Keep Your Herbs Fresh All Year Round
What to do with leftover herbs after preparing a recipe? One great way to prevent waste is by simply putting them in the freezer. By chopping up the herbs and freezing them in ice cube trays with a bit of water or oil, not only will they stay hydrated, but you will have the satisfying taste of your summer garden all year round. All you have to do is pop out a cube and add it directly to your cooking.
With delicate basil and parsley, or robust rosemary, thyme, and sage, you will get to savor the smells of summer at any time of the year!
Easy to Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal, although peeling them can be a pain if you don't have the patience! But hard-boiled eggs don't have to be a hazard. You can easily cool eggs by placing them in an ice bath or by shocking them in cold water for just a few minutes. Now gently roll them between your hand and the kitchen counter until the shell completely crumbles.
Once you are satisfied with the result, the shell should practically fall from the egg with very little effort. Egg salad has never been easier.
Perfect Bacon Every Time
Cooking bacon is harder than it looks because the fatty white part takes longer to cook than the meat. That's why bacon is often overcooked. If you put some water in the pan and cook the bacon, the heat will only rise slowly. Once the water evaporates, the bacon will get lovely and crunchy. The meat will not be overcooked or burnt, and the fat will have rendered flawlessly, making for deliciously crispy bacon.
This may seem strange at first, but give it a go. Don't forget that the bacon releases its own fat while cooking, so you won't compromise on taste.
Give Your Fish Fillets a Milk Bath
When preparing fresh fish for cooking, it's normal for the fish to have a mild aroma. But some types of fish can smell slightly stronger no matter how fresh they are; for some people, that can be off-putting. So if your fresh fish has an overpowering fragrance, simply soak it in milk! The lactic acid in milk helps to tenderize the meat and balance out the strong tastes, making the finished dish more succulent and tasty.
Just put the fish fillets in a baking dish, cover them with milk, and allow them to soak in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Flat-Pack Ground Meats in Your Freezer
By buying your ground meat in bulk, you will not only save loads of time, but you will also save money. But how can you store it all in your freezer without taking up so much space? With freezer bags, of course! By portioning the meat and storing it in resealable freezer bags, you can easily make the most of your freezer space. And for maximum effect, flatten the meat before freezing it.
By flattening the bags, they become stackable and take up less space. Furthermore, when you roll the meat thin, it defrosts significantly faster, which is useful when you're in a rush.
Stop Your Crying, It’s Only an Onion!
Have you ever wondered why you start crying while cutting onions? Believe it or not, a gas known as syn-Propanethial S-oxide is produced when we cut onions. Your eyes start to moisten because this gas irritates the membranes that guard them. To decrease that enzymatic activity and cease weeping while chopping onions, you can safeguard your eyes by keeping your blades as sharp as possible. On the other hand, you could wear a pair of goggles!
The onion's cell membranes will be less damaged by an extremely sharp knife, and less gas will be released. And try to breathe through your mouth!
Grated Butter for Better Pastry
While baking is a skill that may take some time to perfect, with practice and patience, the end result is always worth the effort. For any recipe that calls for cutting butter into flour, grab a standard cheese grater and grate the butter into the flour! But how can you grate the butter, I hear you ask? Well, in preparation for your desired dish, you will need to freeze a block of butter.
The frozen butter will shred just like cheese, and you won't need to spend nearly as much time working it while making a prize-winning pastry.
Keep Your Fruits Fresh for Longer
We all know the best time to buy produce is when it's fresh and in season. But the problem is that fresh fruit and veg will go bad if left sitting there for too long. By freezing your fruits and vegetables, you can keep your ingredients fresh and have healthy options on hand whenever you need them! Freezing fresh produce will save you so much time, especially if you have kids who are always hungry, like mine!
You can freeze fruits and vegetables after cutting them into cubes or slices. Another option to preserve your produce is to steam or boil them before freezing.
Pickles Made Perfect
Save your cucumbers from spoiling by turning them into perfect pickles. Begin by peeling the cucumbers and slicing them into pieces a half-inch thick. Great! Now you can place the cucumbers in a mason jar and add some seasoning and salt. Next, pour in some tangy vinegar, but make sure you leave room for a couple of gorgeous garlic cloves, a spicy hot pepper, fragrant bay leaves, and aromatic peppercorns.
Close the lid on the jar, make sure it is airtight, and chill it in the refrigerator. After six hours, the pickles will be a taste sensation!
