Good cooking is an art and a pleasure for those who love it and a pain in the neck for those who don’t. But wherever you stand on the cooking spectrum, it’s often the smallest chores that are the most annoying. Try these tips to help make your kitchen duty easier and more productive.
- Yes, You can Make Guac in Advance – Just add water to keep it from going brown. Mash the avocados, season your guacamole and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you need it. Put it in an airtight plastic container, mash it flat with no air pockets and pour enough water on it to cover the surface. At serving time, pour out the water and stir. Presto! Fresh, green guacamole. Ole!
- Soften That Hard Brown Sugar – If your brown sugar has hardened into a rock-solid lump, zap the whole box in the microwave for 30 seconds. If that doesn’t do it, place a few lumps of the sugar in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel and zap it for 20 seconds.
- Pop That Stubborn Jar Open – Don’t waste your time or strength trying to open a pig-headed jar of olives or pasta sauce. Insert a spoon or the edge of a can opener in the crack between the lid and the glass and press upward until you hear the center pop. Now open the jar with ease and enjoy.
- Be Your Own Barista at Home – Froth milk for your coffee like a pro. Put a little milk in a jar and shake it until the volume doubles. Microwave it for 20 seconds, then pour the froth on your coffee.
- Save a Burnt Pot – The liquid boiled out and the inside of your stainless-steel pot is burnt black, but it isn’t ruined. Boil white vinegar in it for five minutes, then add a couple tablespoons of baking soda. It will fizz instantly, loosening the char. After a few minutes, pour the mess out, add a little liquid dish soap and use some elbow grease with a pot scrubber until the shine returns.
