Cooking at home should be a beautiful experience; however, the little tasks here and there make it more like a chore. Even the best of chefs have detailed some of the experiences that make their time in the kitchen so stressful.
Source: Pexels
But we have put together some kitchen hacks that can make your kitchen adventure easier and more interesting. These hacks are guaranteed to save you time and energy.
Use a Damp Towel to Preserve Herbs
Although herbs are great, we most often get frustrated by how quickly they wither. Thankfully, there’s a way we can lengthen their life span.
Source: Pexels
Put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and cover with a damp towel. They will remain fresh, still able to add enough flavor to your next meal.
A Quick Fix for Bland Food
It’s common to make meals that end up tasting like something is missing. When this happens, you don’t have to overload it with salt; instead, add a bit of acidity. It could be lemon, lime, or vinegar.
Source: Pexels
They all can work wonders in balancing the flavors in your meal. It’s quite a simple hack, but can transform your cooking from 1 to 10.
Pull Out Your Cookies Slightly Underbaked
There’s a hack that can guarantee you delicious cookies that can melt into your mouth in seconds. All you have to do is take them out of the oven a few minutes earlier than the usual time.
Source: Pexels
Cookies tend to continue to retain residual heat even after being removed from the oven. So, taking them out slightly underbaked ensures they stay soft.
No More Soggy Salads
You won’t get the best of your salad when it’s soggy. You can always ensure it is fresh and crisp by placing a paper towel in your salad container.
Source: Pexels
The paper towel will absorb excess moisture, preventing the veggies from becoming soggy. This trick keeps your salad crunchy and delicious even after hours or even days.
Prep Everything at Once
Prepping all your ingredients before you start cooking can save time and reduce stress. Having everything chopped, spices and ingredients measured and ready for use means you can focus entirely on the cooking process.
Source: Pexels
In addition, you won’t have to be busy with one task while your onions are left burning. Being a little organized can go a long way.
An Easy Hack to Refluff Your Rice
Leftover rice can suddenly turn into a dry and sticky mess, but here’s a genius trick to help keep it fresh. Place an ice cube in the center of your rice before microwaving it.
Source: Pexels
The steam from the melting ice will rehydrate the rice, bringing it back to its soft and fluffy state. It’s easy and super effective.
The Perfect Pan for Pancakes
Making perfect pancakes every time can be super easy with this hack. instead of pouring the batter from a bowl and ending up with uneven and unpresentable pancakes, transfer the batter into a clean squeeze bottle.
Source: Pexels
When you are ready to cook, just squeeze the batter onto the hot pan. This gives you more control and helps you create perfectly round and evenly sized pancakes.
Stop Wasting Tomato Paste
Many recipes ask for just a teaspoon or two of tomato paste, leaving you with nearly a full can that often goes to waste. To avoid this waste, put portions of the leftover tomato paste into teaspoons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Source: istockphoto
Freeze them until they’re solid, then transfer to a freezing container. Whenever you need a small amount of tomato paste, you can just grab one portion.
Freeze Leftover Wine
Good news! Leftover wine don’t have to go to waste anymore. Just pour any amount of wine you have left into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer. Once the ice cubes are frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag.
Source: istockphoto
These perfectly frozen wine cubes can be used for cooking soups, sauces and stews to improve their flavor.
Make Leftover Pizza Taste Fresh
Reheating your leftover pizza in the microwave can make it soggy and unappetizing. A better way to reheat it is to use a skillet on a stove. Heat the skillet over medium heat and place your pizza slice in it.
Source: Pexels
Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and heat the toppings evenly. After a few minutes, the crust will be crispy, just like when it was first made.
And It’s a Wrap!
Armed with these kitchen hacks, we’re sure you’re more than ready to take on any recipe with ease and confidence.
Source: Pexels
From keeping your herbs fresh to ensuring your cookies are perfectly cooked, these hacks are tricks designed specially for you to ease your time in the kitchen. We hope your next cooking experience will be stress-free.
