5 Kitchen Tool Hacks That Will Change Your Life

No matter how much experience you have in the kitchen, tools, and gadgets are always going to make your cooking time that much easier and way more pleasant. From first-time cooks to MasterChef’s in the making, we could all do with a few hints and tricks along the way. They help to relieve kitchen stress and save time in doing so. Make preparing and cooking food a satisfying experience with these five kitchen hacks below – they will change how you work in the kitchen:

Coffee Grinder

Your coffee grinder is not just for grinding beans, you can also use it in a pinch to grind spices. If you do not have a pestle and mortar in your kitchen, grinding spices in your coffee grinder will work much more efficiently than hammering them with a rolling pin. Most coffee grinders allow you to tweak the size of the grind, so you get the finest powder for your stews and curries. When you are done, clean out the grinder by pulsing a few teaspoons of rice – that will remove any unwanted flavors, so you do not accidentally serve cups of cumin coffee.

Garlic Tricks

Everyone loves garlic – it instantly adds layers of nuanced flavor to almost any dish you cook in your kitchen. Most people would agree, however, that it is one of the most annoying ingredients to work with. Each garlic clove comes with its paperwork, and, depending on the variety, it could take ages to peel.

Instead of trying to get too technical with gadgets, bop each clove with the flat side of a kitchen knife with the side of your fist or the heel of your hand. That will help the peel to slide right off and avoid vampire-repelling garlic fingers.

Sharp Knives

Dull knives are more of a hazard in the kitchen than most people realize. A dull blade can lack traction, slipping off the surface of whatever you are trying to cut, making injuries far more commonplace than they should be. A sharp knife will sink straight into whatever you are slicing, giving you more control over the blade. Use a good quality knife sharpener to keep your kitchen knives in top form.

Turkey Baster

Turkey basters are not just for turkeys – or basting, for that matter. They are a super handy tool in the kitchen and can be used for mess-free filling of cupcakes and muffin trays, separating egg yolks, or removing excess liquid from dishes during cooking. These tools are not just for Thanksgiving – you just need to think outside the box a little.

Ice Tray Tips

You can use ice trays for so much more than just ice. Fill them with leftover stock, sauces, grated ginger, coffee, or even wine! Once frozen, you can pop your flavored cubes into freezer bags, and they will be ready to use when you need them.

Then simply wash out your ice tray, and you will be ready to freeze the next batch.

To End

Spending time in the kitchen may occasionally feel like a chore, but it should never be a nightmare. By following these simple tips above, you can improve your cooking experience instantly!