Here are 10 cooking hacks every home chef should know:
1. **Use a Slow Cooker for Flavor**:
- Slow cook meats with spices for tender, flavorful dishes. You can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
2. **Keep Herbs Fresh**:
- Store fresh herbs in a glass of water, like a bouquet, and cover them with a plastic bag in the fridge to keep them fresh longer.
3. **Use a Muffin Tin for Portion Control**:
- Use a muffin tin to portion out meals like meatloaf or casseroles. It makes for easy serving and freezing.
4. **Peel Garlic Easily**:
- Smash garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife to loosen the skins, making them easier to peel.
5. **Revive Stale Bread**:
- To revive stale bread, sprinkle it with a little water and bake in the oven for a few minutes. It’ll come out warm and crusty.
6. **Make Your Own Buttermilk**:
- Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This creates a quick substitute for buttermilk.
7. **Chill Wine Quickly**:
- If you need to chill a bottle of wine fast, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
8. **Prevent Boiling Over**:
- Place a wooden spoon across the top of a pot to prevent water from boiling over. The spoon will break the bubbles.
9. **Cut Herbs with Scissors**:
- Use kitchen scissors to chop fresh herbs quickly and easily instead of a knife for a finer cut.
10. **Keep Your Knives Sharp**:
- Regularly hone your knives with a honing steel before use. This maintains the edge and ensures safer, more efficient cutting.
These hacks can help streamline your cooking process and enhance your culinary skills!
