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## **5. Make Extra-Crispy Chicken Skin Using Baking Powder**
Crispy chicken skin is a favorite for many, but achieving the perfect texture can be tricky. While many people rely on deep frying to get that crunch, there’s a surprising ingredient that can help make your chicken skin even crispier—baking powder.
**Why it works:**
Baking powder helps to dry out the skin, which encourages it to crisp up during cooking. Unlike baking soda, which can give a bitter taste, baking powder reacts with the moisture in the skin to form tiny bubbles that create an extra-crispy layer.
**How to do it:**
1. Pat the chicken skin dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
2. In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1 teaspoon of salt.
3. Rub the mixture evenly over the skin of the chicken.
4. Roast or pan-fry the chicken as you normally would. The skin will become extra-crispy during cooking.
**What you didn’t know:** Baking powder not only makes your chicken skin crispy but also adds a subtle flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. It’s a great trick to use for roasted, baked, or even fried chicken.
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## **6. Microwave a Lemon for More Juice**
When you need to juice a lemon, you might struggle to extract enough liquid, especially if the lemon feels tough or under-ripe. But there’s an easy trick that can yield more juice from your lemon: microwaving it for a few seconds.
**Why it works:**
Heating the lemon in the microwave softens the cells inside the fruit, making it easier to extract more juice. The heat also loosens the oils in the skin, which can enhance the flavor of the juice.
**How to do it:**
1. Place your lemon in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
2. After microwaving, roll the lemon on the counter while applying gentle pressure.
3. Cut the lemon in half and juice it as usual. You’ll notice you get more juice with less effort!
**What you didn’t know:** This trick works for other citrus fruits as well! Try it with oranges or limes for juicier results.
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## **7. Use Shaving Cream to Clean Your Toilet Bowl**
If you’re looking for an unconventional, but effective, toilet cleaning hack, here’s a surprising one: shaving cream. This common bathroom product can do more than just help with grooming—it can also be used to clean and disinfect your toilet.
**Why it works:**
Shaving cream contains surfactants and other cleaning agents that can help break down grime and stains in the toilet bowl. It’s a surprisingly effective cleaner that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on soap scum and mineral deposits.
**How to do it:**
1. Apply a generous amount of shaving cream around the inside rim of the toilet bowl.
2. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the cream to break down the grime.
3. Use a toilet brush to scrub the bowl, focusing on areas with stains or buildup.
4. Flush to rinse the bowl, and you’ll be left with a clean, fresh toilet.
**What you didn’t know:** Shaving cream can also help clean other surfaces in your bathroom, like mirrors and sinks, thanks to its smooth texture and cleaning agents.
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## **Conclusion**
The kitchen is full of surprises—small hacks and techniques that can completely change how we approach cooking and cleaning. From making crispy fries with vinegar to using shaving cream to clean your toilet, these tricks prove that cooking and maintaining a home don’t have to be as complicated as they seem. By incorporating these surprising methods into your routine, you can make your life a little easier and your meals a lot tastier. So, next time you’re in the kitchen or tackling a household chore, remember that you don’t have to stick to the same old methods. Experiment with these creative tricks and enjoy the results!