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So Clever: Ingenious Kitchen Hacks You Need to Try

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, and for good reason—it’s where creativity and convenience come together to create delicious meals. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice cook, there’s always room for clever tricks that can make your time in the kitchen easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

From speeding up cooking time to organizing your pantry efficiently, here are some of the most ingenious kitchen hacks you need to try. These tricks will not only make your kitchen tasks more efficient but will also add a bit of fun to your cooking routine.

1. Use a Muffin Tin for Baking and Cooking

A muffin tin isn’t just for muffins—this versatile tool can be used in countless clever ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Egg Cups: Instead of cooking individual scrambled eggs in a pan, crack eggs into each muffin tin section and bake them in the oven. You can even add your favorite ingredients like cheese, veggies, or meat for a quick breakfast.
• Mini Pizzas: Place pizza dough into each section, top with sauce, cheese, and toppings, and bake for perfectly portioned mini pizzas.
• Frozen Herb Cubes: Add olive oil or water into muffin tin cups with fresh herbs, and freeze. These “herb cubes” are great for adding flavor to sauces and soups later.

2. Keep Your Avocados Fresh with Lemon or Lime Juice

Avocados are a favorite ingredient for many, but they tend to brown quickly once cut. The trick to keeping your avocado fresh for longer is to sprinkle lemon or lime juice on the flesh before storing it. The citric acid helps slow down the browning process, giving you extra time to enjoy your guacamole or avocado toast.

• Bonus Tip: Store your leftover avocado with the pit inside. The pit helps reduce the amount of air exposure, which can also slow down browning.

3. Use a Potato Peeler for Zesting Citrus

If you’ve ever tried zesting a lemon or orange with a regular zester, you know it can be a time-consuming task. The potato peeler hack makes it quicker and more efficient. Simply run the peeler over the fruit’s skin to create thin, long strips of zest. You’ll have beautiful zest in seconds, perfect for adding flavor to any dish.

4. Use Ice Cube Trays for Stock, Sauces, or Wine

Instead of throwing away leftover stock, sauces, or wine, pour them into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use. These individual cubes can easily be popped out and added to dishes when you need a small amount of stock or sauce. This trick prevents waste and makes it convenient to add flavor to your meals without having to open a new carton or bottle.

• Bonus Idea: You can also freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays, and use it to chill your iced coffee without diluting it.

5. Keep Bananas Fresh for Longer

Bananas can ripen very quickly, especially when they’re stored together. To slow down the ripening process and keep them fresh longer, wrap the stems of your bananas with plastic wrap. This reduces the amount of ethylene gas they emit, which slows down the ripening process.

• Extra Tip: If you have overripe bananas, don’t throw them out—freeze them! You can use them for smoothies, banana bread, or pancakes.

6. Use a Clothes Hanger for Potato or Onion Storage

An easy and clever way to store your potatoes and onions is to hang them in a mesh bag from a clothes hanger. This keeps them off the counter and allows them to “breathe,” which helps prevent sprouting and spoilage. Hanging the bag in a cool, dark place will help maintain their freshness for weeks.

7. Remove Corn Kernels in Seconds with a Bundt Pan

If you’ve ever tried to cut corn off the cob, you know how messy it can get. To make it easier, place your corn on a Bundt pan before cutting. The hole in the center of the pan will catch all the kernels as you slice, making clean-up a breeze and ensuring none of your precious corn goes to waste.

8. Keep Your Cutting Board in Place with a Damp Towel

Cutting boards tend to slip around on the countertop, which can be frustrating and even dangerous. To prevent your cutting board from sliding, simply place a damp towel underneath it. The towel provides a non-slip surface that keeps your board secure while you chop, slice, and dice.