The kitchen can be one of the busiest and most challenging spaces in the home. From cooking meals to cleaning up, there’s always something to do. But with the right tricks and tips, you can make your time in the kitchen much more efficient and enjoyable. In this article, we’ve compiled 10 clever kitchen hacks that you need to try today.
1. Use a Pizza Cutter to Cut Sandwiches
If you’re tired of squishing sandwiches while trying to cut them with a traditional knife, give your pizza cutter a try. Simply roll the cutter along the sandwich, and you’ll get a clean, even cut every time. This works especially well for kid’s sandwiches, as they’re often smaller and easier to manage with a pizza cutter.
2. Freeze Leftover Wine in Ice Cube Trays
If you always end up with a little leftover wine after opening a bottle, freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily add a splash to your sauces or soups whenever you need it, without having to open a whole new bottle. Plus, it’s a great way to prevent waste.
3. Keep Brown Sugar Soft with Bread
If you’ve ever tried to measure brown sugar, only to find it’s turned rock hard, you know how frustrating it can be. But there’s an easy solution – add a piece of bread to the bag or container. The bread will absorb any moisture that’s making the sugar hard, keeping it soft and easy to use.
4. Use a Muffin Tin for Portion Control
If you’re trying to watch your portion sizes, a muffin tin can be a great help. Use it to portion out snacks like trail mix, or even to make mini shepherd’s pies or quiches. This way, you can enjoy your favorite foods without overeating.
5. Freeze Homemade Broth in Ice Cube Trays
If you make your own broth, freeze it in ice cube trays. This way, you can easily add a touch of flavor to your meals without having to make a whole new batch of broth every time. Plus, it’s a great way to prevent waste, as you can use exactly as much as you need.
6. Use Paper Towels to Keep Greens Fresh
If you’ve ever tried to store lettuce or other greens in the fridge, you know how quickly they can wilt and turn slimy. But if you put a damp paper towel on top of them, it will help keep them fresh much longer. Just replace the paper towel every few days to keep things fresh.
7. Use a Cookie Scoop for Perfect Pancakes
If you’ve ever ended up with uneven pancakes because you ladled the batter in with a spoon, try using a cookie scoop instead. It will help ensure that each pancake is the same size, and you’ll end up with a beautiful stack of perfectly round pancakes.
8. Use a Cereal Container for Dog Food
If you have a dog, storing their food can be a challenge. But if you use a cereal container with a tight-fitting lid, it’s easy to keep their food fresh and organized. Plus, it’s much easier to scoop out their food than it is to try to pour it from a bag.
9. Use a Plastic Bag to Cut Down on Mess
If you’re trying to chop something messy or juicy, like strawberries or raw chicken, put it in a plastic bag first. This way, you can contain the mess and keep your cutting board clean. Plus, it’s easy to throw the bag away when you’re done.
10. Use a Slow Cooker to Make Yogurt
If you love yogurt, you don’t have to buy it at the store. You can make your own in a slow cooker! Just add milk and a starter culture (like the live bacteria found in store-bought yogurt), and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The result is a delicious, creamy yogurt that’s much cheaper than store-bought.
In conclusion, these 10 clever kitchen hacks are all easy to implement and can make a big difference in your daily routine. From making portion control easier to keeping your food fresh, these tips will help you save time, money, and frustration. Give them a try today!