Cooking can be fun—but not all the time ( and we totally get it). Sometimes, it could seem like a bit of a chore, even to those who love the kitchen.
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This is why we thought to put together 10 hacks that will make your kitchen experience easier and more enjoyable. Don’t miss any of them; read till the end!
Peel Your Garlic in Minutes
Peeling garlic can be tedious, but it doesn’t really have to be. To make the process easier, place the garlic cloves in a jar, secure the lid, and shake vigorously.
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You will notice that the skin will separate from the cloves, making it super easy to peel. Now you can spend less time struggling to peel your garlic!
Keep Your Veggies Fresh for Days!
The frustration of seeing your fresh vegetables and herbs wilt in just a day after purchase is real! But wait, have you ever thought about storing your vegetables like flowers? Well, you should. Simply trim the ends of your veggies and place them in a glass of water.
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Then, cover the tops loosely with a plastic bag and keep them in a fridge. This simple trick can extend the life of your vegetables by a week or more.
Use a Spoon to Peel Ginger
Peeling ginger with a knife might be the most common but not necessarily the best. Try using the edge of a spoon.
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A spoon’s shape makes it a little easier to navigate the bumpy surface of the ginger, hence, removing just the skin without wasting the precious flesh underneath. It’s quite simple and efficient.
Prevent Pots from Boiling Over
It’s really annoying to see your pot boiling over while cooking. The mess it causes is out of this world. There are many hacks for this, but try this: to prevent a pot from boiling over, place a wooden spoon across the top.
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The wood breaks the bubble as they attempt to reach the top, keeping the pot from spilling over.
Freeze Leftover Wine for Cooking
Do you often have leftover wines from home parties? Stop wasting them! Just freeze and use for a better purpose. When frozen in cubes, the wine cubes are perfect for adding depth and flavor to sauces, soups and stews.
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It’s an excellent way to avoid waste and keep your dishes delicious.
Use Ice Water to Peel Boiled Eggs
Have you ever attempted to peel boiled eggs before? Gosh! It’s frustrating, especially, seeing the smooth skin get really ugly as you peel. Well, here’s how you can tackle that. After boiling, immediately place your eggs in ice water.
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The cold water helps contract the egg whites away from the shell, making it a lot easier to peel. With this hack, your eggs will look perfect all the time.
Keep Your Brown Sugar Soft
Most brown sugars can sometimes be as hard as a rock. To deal with this hardness, place a slice of bread or an apple wedge in the container. The moisture from the bread or apple keeps the sugar soft.
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But always remember to replace the apple or bread every few days to maintain the right texture. This method can keep your brown sugar ready for baking and prevent the frustration of dealing with lumps.
Test Your Egg Freshness
What if I told you there’s a way to check if your eggs are still good without having to crack them first? There’s a way and it’s easy. Simply fill a bowl with water and gently place your eggs in it.
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Fresh eggs will sink and lay flat on their side, while older eggs will stand upright or float. This simple test can prevent you from using spoiled eggs and ensure your dishes test their best always.
Reheat Pizza with Water
Reheating pizza in a microwave can make it chewy and unappetizing. Instead of microwaving alone, place a cup of water in the microwave with your pizza. The steam from the water keeps the crust crispy and the toppings moist, giving you a more oven-fresh taste.
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Alternatively, you can reheat your pizza in a skillet on the stove for just a few minutes. Whichever method you choose, you are guaranteed to enjoy your leftover pizza like you did the first time.
Make Crispy Bacon
For perfectly crispy bacon without the mess, bake in an oven. Lay the baking strips on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like it.
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This method frees up stovetop space and prevents grease splatters. You should give it a try and thank us later.
Cook Smarter and with Confidence
With these ten kitchen hacks, you can turn your cooking space into a place of both fun and efficiency. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a pro chef or a newbie, these hacks will help you save time, reduce waste, cost and generally make your life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.
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Ensure to use any of these hacks on your next cooking day.