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### 2. **Use Silicone Mats or Parchment Paper**
When baking or roasting, the Neat Hack includes using silicone mats or parchment paper on your trays. These versatile materials prevent food from sticking to surfaces, making cleanup effortless.
**Tip:** Line your baking sheets or trays with these materials to avoid the need for scrubbing pans, especially when cooking sticky foods like caramelized vegetables or baked goods.
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### 3. **Double-Ended Measuring Cups and Spoons**
Using double-ended measuring tools helps save both time and space. The longer handles on these tools allow you to scoop ingredients from deep containers while the double-ended spoons are perfect for scooping multiple ingredients without needing to dirty additional utensils.
**Bonus:** Many of these tools are dishwasher safe, cutting down on hand-washing time.
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### 4. **One-Pot or One-Pan Dishes**
The Neat Hack encourages dishes that can be made using minimal cookware. Opting for one-pot or one-pan meals is a simple yet effective way to reduce dishwashing while still cooking a full and satisfying meal.
**Examples:**
– **One-Pan Roasted Vegetables with Chicken**: A great option that combines protein and vegetables in one pan, saving time and preventing excess cleanup.
– **Risotto or Pasta in a Single Pot**: These can be made with minimal fuss and give you a rich, creamy meal.
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### 5. **Pre-Clean As You Go**
A hallmark of the Neat Hack is cleaning as you cook. Keep a designated bowl for scraps, and wipe down counters regularly to avoid a mess accumulating throughout the cooking process. This keeps your workspace tidy, so you’re not left with a mountain of dishes to tackle at the end.
**Tip:** Always have a wet towel handy to wipe your hands and clean up small spills as you go. This simple action prevents sticky situations from taking over your kitchen.
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### 6. **Use Cooking Tools That Minimize Waste**
The Neat Hack also includes tools and ingredients that help you cook more efficiently and reduce waste. For example, using a garlic press means you don’t have to peel garlic manually, and investing in a herb chopper can chop fresh herbs quickly with minimal mess.
Additionally, look for packaging that minimizes waste—opting for resealable bags or reusable containers over single-use plastic wraps can make your kitchen cleaner and more sustainable.
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### 7. **Easy-to-Clean Appliances**
Modern kitchen gadgets like air fryers, pressure cookers, and Instant Pots have revolutionized the way we cook. Not only are they efficient, but they often come with easy-to-clean nonstick surfaces, further reducing your post-cooking cleanup time.
**Bonus:** Air fryers, for example, allow you to cook crispy foods without much oil, leaving your stove and oven free from grease splatters.
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### 8. **Plan Simple and Balanced Meals**
The simpler your meals, the easier it is to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen. The Neat Hack encourages creating recipes with fewer ingredients that don’t require multiple complicated steps or cooking methods.
**Tip:** Focus on meals that can be put together in 30 minutes or less. Stir-fries, simple pastas, or grilled protein and vegetables are great examples of easy-to-clean recipes.
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### Conclusion
The Neat Hack is a practical way to revolutionize the way you approach cooking. By implementing organization, using smart tools, and sticking to efficient techniques, you can enjoy a delicious meal without the chaos. Less mess, more flavor, and an enjoyable kitchen experience—what’s not to love?
Give the Neat Hack a try next time you’re cooking, and you’ll find yourself not only cooking faster but also with a cleaner, more efficient kitchen to boot!
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