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Sticky Foods
Cutting sticky foods, like honey or peanut butter, can be frustrating. Good to know: To make it easier, lightly grease your knife with cooking spray or olive oil before cutting through sticky substances. This will help the food slide off the knife without getting stuck.
11. The Secret to Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes should be creamy and fluffy, not lumpy. Good to know: When making mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a masher for an ultra-smooth texture. Also, be sure to warm your milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes. Cold liquids can cause the potatoes to seize up and turn gummy.
12. How to Make Your Own Salad Dressing
Making salad dressing from scratch is easy and a great way to elevate any salad. Good to know: The basic formula for a vinaigrette is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. From there, you can experiment with different oils (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.), vinegars (balsamic, red wine vinegar, etc.), and flavorings like mustard, honey, garlic, or fresh herbs. Shake it up in a jar, and you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dressing in no time!
13. How to Get the Most Juice Out of Your Lemons
Lemon juice adds a bright burst of flavor to many dishes, but getting the most juice out of your lemon can sometimes be tricky. Good to know: Before juicing, roll the lemon on the counter to break down the fibers inside. You can also microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to make it even easier to extract the juice. Finally, use a citrus reamer or fork to get every last drop!
14. Resting Dough for Better Results
Whether you’re making pizza dough, bread, or cookies, it’s important to let the dough rest. Good to know: Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, which leads to better texture and rise. For pizza dough, resting for at least 1 hour is ideal, while bread dough often benefits from a 2-hour rise. For cookie dough, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
Conclusion: Cooking Made Easier!
With these good to know kitchen tips and tricks, you can elevate your cooking game and make your kitchen experience more enjoyable. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these small tweaks and shortcuts can help you cook more efficiently, create better-tasting meals, and even reduce the time spent on cleanup.
Remember, cooking should be fun, and these tips are designed to make it even more so! So the next time you’re in the kitchen, keep these tricks in mind and enjoy the process — and the delicious results!
