1. Use Vinegar to Clean Your Microwave
Stuck-on food and smells in your microwave? Fill a bowl with equal parts water and white vinegar, and microwave it for about five minutes. The steam loosens grime, making it easy to wipe away with a cloth, while the vinegar removes lingering odors.
2. Soften Butter Quickly with Warm Water
Need soft butter fast? Place the butter in a dish and heat a glass of water until it’s hot. Pour the water out, then place the warm glass over the butter. In just a few minutes, it’ll be perfectly softened without melting.
3. Keep Herbs Fresh with a Damp Paper Towel
Fresh herbs often wilt quickly in the fridge. Wrap them in a damp paper towel and store them in a resealable bag or container. This keeps them hydrated, extending their freshness for days or even weeks longer.
4. Use a Mason Jar to Peel Garlic
Hate peeling garlic? Break apart a head of garlic, place the cloves in a mason jar, and shake vigorously. The skins will come off, leaving you with clean garlic cloves and no sticky fingers.
5. Freeze Leftover Herbs in Olive Oil
If you have extra fresh herbs, freeze them in an ice cube tray with olive oil. This locks in flavor and makes it easy to add a burst of herbs to any dish. Just toss a cube into your pan when cooking!
6. Prevent Boiling Over with a Wooden Spoon
Place a wooden spoon across the top of a pot of boiling water, and it won’t boil over. The spoon absorbs some of the bubbles and breaks the surface tension, keeping your stovetop mess-free.
7. Slice Cherry Tomatoes in Seconds
To quickly slice a batch of cherry tomatoes, place them between two small plates. Gently press down on the top plate to hold them in place, then run a knife between the plates. This cuts them all in half at once, saving you time.
8. Revive Stale Bread with Water and Heat
To bring stale bread back to life, lightly moisten the crust with water, then place it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. The steam helps soften the bread, making it taste fresh again.
9. Prevent Sticky Measuring Cups with Oil
Measuring sticky ingredients like honey or syrup? Coat your measuring cup or spoon with a bit of oil first. The sticky ingredient will slide right out, making cleanup much easier.
10. Use an Ice Cube to Remove Fat from Soup
To quickly skim fat from soup, drop an ice cube in and stir it for a few seconds. The fat will cling to the cube, which you can then scoop out with a spoon, leaving a healthier, leaner soup.
11. Save Cheese from Drying Out with Butter
When storing hard cheeses like Parmesan, spread a small amount of butter or olive oil on the cut edges before wrapping. This keeps the cheese from drying out and preserves its flavor.
12. Ripen Bananas Quickly in the Oven
If you need ripe bananas for baking but only have green ones, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. This process softens and sweetens them, making them perfect for banana bread or muffins.
