Whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, everyone can benefit from a few clever hacks to make cooking easier and more fun. Food hacks save you time and effort, while also improving your culinary skills. These simple yet effective food hacks can make your time in the kitchen more efficient, fun, and enjoyable. Try them out and see how they can change your cooking routine and improve your creations!
1. Peel garlic in the microwave
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Garlic adds great flavor to a variety of dishes, but peeling it is not everyone’s favorite chore. To peel garlic, put it in the microwave for about 20 seconds. The heat loosens the garlic skin, making it easier to peel with minimal effort. This trick not only saves time but also keeps your hands from getting sticky and smelly.
2. Chill wine in salt water
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Forgot to chill your wine before a dinner party? No problem! Fill a large bucket with ice, water, and a handful of salt. Submerge the wine bottle in this ice water. The salt lowers the freezing point of the water, making it colder than ice water alone. In about 15 minutes, your wine will be completely chilled and ready to serve. This method works for any beverage you need to chill quickly.
Also read: This unique way to peel boiled eggs will change your life – and all you need is a spoon!
3. Soften cookies with a slice of bread
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We all love cookies, but it can be very frustrating when they turn hard. To keep your cookies soft and chewy, keep a slice of bread in the cookie jar. The bread will slowly release moisture, which the cookies will absorb and keep them soft. Just remember to replace the bread slices every couple of days to prevent mold.
4. Separate the egg yolk with a water bottle
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Separating the egg yolk from the white can be tricky and messy. A simple solution is to use a plastic water bottle. Crack the egg into a bowl, squeeze the empty bottle slightly, then gently place the mouth of the bottle over the yolk and release the pressure. The yolk will drain into the bottle, leaving the white behind. This trick is quick, efficient, and perfect for recipes that only require egg whites.
5. Keep ginger in the freezer for easy grating
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Ginger adds a wonderful flavor to dishes, but it can be difficult to grate when fresh. Storing ginger in the freezer not only increases its shelf life but also makes it much easier to grate. Frozen ginger can be grated easily and smoothly, allowing you to add just the right amount of flavor to your meals without any hassle.
6. Soften cold butter quickly
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If you need soft butter for a recipe but forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can quickly soften it without melting it. Fill a glass with hot water, let it sit for a minute, then pour out the water and place the hot glass upside down over the stick of butter. The gentle heat from the glass will soften the butter in just a few minutes, making it easier to spread or mix into your ingredients.
Also read: Nothing is better than butter: Some cooking tips with butter you should know
7. Add a pinch of salt while chopping garlic
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When chopping garlic, it often sticks to the knife, making the process frustrating. To prevent this, add a pinch of salt to the garlic. The salt draws out the moisture from the garlic, which prevents it from sticking to the knife. Plus, the salt starts to flavor the garlic as you chop it, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
