Having excellent kitchen skills can get you a long way in life. Delicious food wins over the hearts of family members, it brings people together — and frankly, who doesn’t love yummy food?
Everyone should have some basic skills when it comes to cooking, but for some people, it can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s why learning some cooking hacks can save you time, stress, and money in the kitchen.
We have 15 great tricks for you to up the ante in the kitchen. No matter the skill level — these cooking hacks are useful for every chef. Home cook or chef alike.
15. Make frozen herbs in olive oil using ice cube trays
Stock up on herbs while they’re fresh and use them for cooking throughout the month. Chop up the herbs and place them in an ice cube tray, add olive oil to each compartment, then freeze. When cooking a meal, add a frozen herb cube to the pot or pan for instant flavor.
14. Add vinegar to the water to make hard boiled eggs easy to peel
Nothing is more frustrating than attempting to peel a hard boiled egg and having the shell peel off in a million pieces. Add some vinegar to the water while the eggs are boiling and peeling will become significantly easier.
13. Use the rest of the near-empty peanut butter jar for a delicious breakfast
Instead of getting messy trying to get the last of the peanut butter out of the jar, turn it into a yummy breakfast! Cook a packet of instant oatmeal, add to the peanut butter jar; then add nuts or fruits and stir. You’ll get a delicious taste of peanut butter with every bite.
12. Grill fish on top of lemon slices
Cooking fish on the grill can be tricky because it can break apart and stick. Instead, by cooking the fish on lemon slices will prevent the fish from sticking and give your dinner a sweet citrusy flavor.
11. Microwave oysters for a few seconds to make them easier to open
Shucking oysters can be a dangerous task. It requires strength, a unique tool, and gloves. To take some of the pain out of opening oysters, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will cause them to steam a little, forcing the shell to open enough for you to easily open them.
10. Use 2 plates to cut a dozen cherry tomatoes at once
A garden salad isn’t complete with cherry tomatoes but cutting them one by one can be tedious and messy. Use this simple trick to cut many cherry tomatoes at once. Place the tomatoes on a plate and put another plate on top. Run a knife in between them and your cherry tomatoes are halved.
9. Revitalize stale bread with a little water
Craving a sandwich but your bread or baguette has gotten a bit hard? No problem! Run the loaf of bread through some water to moisten it, place the bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes, and you’re as good as new. Instead of running it through water, you can also wrap it in a damp towel.
8. Store baked treats with a slice of apple for extra moisture
Baked goods are never as good as the day that they are baked; they tend to dry out fairly quickly. To keep your baked treats moist for longer, keep them stored in a plastic container along with a slice of apple. The apple will help keep those treats tasty for days longer!
7. Dry your own herbs in the microwave
Instead of buying expensive dried herbs at the grocery store, try this DIY trick. Go to the farmers market or produce section and stock up on fresh herbs; place them on a plate in the microwave and cook in 20-second intervals until dry. Remember to turn them!
6. Use dental floss to cut soft foods
Cutting dough or Swiss rolls can be tricky. The pressure of a knife can squish the food, or you can get crumbs everywhere. Instead, use a piece of unflavored dental floss to make perfectly smooth and precise cuts with ease.
5. Freeze a banana for a healthy ice cream alternative
When bananas are frozen, they take on a delicious, cold, and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a healthy ice cream alternative, keep a couple of bananas in the freezer to mash and turn into a yummy dessert. Add fruit, granola, or other healthy toppings to indulge without the guilt.
4. Pick one day a week to food prep
Eliminate the stress of packing lunches daily or spending your money at expensive restaurants. Spend one day a week cooking lunches and snacks (breakfasts and dinners too!) Separate each meal or snack into their own individual containers for the week. Now? There’s no stress, you’re saving money, and you’re eating healthier!
3. Cool down lukewarm beverage bottles with a wet paper towel
To help cool down a lukewarm soda or beer bottle more quickly, wrap a wet paper towel around the bottle and place it in the freezer. The drinks will cool super fast! Just don’t forget to take them out of the freezer — they can explode and make a huge mess.
2. Reuse pickle brine
Just because you ate the last pickle from the pickle jar doesn’t mean the brine is finished doing its job! Add slices of cucumber, carrots, and other veggies; refrigerate for a few days, and you’ll have a tasty lightly pickled treat.
1. Make limp celery crisp again
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If your celery has gone limp or isn’t as fresh as it used to be, don’t throw it away! Trim the top and bottom of the celery stalks and place them upright in a glass or pitcher of ice water — they’ll crisp right up! Here’s a little secret: it works with broccoli, asparagus, spinach, and cauliflower too.
Source: Lifehack