Don’t Let Your Herbs Go Limp
Is there anything worse than going to your fridge only to find that the healthy herbs you bought a day or two earlier have wilted and gone limp? Well, the solution is simple. You can keep your herbs strong and healthy for longer with cold water. Put your plants in a glass of cold water and store them in the refrigerator. And for maximum freshness, cover the herbs with a plastic bag and seal the bag's bottom around the glass.
Have a rubber band ready to seal the bag around the glass. With the increased humidity, your plants will retain their fresh flavor and appearance for an extra few days.
Cook Like a Pro, Taste As You Go
Don't pile all the salt and spices in at the very end of the cooking process! The flavor that salt and other spices provide to a portion of food varies over the cooking process. Two dishes with the same amount of seasonings will taste different depending on when those seasonings were introduced. If you want to cook like a pro, you should season your food as you go rather than at the end.
Have some clean spoons handy so you can grab one for a quick taste at each step of the cooking process. This small tip will make a huge difference.
Tired of Burning Garlic? Then This Hack’s for You
If you've struggled with garlic burning in the pan, don't worry! This tip will help you avoid that problem in the future. Try cooking your garlic and oil in a cold pan for a new twist on your recipe! Just turn on the heat, and in no time, the garlic will gently infuse the oil, resulting in delicious flavor and a stress-free cooking experience. Hey Presto! No more burnt garlic.
You'll get to stir it and watch it cook slowly and steadily until it reaches the exact shade of pale gold you need to make the perfect sauce!
Fruit Cubes From the Freezer
Fruit is another common offender in the fight to reduce food waste in the kitchen. Thankfully, your freezer can help you out once more! One fantastic solution to prevent overripe fruit from going bad is to purée it and freeze it. Simply remove any stems or seeds, split the fruit into smaller pieces, and purée them in a blender until nice and smooth. The puree can then be transferred to ice cube trays and frozen until solid.
These fruit cubes can be included in smoothies, used as the base for homemade sorbet, or even added to sparkling water for a fruity twist.
Prep Like a Pro
When it comes to productive cooking, preparation is the name of the game! Before you turn on your stove or oven, you should prepare your dish by chopping your vegetables and measuring out all of your components, including your seasonings. This is known by chefs worldwide as "mise en place." The idea is to be able to concentrate totally on what's happening in the pan right in front of you.
With all the ingredients for your meal pre-prepared, you can pay attention to taste and overall perfection. There's nothing worse than overcooking the main dish because the side dishes weren't ready!
Make Cheesecake Less Challenging
Do your cakes collapse when you cut into them? Cooking a perfect cheesecake can be challenging enough, but it's a real shame when your cake caves in as you cut the first slice. Luckily, there's a simple way to achieve a perfect slice every time. By heating the blade of your slicing knife, it will glide through even the most delicate cake every time. You will look like a pro at the next party!
Simply run your knife under hot water for a few seconds until it's nice and warm. If your cake crumbles after a few slices, repeat the heating process.
Problems Peeling Garlic?
Do you have problems peeling garlic? If so, here are some tried-and-true methods that will peel your garlic and leave you feeling very satisfied. Grab a knife and place it flat on the garlic clove. Give it a whack with a hammer fist, and the skin should come off cleanly. Another method is to simply put the cloves in the microwave for twenty seconds. When you take it out, the skin will fall off.
Put a few cloves in a container and close the lid. Give the container a hard shake for a minute, open the lid, and you should now have skinless garlic inside.
Fantastically Fluffy Eggs
Eggs are a healthy and satisfying way to start your day, but are you bored with boiled eggs, or are you trying to give fried eggs the flick? If so, fluffy scrambled eggs will be a welcome change. They're simple to make, and the whole family will love them. Start by cracking a few eggs into a bowl. Grab a whisk or fork, hold the bowl at a slight angle, and give the eggs a strong mix.
Melt a knob of butter in your pan and pour in your foamy egg mix. Lower the heat and turn the eggs continuously with a spatula. Hey Presto! Fluffy eggs in minutes!
Don’t Forget the Basics
You've had a hard day at work, and when you arrive home, the kids are all waiting, hungry, with their mouths open. Sound familiar? When you need to prepare a meal in a hurry, it's important not to forget the basics. Reviewing the instructions carefully before you begin preparing is essential. This will give you an idea of what you need to do, how to do it, and how to anticipate and prevent problems.
