Kitchen Hacks
Last month we suggested some of our cooking hacks to make life a little easier in a very busy kitchen.
This month please try some of actual kitchen hacks…
Number one tip – chopping boards always seem to slide and move – simply place a tea towel under the board. Safe non wobbly board and no cut fingers!
Smelly hands having chopped onions or garlic? Apart from saving the problem in the first place by wearing plastic disposable gloves – rub a cut lemon slice over your hands. Works!
If you are having a big cook day – get out all bowls, equipment and utensils out of their homes first. Maybe put them all onto a tray or utensils in a jug. Saves constantly opening drawers and cupboards, especially if you have floury hands.
When using baking parchment to line a tray, crumple it up first, it will open up and makes it easier to get into corners.
Another baking parchment tip is – before freezing cakes or a homecooked meal – lie a piece of magic paper over it first, then wrap very well in foil or cling film. Helps stop ‘freezer burn’.
Invest in a very small mini whisk. Next time you have an empty jam jar, wash it well. Use said mini whisk and jam jar when making dressings and vinaigrettes.
If you don’t have one – buy a knife sharpener – you will be very pleased with yourself – and your sharp knives!
If you are worried that eggs are not as fresh as they should be – pop them into a bowl of cold water. If they float don’t use them!
Talking of ‘fresh’ – bags of mixed salad leaves are very attractive and useful but do go off quickly. Once opened, place a sheet of kitchen paper in the bag., which absorbs any moisture that will make the leaves soggy. Magic.
A real student’s tip – if you have started making your own pastry (and it is not rocket science!) but don’t have a rolling pin – use a clean wine bottle.
If you are boiling eggs for an egg sandwich or to put on a salad niçoise etc – pop the cooked eggs straight into ice cold water until cold – this will stop cooking process! Stoppng the edge of the old going grey and you'll have nice clear bright white eggs with yellow yolks.
Enjoy & good luck !