Even for those of us who think we’re experts in the kitchen, there are always new things to learn. And often, we find that we’ve spent years doing things the “wrong” way. Check out the hacks below to help cultivate your culinary prowess.
Don’t Kill Your Fresh Herbs
Do you keep your fresh herbs in a plastic bag in the fridge? If you are, you’re probably doing more harm than good. Remember that herbs are plants. They need air, light, and water to survive. By closing them in plastic, you’re killing them. Instead, ditch the bag, trim the roots, and place the herbs in a jar with water. Think of them like tiny (and delicious) flowers that are waiting for their chance to shine.
Refrigerate the Right Things
Most of us assume that the refrigerator makes everything stay fresher for longer. But guess what? We’re wrong. Some food items, such as tomatoes and potatoes, prefer to stay out of the cold and kept at room temperature. Other examples include bread, butter, honey, avocados, bananas, melons, onions, and garlic.
Drown Your Noodles
This one is kind of a no-brainer. When you cook noodles, the pasta is absorbing the water. If you don’t put enough water in the pot, you’ll end up with chewy, gummy noodles that are undercooked. So don’t be stingy – add more water.
Don’t Store Coffee in the Freezer
This is another item that prefers to stay out of the cold, but it’s such an essential part of our daily lives that it deserves its own section. Here’s the deal: When you place your coffee beans in the fridge or the freezer, condensation occurs when you take them out, and this causes them to lose their lovely roasted flavor. Try storing your beans in an air-tight container and place it in a cool, dark cupboard.
Let the Meat Rest
Just because you take the steak off the grill or out of the oven, doesn’t mean that it’s done cooking. It continues to transform as it slowly cools. This is a vital stage of the process. It prevents the juices from pouring out of the meat when you cut into it. The same goes for baked dishes, as well. Give your casseroles a little nap and allow the liquids to be reabsorbed before enjoying.
Peeling Potatoes
Peeling potatoes is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. This lifehack will save you loads of hassle. Instead of slowly peeling each potato one-by-one, just slice each one around the circumference before cooking. Once they’re done, simply grab each end of the potato and watch the skin easily slide off.