Whether you're cooking for one or the whole family, knowing all the steps in advance will put you in control. Afterward, when everyone is satisfied, they can do the dishes!
Save Energy With a Pizza Stone
Placing a pizza stone on the lowest rack of your oven is a quick and easy technique to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. It will take a little longer for your oven to heat up, but the extra time will be well worth it. While we can't avoid opening the oven door, a pizza stone will allow the oven to maintain its temperature as you take a peek inside.
This is a perfect method for anyone whose oven takes a while to heat up because the hot pizza stone will allow the oven to reach the optimal temperature quickly.
No More Endless Chopping
When you are making a meal for the family, it's the prepping of vegetables that makes you want to run away and hide. All that chopping and peeling can seem endless. That's when your food processor can come in very handy. This kitchen appliance can be your saving grace when it comes to chopping shallots, garlic, nuts, onions, carrots, and other items. It's time to get yourself a kitchen hand that loves to chop.
The consistency of your chopped veggies may differ slightly from when you did it by hand, but with your free time, you can now concentrate on taste.
Prep Your Baking Trays With Butter Wrappers
When you empty your butter from its wrapper, don't throw it away just yet! One of the most crucial stages of baking is preparing the pan so that nothing sticks and everything bakes evenly. There is often plenty of butter residue that remains on the paper wrapping. Using a butter wrapper to grease a skillet is as easy as taking one and wiping it across the pan's surface. It's easy, and you're left with zero waste.
Keep these buttery wraps on hand whenever you need them by storing them in a ziplock plastic bag in the refrigerator. It's way easier than using your hands!
Brown Sugar Kept Soft
Have you ever wondered why your brown sugar goes hard when left standing in an open bag? Well, it turns out that brown sugar is different than white sugar because it needs more moisture to remain soft. While a plastic bag or securely sealed container can keep the contents of an open sugar bag dry, adding a piece of bread inside the sealed bag will provide the sugar with a new source of moisture.
If your brown sugar has already gone hard, put it in a container in the microwave. Make sure to stop the microwave every thirty seconds to stir the sugar.
What Exactly Is a Broiler?
Are you taking advantage of your oven's broiler function? The broiler function is terrific for toasting bread, charring veggies, or caramelizing a glaze, as it produces high, concentrated heat for a short amount of time. It's amazing how one simple step can transform a mediocre dish into one that even Gordon Ramsay would allow in his kitchen. With a little attention and care, you can easily achieve perfectly charred and deliciously cooked food under the broiler!
It's important to understand that the top element of your oven is utilized while broiling. The top and bottom are used while baking at a lower temperature.
Weighing Ingredients Works Better
While following a plan is great practice and can eliminate some of the uncertainty from baking and cooking, it also increases the likelihood of a chaotic kitchen. There will be a lot of plates and dishes to clean if you have to measure out a lot of dry and wet ingredients. One easy fix is to invest in a digital scale and begin measuring components precisely before adding them to the dish.
While a recipe that includes weight measurements is preferable, you will never be too far off with a rough estimate. Save yourself time and effort, get yourself a digital scale.
How to Save Food That’s Too Salty
It's completely normal to make mistakes while cooking, but the good news is that there are always ways to salvage the dish and turn it into something delicious. You can easily fix common cooking mistakes and save your meal by using a few simple tricks! If you've added too much salt to a soup or sauce, don't worry. Apple or potato slices are great for absorbing excess salt, so you don't have to start from scratch.
Adding some apple or potato slices and letting it simmer for 10 minutes will give your soup the perfect texture and enhance the flavor of the dish.
Speedy Avocado Ripening!
Avocados are often hard to get when it comes to ripening. But fear not; we've got a trick that'll have you enjoying creamy guacamole in no time. To ripen avocados faster, you'll need a ripe banana. Place the unripe avocado and the banana together inside a brown paper bag. Bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process of the avocado. Seal the bag and leave it on your kitchen counter!
After about 24-48 hours, your avocado should be perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy! Say goodbye to the waiting game and hello to delicious avocados, all thanks to this fruity partnership!
How to Bring Stale Loaves Back to Life!
We've all been there—a half-eaten baguette or a forgotten sandwich loaf turned into a brick. But fear not, because stale bread doesn't have to be a lost cause! A quick trip to your oven can transform those hardened crumbs into crispy, fresh-like slices. The trick is as follows: take your stale bread, cover it in a moist kitchen towel, and zap it in the microwave for about 10 seconds!
