Kitchen Hacks Every Home Cook Should Know

Store Herbs like a Pro for Maximum Freshness

Keeping herbs fresh can be a challenge, but the trick is to treat them like fresh flowers. For soft herbs such as parsley, cilantro, and basil, trim the ends and place them in a glass of water. Cover them loosely with a plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator. Basil should be left on the counter as it doesn’t like the cold. Hard herbs like rosemary and thyme can be rolled in a damp paper towel and stored in a plastic bag in the fridge. This way, they’ll stay fresh longer and retain their flavors, keeping your dishes vibrant and aromatic.

Make Perfectly Crispy Bacon Every Time

Say goodbye to greasy stovetop messes and unevenly cooked bacon by using your oven. Lay bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Place the sheet in a cold oven, then set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness. This method ensures even cooking and frees up your stovetop for other tasks. Plus, the oven-cooked bacon turns out less greasy and delightfully crispy, perfect for breakfast or as a tasty addition to your recipes.

Never Cry Over Chopped Onions Again

Cutting onions can be a tearful experience, but a simple hack can make it tear-free. Chill the onion in the freezer for about 15 minutes before cutting. The cold temperature slows down the release of the sulfur compounds that cause tears. Alternatively, place a wet paper towel next to the onion. It helps absorb some of the compounds, offering more tear-free time as you slice and dice. By mastering these tricks, you’ll find chopping onions more pleasant and efficient.

Keep Brown Sugar Soft with Marshmallows

If you find your brown sugar hard and clumpy, it’s time to adopt a sweet trick—marshmallows. Adding a marshmallow or two to the sugar canister maintains its moisture, keeping the sugar soft and scoopable. This works because the marshmallows’ moisture content prevents sugar from drying out. If you don’t have marshmallows, a slice of bread can work similarly. This hack ensures your brown sugar remains ready and easy to use in your baking projects.

Effortlessly Peel Eggs with Baking Soda

Peeling hard-boiled eggs can be a frustrating experience when the shell sticks. One kitchen secret involves adding baking soda to the boiling water. The alkaline nature of baking soda raises the pH of the eggs, making them easier to peel. Use about half a teaspoon of baking soda per quart of water when you start boiling your eggs. Once cooked, place them in an ice bath to cool, then gently crack and peel the shells away with ease.

Maximize Citrus Juice with Microwave Magic

Enhance the juiciness of lemons, limes, or oranges by warming them in the microwave. Heat the citrus fruits for 15-20 seconds before juicing. The microwave helps break down the fruit’s fibers, allowing you to extract more juice with less effort. Use this method particularly for recipes requiring copious amounts of juice, such as marinades and salad dressings. This hack saves you time and ensures you get the most out of your citrus fruits.

Anchor Your Cutting Board for Safety

A slippery cutting board can be hazardous, leading to accidents in the kitchen. To secure your cutting board, place a damp kitchen towel or paper towel underneath it. This simple act provides grip and stability, preventing the board from sliding on the countertop while you chop and dice. Ensuring your cutting board is stable not only enhances safety but also improves your precision and efficiency in meal prepping tasks.

Refreshing Stale Bread with an Oven Trick

Before discarding stale bread, try revitalizing it with an oven hack. Spritz the bread lightly with water, wrap it in aluminum foil, and place it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This technique rejuvenates the bread’s texture, making it soft and deliciously warm as if it were freshly baked. Whether you’re dealing with baguettes or loaves, this trick helps cut down on food waste and enjoy bread to its fullest potential.

Preserve Cheese with a Vinegar Solution

Extend the life of cheese by using a vinegar-dipped cloth for storage. Wrap your cheese in wax paper, then cover it with a clean cloth moistened with vinegar. The acidity prevents mold growth and keeps your cheese fresher longer. Keep it in the cheese section of the fridge to maintain optimal temperature. Using this straightforward preservation approach, you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful cheese for longer periods, making your culinary creations even more delightful.