Ricky Colstan Cooking at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home chef, knowing a few clever cooking hacks can save you time, enhance flavors, and make meal prep a breeze. Here are some of the best kitchen tricks every home cook should know!
1. Keep Herbs Fresh Longer
The Problem: Fresh herbs wilt and turn slimy too quickly.
The Hack:
- Store soft herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil) in a glass of water like a bouquet, covering them loosely with a plastic bag.
- Wrap hard herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) in a damp paper towel and place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Freeze leftover herbs in an ice cube tray with olive oil for easy cooking later.
2. Prevent Over-Boiling
The Problem: Water boils over and makes a mess on the stove.
The Hack: Place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. Wood absorbs bubbles and prevents the water from overflowing.
3. Peel Garlic in Seconds
The Problem: Peeling garlic cloves takes too long.
The Hack:
- Place the garlic cloves in a sealed jar and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. The skins will fall right off.
- Alternatively, smash a clove with the flat side of a knife, and the skin will peel away easily.
4. Ripen Fruits Faster
The Problem: Waiting days for avocados or bananas to ripen.
The Hack:
- Place unripe fruits in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.
- To ripen an avocado instantly, wrap it in foil and bake it at 200°F (90°C) for 10-15 minutes.
5. Get the Most Juice Out of Citrus Fruits
The Problem: You’re not getting enough juice from lemons and limes.
The Hack:
- Microwave citrus fruits for 10-15 seconds to soften them before juicing.
- Roll them on the counter with your palm to break down the juice sacs inside.
6. Keep Brown Sugar Soft
The Problem: Brown sugar hardens into a rock.
The Hack:
Store brown sugar with a marshmallow, apple slice, or a piece of bread to keep it soft.
To soften hardened sugar, microwave it with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds.
7. Easily Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs
The Problem: The eggshell sticks and breaks into tiny pieces.
The Hack:
Add baking soda or vinegar to the boiling water to loosen the shell.
After boiling, transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling.
Shake the eggs in a sealed container with a little water to remove the shells quickly.
8. Make Perfectly Crispy Bacon
The Problem: Bacon curls up and cooks unevenly.
The Hack:
Bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
For extra crispiness, start with a cold pan and cook bacon slowly over low heat.
9. Revive Stale Bread
The Problem: Your bread has turned dry and tough.
The Hack:
Sprinkle a little water on the loaf and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore freshness.
Wrap bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it.
10. Prevent Onion Tears
The Problem: Chopping onions makes your eyes water.
The Hack:
Chill the onion in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Cut under running water or next to a burning candle to reduce fumes.
11. Save Time with a Garbage Bowl
The Problem: Running back and forth to the trash while prepping.
The Hack: Keep a large bowl on the counter for food scraps as you cook, saving you multiple trips to the trash can.
12. Reheat Leftovers Evenly
The Problem: Microwave-heated food is hot outside but cold inside.
The Hack:
Arrange food in a ring shape (leave the center empty) for even heating.
Place a small glass of water in the microwave to prevent food from drying out.
13. Prevent Sticky Pasta
The Problem: Cooked pasta clumps together.
The Hack:
Don’t add oil to boiling water—it prevents sauce from sticking later.
Stir pasta immediately after adding it to water and again after draining.
14. Make Fluffier Pancakes
The Problem: Pancakes turn out flat instead of fluffy.
The Hack:
Don’t overmix the batter—small lumps are fine.
Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
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