The moisture from the towel will permeate the bread, making it soft and delicious once more. No more wasting bread or breaking your teeth on crouton-like crusts!
Peel Ginger With a Spoon!
Are you tired of the hassle that comes with peeling ginger? Fret not; there's a clever, easy-to-master trick that will revolutionize your ginger prep game. All you need is a regular teaspoon and a knob of fresh ginger. Here's how it works: Take the ginger in one hand and the spoon in the other. Hold the ginger firmly and use the edge of the spoon to scrape away the skin!
It's like magic—the skin comes off so smoothly! Why should you opt for this method? Well, apart from being ridiculously easy, it's also a fantastic way to minimize ginger waste!
How to Keep Your Cutting Board Steady
Are you tired of your cutting board slipping and sliding around your countertop while you're trying to chop veggies or slice meat? Well, it's time to put an end to this kitchen frustration and make your culinary adventures safer and more enjoyable. To keep your cutting board steady, start by placing a damp paper towel or a non-slip mat underneath it. This simple trick creates friction between the board and the countertop, preventing unwanted movement.
With your cutting board securely in place, you can slice and dice with confidence, reducing the risk of accidents and making your kitchen experience a whole lot smoother. Happy chopping!
Crispy Chicken Skin!
Crispy chicken skin is a game-changer for many dishes. To achieve that irresistible crunch, follow this easy hack: Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, sprinkle a small pinch of baking powder evenly over the skin. The baking powder helps to draw out moisture from the skin, promoting extra crispiness. Next, place the chicken in the refrigerator for a few hours, uncovered!
Just roast or fry the chicken as usual when you're ready to cook it, and the skin will turn out crisp and golden brown, impressing everyone at the table!
The Magic Power of Butter!
Elevate your culinary creations with homemade flavored butter that's bursting with unique tastes. Begin by softening a stick of unsalted butter at room temperature. Now, the flavor adventure begins! For a zesty twist, try garlic and herb butter. Mash some fresh garlic and finely chop your favorite herbs, like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Mix them into the softened butter, and voila, you've got a fragrant spread that's perfect for garlic bread or grilled steaks!
For a hint of sweetness, go for honey, cinnamon, and butter. Blend honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt into the butter. This delightful concoction will turn your morning toast or pancakes into a heavenly treat!
Precision in Every Bite!
Cooking meat to perfection is an art, and a meat thermometer is your trusty brush. Whether you're grilling a juicy steak, roasting a tender chicken, or smoking some mouthwatering ribs, using a meat thermometer is your secret weapon to culinary success. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. No more cutting into your meat to check if it's done, and you won't have to worry about any dishes being undercooked!
With a quick and easy temperature read, you can ensure that your food reaches the ideal level of doneness, resulting in consistently delicious and safe meals every time!
Homemade Croutons!
Homemade croutons are a fantastic way to elevate your salads and soups while reducing food waste. Instead of tossing stale bread, transform it into these flavor-packed nuggets. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your bread into bite-sized cubes and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs - thyme, rosemary, or oregano work wonders. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper!
Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, giving them a toss halfway through. Voilà! You've just rescued your stale bread and added a delightful crunch to your dishes!
Baking Soda's Magic in Tomato Sauce!
Try adding a sprinkle of baking soda for a rich, balanced tomato sauce. This kitchen secret can work wonders by neutralizing the sauce's acidity and reducing bitterness. To use baking soda in your tomato sauce, start by making your sauce as usual - simmering tomatoes, herbs, and spices. When you notice a slightly tangy or bitter taste, which often happens with canned tomatoes, just add a small pinch (around 1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda!
Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes. You'll be amazed at how the baking soda magically transforms your sauce, making it smoother and less acidic!
Your Ticket to Lightning-Fast Meals!
In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to cook a wholesome meal can be challenging. That's where the Instant Pot steps in as your culinary savior. This modern kitchen gadget is a versatile, time-saving wonder that can whip up delicious meals in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods. Whether you're craving savory stews, tender roasts, or flavorful soups, the Instant Pot has got you covered!
With its combination of pressure cooking and smart technology, it significantly reduces cooking times without compromising taste. Plus, it's incredibly user-friendly, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned chefs and kitchen newbies!
Broth on the Rocks: Freeze, Seal, and Savor!
