Tips in the Kitchen 2

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

21 Apr 2009 02:33 PM

Whether you want to spend more time in the kitchen or less, having an array of great kitchen tips on hand can make your time go by smoothly.

Here are some more handy tips that you can use in and around the kitchen.

You can reduce the sting in your eyes when cutting garlic by a number of ways. If you store your onions in the refrigerator, they will become sweet instead of stinky because some of the starch will convert into sugar (this will change the taste a bit, too). You can also make sure that your onion is fresh and your knife is sharp to reduce the waterworks. Finally, invest in a pair of kitchen goggles to really protect your eyes. The last tip also has the added effect of making kids want to do the prep work, since it looks so bizarre.

Instead of using flour to coat the pan when making a chocolate cake, use cocoa powder. It won't show, giving you the option of not frosting your cake if you prefer.

If you are making Rice Krispies Treats or other sticky cookies that need to be formed or pressed by hand, first coat your fingers with some non-stick cooking spray. This will minimize the sticky mess that you will have all over your hand.

If you are making cookie ornaments, use a regular straw to form the hole in the cookie dough for later hanging. Forgot to make the holes? The straw is also sturdy enough to make a hole in a warm cookie, as well.

To ensure that your meat will brown in the pan, first pat it dry. Extra moisture on the surface of meat will steam the meat instead of browning it nicely.

If you have to fill a bag with a liquid or soft ingredient, first line a large glass or can with the bag. I do this all of the time to freeze chicken stock, and you can also use it to add frosting to a pastry bag.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Tips in the Kitchen

Minimizing Allergies from Cleaners and Detergents

Clever Household Tips

Helpful Household Tips

Helpful Household Tips 2

Inexpensive Kitchen Makeovers

Reusing Shower Curtains

Hiring a Professional Cleaner? Questions to Ask

Frugal Spring Cleaning: Taking Advantage of Nature

Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring Cleaning Time

Save Money While Spring Cleaning: Use What You Have

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger