10 Kitchen Hacks to Save You Time and Effort: Clever Tricks for Cooking and Cleanup
Hey there, kitchen wizards! We all know that cooking and cleanup can be time-consuming and sometimes downright exhausting. But what if I told you there are simple hacks that can save you loads of time and effort? Today, we’re diving into 10 clever kitchen hacks that will streamline your cooking and cleanup routine, making your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. Some of these tips are even recommended by famous chefs and celebrities. Let’s get started!
1. Use a Trash Bowl - Recommended by Rachael Ray
Why it works: Keeping a dedicated bowl on your countertop for kitchen scraps and trash helps you keep your workspace clean and organized. Instead of making multiple trips to the garbage can, you can collect everything in one place and dump it all at once. We prefer multi-taskers like the Cuisinart Mixing Bowl Set.
How to do it: Place a large bowl next to your cutting board before you start cooking. Toss in vegetable peels, egg shells, and other waste as you go. This keeps your prep area tidy and speeds up the cleanup process.
2. Microwave Garlic for Easy Peeling
Why it works: Microwaving garlic for a few seconds makes the skin loosen, making it much easier to peel. This hack saves time and effort, especially when you need a lot of garlic for a recipe.
How to do it: Place a whole garlic bulb or a few cloves in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The heat causes the skin to separate from the cloves, allowing you to peel them with minimal effort.
3. Use a Kitchen Bench Scraper for Efficient Cleanup
Why it works: A bench scraper is a versatile tool that can be used for more than just baking. It’s perfect for quickly gathering and transferring chopped ingredients and for scraping off bits of dough or food stuck to your countertop.
How to do it: After chopping vegetables or herbs, use the bench scraper to scoop them up and transfer them to your bowl or pan. Once you’re done cooking, use it to scrape off any food residue on your work surface.
4. Keep a Damp Towel Under Your Cutting Board - Recommended by Gordon Ramsay
Why it works: Placing a damp kitchen towel or non-slip mat under your cutting board prevents it from sliding around. This makes chopping and slicing safer and more efficient.
How to do it: Dampen a kitchen towel (just a little) and place it flat on your countertop. Set your cutting board on top of it. The towel provides grip, keeping the board steady while you work.
5. Label Freezer Bags with Cooking Instructions
Why it works: Labeling your freezer bags (we like these because they are compostable) with cooking instructions saves you time and prevents you from having to look up recipes or instructions later. It’s especially useful for meal prepping and batch cooking.
How to do it: When you freeze soups, stews, or marinated meats, write the cooking instructions directly on the freezer bag with a permanent marker. Include details like cooking time, temperature, and any additional ingredients needed.
6. Use a Slow Cooker Liner for Easy Cleanup
Why it works: Slow cooker liners are disposable bags that line the inside of your slow cooker. They prevent food from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
How to do it: Place a slow cooker liner inside your slow cooker before adding your ingredients. Once your meal is cooked and served, simply remove the liner and discard it. Your slow cooker will remain clean, requiring minimal washing.
7. Soften Butter Quickly with a Warm Glass
Why it works: If you need softened butter for baking or spreading, but forgot to take it out of the fridge in advance, this hack is a lifesaver. Using a warm glass helps soften the butter without melting it.
How to do it: Fill a glass with hot water and let it sit for a minute. Pour out the water and place the warm glass upside down over the stick of butter. After a few minutes, the butter will be soft and ready to use.
8. Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil
Why it works: Freezing herbs in olive oil (this one is particularly delicious) preserves their flavor and prevents them from getting freezer burn. It’s a great way to keep herbs fresh and ready to use in your cooking. Often, we will have leftover basil, rosemary, etc., that we immediately combine into olive oil and freeze.
How to do it: Chop your herbs and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill each compartment with olive oil, covering the herbs completely. Freeze until solid, then transfer the herb cubes to a freezer bag. Use them as needed in soups, stews, and sautés.
9. Clean Your Blender with Soapy Water
Why it works: Cleaning a blender can be a hassle, but this hack makes it quick and easy. Blending soapy water cleans the blades and interior without the need for scrubbing.
How to do it: After using your blender, fill it halfway with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Secure the lid and blend on high for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
10. Use a Roll-up Dish Drying Rack Over the Sink for Mess-Free Draining
Why it works: Placing a Roll-up Dish Drying Rack over your sink creates a convenient spot for draining fried foods or rinsed vegetables. It allows water and oil to drip off without making a mess on your countertop.
How to do it: Set drying rack over one side of your sink. Place fried foods, washed vegetables, or cooked pasta on the rack to drain. The sink catches the drips, keeping your workspace clean.
Conclusion:
There you have it—10 clever kitchen hacks to save you time and effort. By incorporating these tricks into your routine, you’ll streamline your cooking and cleanup processes, making your time in the kitchen more efficient and enjoyable. So go ahead, try out these hacks, and watch your kitchen skills soar!