Homemade broth is a secret to excellent cooking. The exquisite, savory flavors derived from simmering bones, vegetables, and herbs together are truly unmatched. To maximize the potential of your homemade broth, consider making a substantial batch and freezing it in small, convenient portions. Ice cube trays are your allies in this endeavor, making portioning a breeze. Once the broth is frozen into handy cubes, carefully transfer them into a resealable bag or container!
Don't forget to label it with the date to keep track of its freshness. Thanks to this brilliant approach, you may improve your meals whenever the mood strikes you with the essence of homemade delight!
Prevent Over-Boiling Pasta
Tired of ending up with mushy pasta? Say goodbye to over-boiled noodles with these simple tips. First, choose a pot that's spacious enough to accommodate the pasta comfortably. Don't skimp on water; use at least 4-6 quarts per pound of pasta. Add salt generously; it should taste like seawater. When you start boiling, stir the pasta immediately after adding it to the boiling water. Keep a close eye on the clock as pasta cooks quickly!
Start the test a minute or two earlier than the package instructions suggest. The perfect texture for pasta is 'al dente,' which means it has a slight bite!
Zest Up Your Meals With Citrus!
Citrus zest, the vibrant outer layer of fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges, is a secret flavor booster in the culinary world. It's not just for decoration; this zesty delight can transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Simply grab a microplane or zester and grate away! The aromatic oils in the zest pack a powerful punch of flavor without adding extra liquid, making it a fantastic ingredient for marinades, dressings, desserts, and cocktails!
This zesty secret weapon can transform your cooking game! So, next time you're tempted to toss those citrus peels, think again. They're not just scraps; they're your secret flavor allies!
Wine Magic in the Kitchen
Pouring a glass of wine while cooking isn't just for the chef's enjoyment; it can enhance your dishes too! When cooking with wine, opt for one you'd happily drink, as the flavors concentrate during cooking. White wines like Chardonnay are splendid for creamy sauces and seafood, while reds like Merlot add depth to hearty stews and roasts. Just remember, a little goes a long way; a cup or less is usually enough for most recipes!
But don't just stop at savory dishes—wine can jazz up desserts, too. Try adding a bit of sweet wine like Port or Marsala to fruit compotes or chocolate sauces!
Keeping Guacamole Fresh!
Guacamole, the beloved green delight, deserves to stay fresh for your fiesta. The key to preventing that unsightly browning is to seal the deal—literally! Once your guacamole is ready, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface, squeezing out any air bubbles. This reduces the amount of oxygen it is exposed to, which is the factor that causes the blues to turn brown. Citrus juice is also another useful thing you can use!
Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the top before sealing. The acidity prevents the food from oxidizing too quickly and gives it a refreshing zing!
Cracking the Egg Freshness Code!
Ever wondered if that egg lurking in your fridge is still fresh enough to use? Don't rely on guesswork! Grab a bowl and fill it with water. Carefully place the egg into the water. Fresh eggs will sink and lay flat on the bottom. Eggs that stand upright but have one end slightly elevated are a bit older but still good to eat. If the egg floats to the surface, it's time to bid it farewell!
Why does this method get it right? Fresh eggs have denser contents, causing them to sink. As an egg ages, air enters through its porous shell, making it buoyant!
The Flavour-Boosting Trick!
Cooking isn't always about fancy ingredients or complex techniques; sometimes, it's the simplest of tools that can make all the difference. Enter the humble fork, your trusty sidekick, in the quest for flavor-packed, succulent meats. This unassuming utensil might not wear a cape, but it has a superpower: quick marination. By poking tiny holes in your meat before marinating, you're essentially creating flavor tunnels for your marinade to explore!
Now, let's dive into the science of it. Those little holes you make help your marinade break through the meat's surface, leaving you with a tasty but not deeply infused dish!
Sticky Rice No More!
Tired of ending up with a sticky, clumpy mess when cooking rice? Fear not! There's a simple solution to this culinary conundrum. The secret lies in a quick pre-cooking ritual: rinsing your rice. It's a game-changer that can transform your rice dishes from gloopy disasters to fluffy perfection. Before you dive into rice preparation, grab a fine-mesh sieve or a bowl. Measure your desired amount of rice and place it in the sieve or bowl!
Next, give it a thorough rinse under cold, running water. You'll notice the water turning cloudy. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and the rice grains no longer stick together when you agitate them!