Share
In the world of cooking, there is always something new to learn, and every cook can benefit from some clever kitchen hacks that save time, money, and effort. From simple tips for organizing your kitchen to creative ways to reuse leftovers, there are countless kitchen hacks that can make your life easier and more efficient. In this article, we will explore 15 genius kitchen hacks that you wish you knew sooner. These hacks will help you to streamline your cooking process, reduce waste, and create delicious meals with minimal effort. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner, these kitchen hacks are sure to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.
An easy kitchen hack to keep your mixing bowl in place
Need an extra hand? Professional chefs will tell you that a damp dish towel under your mixing bowl will keep it from slipping and sliding on your counter as you mix. (This tip works well with a cutting board too!)
Slice steak fries
Craving those scratch-made potato wedges from your favourite restaurant? The answer is waiting in your kitchen drawer. Cut one end of the potato for stability then push an apple slice through. Bonus: You can try it with sweet potatoes, too.
Freeze a soup starter
Want garden-fresh flavour year-round? Freeze farmers’ market vegetables in resealable bags during peak season. A classic soup starter called a mirepoix is made by combining 2/3 onion with 1/3 carrot and celery. This aromatic blend will give you a sweet, hearty flavour to kickstart soups and broths. Vegetables will last eight to 12 months so you can enjoy the tastes of summer when gloomy, cold weather hits.
Use sheet pans as trays
Sheet pans: They are not just for dinner anymore! Use your trusty baking sheet to stay organized while your meal prep. Keeping ingredients in one place helps you stay efficient and expedites clean-up, too.
Use sheet pans as trays
Sheet pans: They are not just for dinner anymore! Use your trusty baking sheet to stay organized while your meal prep. Keeping ingredients in one place helps you stay efficient and expedites clean-up, too.
Turn Wine into an Instant Cocktail
Have a group coming over but only one bottle of rosé in the fridge? Offer up some variety by turning wine into a fun, fizzy spritzer cocktail. Simply pour wine over ice and top with sparkling water. Red and white wine work well. Add fresh fruit as a garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
Keep ice cream cool
Bubble wrap is a powerful insulator. While on the road, keep your Chunky Monkey from melting by wrapping the pint in plastic bubble wrap. It’ll stay firm for hours.
Stop stirring peanut butter
Getting tired of mixing the oil back into your natural peanut butter? There’s an easy solution: Store the jar upside-down. When you’re ready to make your favourite dessert, simply turn it right-side up. The oil will try to rise back to the top and the peanut butter will be much easier to stir. Nutty right?
Stop cheese from sticking
Grated cheese really makes a difference but it can be a pain to prep. For easy clean-up, use a quick spritz of cooking spray on your cheese grater to keep the cheese from sticking. You will never go back to pre-shredded again.
Plate like a pro
Dip the blade of your sharp knife in hot water to heat it up. Then wipe with a dry towel and cut your cake or cheesecake into nice, tidy slices. Repeat each time for pretty slices with a clean edge.
Get more juice
Next time you need fresh lemon juice, try this restaurant tip. Microwave a lemon for seven to 10 seconds. Then, roll the lemon back and forth under your palm on the counter. When you squeeze, you will get more juice from the lemon with way less effort. Try it with limes, too!
Give butter an upgrade
What is the best thing since sliced bread? Flavoured butter. Making it at home is as easy as adding lemon juice and herbs to a softened stick. Want to get nifty? Mould the flavoured butter into a log shape by laying the softened butter on a square of parchment and shaping is using a ruler as a guiding tool. Twist ends to seal and freeze to use when needed.
Make herbs last longer
Nothing is worse than buying fresh herbs and seeing them wilt the next day. Keep herbs like parsley and cilantro bright with this simple storage tip: Trim the stems and place them in a small glass of water. Then place a plastic bag (like the one you got at the grocer) over top and secure by tying the plastic in a knot or wrapping it with butcher’s string. Store in the fridge or on the counter for up to two weeks!
Repurpose your pizza cutter
The wheel of a pizza cutter is perfect for cutting herbs in all directions. Bunch them up and wheel back and forth until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
Decorate cookies before baking
For bakery-style decorations, place cut-outs on the baking sheet. Then fashion the cutter over each cookie as a frame and carefully top with sprinkles or coloured sugar. Bake as you normally would and your cookies are presentable straight from the oven.
Hope you can take away some of these kitchen hacks to help you out in the kitchen. What favourite tips do you have to share? Let us know!
