17 Cool Food Hacks That Actually Work
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In the age of social media, it seems like there’s a new food hack going viral every day. From easy kitchen shortcuts to creative cooking techniques, these hacks promise to make our lives easier and our meals more exciting. But do they actually work? Here are 17 cool food hacks that have been tested and proven effective, helping you save time in the kitchen and add some fun to your cooking routine.
Ripen Avocados Quickly
Avocados are notorious for being hard to predict when it comes to ripeness. If you find yourself with an underripe avocado and no time to wait, try this hack: place the avocado in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process. Your avocado should be ready to eat in just a day or two.
Prevent Tears When Cutting Onions
Cutting onions can be a tearful experience, but there’s a simple hack to prevent those stinging eyes. Before cutting the onion, place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. The cold temperature will slow down the release of the volatile compounds that cause tears. You can also try lighting a candle or chewing gum while you cut to distract your senses.
Peel Garlic Easily
Peeling garlic can be a tedious and sticky task, but this hack makes it a breeze. Place the garlic cloves in a sealed container or jar, then shake vigorously for a minute or two. The friction will cause the skins to loosen and fall off, leaving you with perfectly peeled cloves.
Make Crispy Bacon in the Oven
Cooking bacon on the stovetop can be messy and time-consuming, but this oven method produces perfectly crispy bacon with minimal effort. Line a baking sheet with foil, place the bacon strips on top, and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon. No flipping required!
Reheat Pizza in a Skillet
Leftover pizza can be soggy and unappetizing when reheated in the microwave. For a crispy crust and melty cheese, try reheating your pizza in a skillet instead. Place the slice in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Make Perfectly Round Eggs
If you’re a fan of breakfast sandwiches or eggs benedict, you know that a perfectly round egg can make all the difference. To achieve that shape, try cracking your egg into a mason jar lid or a round cookie cutter placed in the pan. The egg will cook into a neat circle that fits perfectly on your sandwich.
Soften Butter Quickly
If you forget to take your butter out of the fridge before baking, don’t worry – this hack will soften it up in no time. Fill a tall glass with hot water and let it sit for a minute or two. Pour out the water, then place the glass upside down over the stick of butter. The residual heat from the glass will soften the butter in just a few minutes.
Use an Ice Cube Tray for Leftover Herbs
If you find yourself with leftover fresh herbs that you don’t want to go to waste, try freezing them in an ice cube tray. Chop the herbs finely, place them in the tray, and cover with olive oil or water before freezing. Then, when you need a burst of fresh herb flavor in your cooking, simply pop out a cube and add it to your dish.
Prevent Pots from Boiling Over
If you’ve ever had a pot of pasta or rice boil over and make a mess on your stovetop, this hack is for you. Place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot – the spoon will break the surface tension of the bubbles and prevent them from spilling over.
Make Homemade Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a common ingredient in baked goods, but it’s not always something we keep on hand. If a recipe calls for buttermilk and you don’t have any, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, then use as directed in your recipe.
Keep Sliced Avocado Fresh
Sliced avocado can quickly turn brown and unappetizing, but this hack will keep it fresh and green for longer. Brush the cut surface of the avocado with a little lemon or lime juice, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The citric acid will prevent oxidation and keep the avocado looking fresh.
Cook Corn on the Cob in the Microwave
Boiling corn on the cob can be a time-consuming process, but this microwave hack makes it quick and easy. Place a whole, unshucked ear of corn in the microwave and cook on high for 3-4 minutes. The husk and silk will come off easily, and the corn will be perfectly cooked and tender.
Make Homemade Ice Cream with Two Ingredients
You don’t need an ice cream maker to enjoy homemade ice cream – all you need is heavy whipping cream and a can of sweetened condensed milk. Whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the condensed milk. Freeze the mixture for a few hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming. You can add flavorings like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or fruit puree to customize your ice cream.
Use a Waffle Iron for Crispy Hash Browns
If you love crispy hash browns but struggle to get them just right in a pan, try using your waffle iron instead. Grate potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture, then mix with a little oil and seasoning. Place the mixture in the waffle iron and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Peel Potatoes Without a Peeler
Peeling potatoes can be a time-consuming task, but this hack makes it easy. Boil the potatoes until tender, then place them in an ice bath to cool slightly. Use a paring knife to make a shallow cut around the circumference of each potato, then use your hands to slide the skin off in one piece.
Make Homemade Whipped Cream in a Mason Jar
Homemade whipped cream is so much better than the canned stuff, and this hack makes it easy to make without any special equipment. Pour heavy whipping cream into a mason jar, add a little sugar and vanilla extract, then seal the jar tightly. Shake the jar vigorously for a few minutes until the cream thickens and forms stiff peaks.
Use a Muffin Tin for Perfect Poached Eggs
Poached eggs can be tricky to get just right, but this hack makes it foolproof. Crack an egg into each cup of a muffin tin, then fill the tin with hot water until it comes about halfway up the sides of the eggs. Bake in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny.
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