ADVERTISEMENT
—
#### 1. **The Secret to Perfectly Soft Butter**
No more microwaving your butter and ending up with a melted mess! If you need soft butter in a hurry for your recipe, place it on the countertop near a warm oven or simply roll it under a glass for a few minutes. The heat will soften it without turning it into a puddle.
—
#### 2. **Keep Your Avocados Fresh Longer**
We’ve all experienced the heartbreak of a browning avocado. To keep it fresh, store unused avocado halves with an onion in an airtight container. The onion helps to slow down the oxidation process, keeping the avocado from turning brown for days.
—
#### 3. **Peel Garlic Quickly Using a Mason Jar**
Peeling garlic can be a sticky and time-consuming task, but not anymore. Simply place your garlic cloves into a mason jar, cover it, and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. You’ll be amazed at how easily the skins come off without any mess.
—
#### 4. **Quickly Ripen Bananas with Aluminum Foil**
If you need ripe bananas for baking but they’re still green, wrap the stem of the bananas in aluminum foil. This traps the ethylene gas, speeding up the ripening process. In just a day or two, you’ll have the perfect bananas for banana bread or smoothies!
—
#### 5. **Get Crispy Potatoes Without Frying**
Want crispy potatoes without the hassle of deep frying? Slice them thinly, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at a high temperature (425°F) for 25–30 minutes. Flip halfway through for a golden, crispy texture that tastes just as good as fried!
—
#### 6. **Make Your Own Non-Stick Baking Spray**
Running out of store-bought baking spray? No problem! Simply mix equal parts flour, vegetable oil, and shortening in a jar and shake. This homemade spray works perfectly to coat your pans for cakes, muffins, and more!
—
#### 7. **Freeze Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil**
Ever buy a bunch of fresh herbs only to have them wilt and go bad before you can use them? To extend their shelf life, chop the herbs and freeze them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. They’re ready to drop into soups, sauces, and sautéed dishes whenever you need them.
—
#### 8. **Rest Dough to Increase Fluffiness**
Many bakers don’t realize this trick—resting dough is key to a fluffier, lighter result. Allow your dough to rest for at least 15–30 minutes before baking. This helps the gluten relax and results in a more tender and airy texture for your bread, pizza, or pastries.
—
#### 9. **Use a Toothpick to Check Cake Doneness**
This one might seem obvious, but here’s a fun hack you might not have known: Instead of using a regular knife to check if your cake is done, use a toothpick! It’s more accurate and leaves fewer crumbs behind. Insert it in the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your cake is ready!
—
### Conclusion
From making your cake fluffier to keeping your avocados fresh, these kitchen hacks are easy to implement and will save you time and effort. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these tricks will make you feel like a kitchen pro! So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, remember these tips—you’ll be surprised at how much simpler your cooking routine can be. Happy cooking!
ADVERTISEMENT
