On this page you will find helpful tip and tricks for the kitchen!
- A great time saver when preparing meals is to pre-cook your ground beef, sausage and/or chicken. You can either freeze it or refrigerate them for use later in the week. A minute or two in the microwave and your all set.
- A great way to stay organized in the kitchen is to keep a running inventory of your spices, canned & dry goods, and also your frozen foods. That way you always know what items you need to purchase. (I always use a pencil this way I am able to subtract when I choose the items for my menu or add after I go shopping)
To prevent brown sugar from clumping and turning hard, add a slice of bread to the bag/container. The bread absorbs the moisture instead of the brown sugar. When the bread gets had, discard and replace with a fresh slice.
To prevent salt from clumping in the salt shaker, add a few grains of rice to draw out the moisture that would otherwise be absorbed by the salt.
To prevent muffins/cupcakes from sticking to the papers, spray each paper with vegetable spray before adding the batter. The papers will easily peel away from the cake.
- Another use for the butter/margarine stick wrappers. Save the wrappers from each stick in a ziploc bag. When you need to grease a pan, simply remove one of the wrappers and rub over the pans surface.
- Purchase a new powder puff and store it in with your flour. When a recipe calls for a greased and floured pan, the powder puff will distribute the flour dust effortlessly and without a mess.
- Pour oil in a small squeeze trigger bottle & keep it handy. (you can pick them up at the local discount store) It works the same way those leading brands do and will save you money!
- To neutralize the smell of vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower, add a bread end OR slice of red pepper to the pot when cooking. Remove and discard before serving.
- To perk up wilted vegetables such as celery, carrots, radishes, green onions etc. soak in ice-cold water for 15 minutes before serving.
- Once a month, run 1 cup apple cidar vinegar through your coffee & tea makers. This helps remove the lime buildup from hard water. It will help clean the insides of the coffee/tea makers. Throw away the vinegar after it has "brewed". Fill the chambers with water & rinse the beverage makers twice, tossing out the brewed water and replace with fresh water each time. After two rinses, your makers should not taste or smell like vinegar.
- A paint scraper works wonders for cleaning off baked-on sauces from your stove-top. Can also be used cleaning sticky, dried on messes on countertops.
- An easy way to clean your microwave...dissolve 2 Tablespoons baking soda in 1 Cup of water. Set cup in the center of the microwave. Cook on high for 1 minute. As soon as the microwave shuts off, wipe down the inside of the microwave. Stubborn stains should lift right off.
- Spray your electric mixer beaters with vegetable oil before making a cake. The batter will mix more evenly and not stick to the beaters.
- To remove burnt-on food from a pan, put a tablespoon of baking soda in the pan with several inches of water. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let set for 30 minutes. Try washing the pan using a plastic scrub pad.
- For crispy fries at home that are like the fast food ones, sprinkle with flour before frying.
- Make your own croutons by cutting bread into bite sized cubes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Toss lightly, and spread on a cookie sheet. Toast in a 300 degree oven for 15 - 20 minutes. Once cooled place in an air tight container.