50 Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks to Make Cooking Easier After a Long Day
19. Better Sangria
If you’re marinating fruit in wine and find that it keeps floating to the top, here’s a handy tip: add some ice on top of the fruit! The ice provides weight, helping to keep the fruit submerged in the liquid.
This not only ensures that all the fruit gets evenly marinated but also helps enhance the flavors throughout. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in your fruit marinating process. So next time you’re preparing a delicious wine-infused fruit dish, give this method a try for perfectly marinated results!
20. Corn Hack
Removing corn kernels can sometimes be a bit tricky, but here’s a simple trick to make it easier: place the corn cob upright in the center of a bundt pan! This way, as you slice down the sides to remove the kernels, they’ll fall neatly into the pan instead of scattering everywhere.
This method not only keeps your workspace tidy but also prevents the cob from slipping around while you cut. It’s a great little hack for anyone who loves fresh corn. So next time you’re getting ready to enjoy some corn on the cob, give this bundt pan technique a try!
21. Fresh Cookies For Longer
There’s truly nothing like a freshly baked cookie! To keep those delicious cookies fresh for as long as possible, store them in an airtight container. But here’s a neat trick: add a slice of bread to the container as well.
The bread helps to maintain moisture, which keeps your cookies soft and prevents them from becoming stale too quickly. It’s a simple yet effective way to enjoy that homemade goodness for a little longer. So, next time you bake a batch of cookies, don’t forget to add that slice of bread to keep them fresh and tasty!
22. Homemade Fondant
If you want to decorate a cake but would rather skip the store-bought fondant, you can easily make your own at home! It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is. Here’s a straightforward recipe to get you started.
To make homemade fondant, you’ll need a bag of mini marshmallows (about 10 ounces), a couple of tablespoons of water, about four cups of powdered sugar (plus some extra for dusting), and a little shortening to grease your hands and surfaces. Start by tossing the mini marshmallows and water into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they puff up and get all gooey. Give them a good stir until they’re completely melted and smooth.
Next, gradually add in the powdered sugar. Use a spatula to mix it in until it becomes too sticky to stir. You might feel like you’re in a bit of a sticky situation, but that’s okay! Dust your countertop with some powdered sugar, then turn the marshmallow mixture out onto it. Grease your hands with a bit of shortening (trust me, this makes a difference!) and start kneading the fondant. Keep kneading until it’s nice and smooth, adding more powdered sugar if it’s still too sticky.
If you want your fondant to be colorful, now’s the time to add some gel food coloring. Just a small amount will do—mix it in while you’re kneading, and you’ll have some beautiful shades to work with! Once your fondant is ready, roll it out to your desired thickness. Then you can use it to cover your cake or create fun decorations.
Making your own fondant is a fantastic way to add a personal touch to your cakes, and it tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff. Plus, you can customize the colors and flavors to match any theme or occasion. So next time you’re getting ready to decorate a cake, give this homemade fondant a try. You might just find it’s your new favorite kitchen hack!
23. Reheat Pasta Evenly
If you’re looking to repurpose leftover pasta, here’s a handy tip for reheating it! Instead of just tossing it in a bowl, try arranging it in the microwave in the shape of a donut. Simply create a ring with the pasta, leaving a hole in the center.
This method allows for more even heating, so your pasta warms up consistently throughout. No more cold spots! Plus, it’s a simple trick that makes reheating feel a little more intentional. So next time you’re dealing with leftover pasta, give this donut shape a try for a perfectly warmed-up meal!
24. Softer Ice Cream
If you’re fed up with struggling to scoop ice cream out of the container, here’s a clever trick for you! Try placing the ice cream container inside a freezer bag. Before sealing the bag, make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible.
This helps prevent ice crystals from forming, keeping your ice cream creamy and easier to scoop. When you’re ready to enjoy some ice cream, you’ll find it much easier to get that perfect scoop. So next time you’re diving into a tub of ice cream, give this method a shot—it’ll make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable!
25. Slide-proof Cutting Board
Using a cutting board that slides around while you’re chopping can be risky, especially with sharp blades involved. To help prevent any accidents, try placing a damp paper towel underneath your cutting board.
This simple trick adds traction, keeping the board stable and secure as you cut. It makes the whole process safer and more efficient, allowing you to focus on your prep work without worrying about slips. So next time you’re getting ready to chop, don’t forget that damp paper towel—it’s a small change that can make a big difference!
26. Dental Floss Hack
Dental floss is surprisingly versatile and can be used for much more than just keeping your teeth clean! Besides its dental applications, floss is great for cutting cakes, cookie dough, or even soft cheeses without squishing or deforming them.
Using floss allows for a clean, precise cut that’s often difficult to achieve with a knife. Just stretch the floss tightly and slice through whatever you’re cutting—it’s an easy and effective way to get perfect portions every time. So next time you’re baking or serving cheese, consider reaching for that dental floss for a neat and tidy cut!
27. Open Jars Easily
If you’re struggling to open a stubborn jar, here’s a handy trick: wrap a rubber band around the lid! This adds extra grip, making it much easier to twist off.
The rubber band helps you get a better hold, reducing the chance of slipping. Just place the band around the lid, and then give it a twist. You might be surprised at how much easier it becomes! So next time you encounter a tricky jar, try this simple hack for a smoother opening experience.
