1. Use a spoon to peel ginger: Instead of trying to peel ginger with a knife or vegetable peeler, use a spoon to scrape off the outer layer. The spoon’s curved edge makes it easy to navigate the knobby ginger root, resulting in less waste and a quicker prep time.
2. Freeze leftover herbs in oil: Don’t let your fresh herbs go to waste. Chop them up and mix them with olive oil, then freeze them in ice cube trays. Next time you need a hit of flavor, just pop out a cube and add it to your dish.
3. Microwave garlic for easy peeling: Peeling garlic can be a tedious task, but not if you use the microwave. Simply pop a head of garlic in the microwave for 15 seconds, and the cloves will easily slip out of their skins.
4. Grate butter for easier incorporation: Trying to mix cold butter into a recipe can be a chore. Instead, use a cheese grater to grate the butter into small pieces, making it easier to incorporate into your dough or batter.
5. Use an ice cream scoop for perfect cookies: Want evenly sized cookies without the hassle of shaping each one by hand? Use an ice cream scoop to portion out your cookie dough. Not only will your cookies be uniform in size, but it will also save you time and effort.
6. Freeze bread for easy slicing: If you find yourself struggling to cut even slices of bread, try freezing it first. Frozen bread is easier to slice, and you can simply pop it in the toaster to thaw and enjoy.
7. Open jars with a rubber band: Can’t get a stubborn jar lid to budge? Wrap a rubber band around the lid for extra grip and leverage. The rubber band will provide traction, making it easier to twist off the lid.
8. Prevent pots from boiling over with a wooden spoon: Place a wooden spoon across the top of a boiling pot to prevent it from spilling over. The spoon will break the surface tension and keep the bubbles in check.
These kitchen hacks are simple, yet effective in saving time and making cooking more enjoyable. Give them a try and see how they can change the way you cook. Happy cooking!
