So, if you want to add a dollop of mayo to your burger mix, simply add one or two tablespoons per pound of ground beef and see the results for yourself!
Place Wooden Spoon Like This to Stop Boiling Pots From Overflowing
There's nothing more annoying than when your boiling pots overflow. Fortunately, we have a handy hack to prevent that from happening. Just grab a wooden spoon and lay it across the top of your saucepan. The wooden spoon acts as a barrier, disrupting the formation of bubbles on the water's surface and, as a result, preventing the bubbles from forming and/or growing as large and spilling over the pan.
This trick is so simple and works wonders for preventing boilover when cooking pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables, or any other food that tends to boil over. It makes us wish we had learned this hack sooner!
Dip Your Fingers Into Cold Water to Easily Dig Out Fallen Eggshell Pieces
We've all done it. We've all cracked an egg into a bowl only to then realize that we've managed to get some shell in the mix. Annoying, right? This technique is excellent because it allows you to easily remove tiny bits of eggshell without using a spoon or other tool that could damage the egg. To begin, crack the egg into a bowl. Then, dip your fingers into some cold water.
Once your fingers are wet, gently pick out any bits of shell you see. The cold water will cause the egg whites to contract. It also makes it easier to grip the shell.
DIY Jell-O Worms
To make DIY Jell-O worms at home, you need straws. First, prepare your Jell-o according to the package instructions. Then, carefully pour the jello mixture into a plastic straw once it's cooled and thickened but not yet set. You can use a syringe or a turkey baster to make this process easier. Once the straws are filled, tie a knot at the top of each to seal the Jell-o inside.
Then place the straws in the refrigerator, letting them set for at least four hours. Finally, once the Jell-O is set, gently squeeze the straws to push the 'worms' out.
Yes, You Can Use Microwaves for Barbequing Meat
Using the grill setting on your microwave can be a terrific way to achieve that barbecue flavor without firing up the grill. Simply place your meat on a microwave-safe plate and place it in the microwave. Then, turn on the grill setting, which warms the heating element at the top of the microwave to high heat, similar to a traditional grill. This allows the meat to get that classic BBQ char and flavor.
Cook your meat according to your preferences and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Voila, tasty BBQ without the hassle - perfect if you're only grilling for yourself!
Lightly Coat the Spoon or Cup in Oil Before Measuring Honey
When measuring out honey, lightly coat the spoon or measuring cup you're using with oil. You can do this using a brush or just your finger. The oil creates a barrier between the honey and the spoon or cup, preventing the honey from sticking. Additionally, when pouring honey from a jar, you can coat the rim of the jar with a small amount of oil to prevent the honey from sticking to the rim and making a mess.
Using a light touch when applying the oil is essential, as too much can make the honey runnier and harder to handle. It's also important to note that some types of honey are more prone to sticking than others.
The Best Lemon-Squeezing Method You’ll Ever See: The Tongs' Method
Using tongs to squeeze lemons is a simple and efficient way to extract the juice from the fruit. The tongs allow you to apply more pressure to the lemon than a traditional citrus squeezer. Plus, you can adjust the placement of the tongs to squeeze the lemon in different areas to get more juice. Tongs are also easy to clean, and you avoid getting lemon juice on your hands - which can get rather messy!
Of course, you can also use this method to squeeze other citrus fruits like oranges, limes, grapefruits, etc. As shown in the picture, we advise grabbing a bowl and placing a sieve over it. Then squeeze the fruit over the sieve to catch any pips.
Use a Potato Masher to Mash Your Way to a Great Guacamole
Using a masher is the best way to make delicious guacamole because it allows you to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. A masher works well for guacamole because it breaks down the avocados evenly without turning them into a puree. The result is chunky, creamy guacamole with a nice texture balance. Best of all, you have complete control over the masher, allowing you to dictate exactly how smooth or chunky your guacamole turns out.
You can mash it more or less, depending on your preference. Of course, you can also add other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice and mash them together to help evenly distribute them.
How to Peel Tangerines Without the Mess
Peeling a tangerine is often harder than it looks! However, this technique allows you to easily remove the skin of a tangerine and divide the fruit into segments without any mess or difficulty. To start, use a sharp knife to make a small cut on the top of the tangerine, about 1/4 inch from the stem. Remove one segment, then work your way around the fruit, and unravel the rest in one piece.
The other bonus of peeling your tangerine using this method is that you get to enjoy the fruit without the bitterness often found in the white pith. Healthy snack, anyone?
Make Cute Pancakes Using Cookie Cutters
Using cookie cutters to make cute pancake shapes is a fun and easy way to add a little creativity to your breakfast. The process is simple. You just need some cookie cutters in different shapes, a non-stick pan or skillet, your pancake batter, and a squeezy bottle (like the one in the photo). First, using medium heat, warm up the pan or skillet. Once the pan is hot, grease it lightly with butter or oil.
Next, pour some batter into a squeeze bottle or a Ziplock bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Then, press the cookie cutter onto the pan and fill it with the batter. When the edges of the pancake look set, gently remove the cookie cutter.
Use an Ice-Cream Scoop to Remove Pumpkin Seeds
Using an ice cream scoop to remove seeds from pumpkins, melons, squash, etc., presents a no-fuss and efficient way to prepare the fruit or vegetable for cooking or baking. To start, cut the pumpkin in half (or whatever seeded fruit/veg you're working with). Then, use the scoop to scrape out the seeds and any stringy bits from the center of the pumpkin. The scoop's shape works wonders for scraping out the seeds without damaging the pumpkin's flesh.
When using an ice cream scoop, it's crucial to ensure it's sharp and clean to avoid damaging the fruit or pumpkin. Alternatively, you could use a spoon or a melon baller if you don't have an ice cream scoop.
Prevent Bowls From Sliding off the Countertop
You can prevent a bowl from slipping by wrapping it in a towel or cloth. The towel provides a non-slip surface for the bowl to sit on, preventing it from sliding around while you're using it. To execute this hack, take a towel or cloth and fold it in half. Next, place the bowl on top of the folded towel. Then, wrap the towel or cloth around the bowl, ensuring it covers its bottom and sides.
This works because the towel or cloth provides friction between the bowl and the surface it sits on, preventing the bowl from moving around and reducing the likelihood of having a messy countertop mishap.
How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese in the Oven
Cooking your grilled cheese in the oven creates the perfect toasties. This ensures the bread is evenly toasted and the cheese is melted to perfection. This method also allows you to cook multiple sandwiches at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, this method prevents the cheese from oozing out as much and making a mess. Simply preheat the oven to 350-375°F. Then, assemble your sandwiches as desired.
For optimum taste, butter the outside of each slice of bread. Next, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.