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## **6. Why You Shouldn’t Boil Mashed Potatoes**
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but the process of making them can sometimes yield less-than-ideal results. Many people make the mistake of boiling their potatoes for mashed potatoes, which can lead to mushy, watery results that don’t hold their shape.
**So good to know**: Instead of boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes, try roasting them! Roasting potatoes in the oven allows them to develop a deeper flavor and a firmer texture. Simply cut your potatoes into chunks, toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings, and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Once roasted, mash them as you normally would. This method produces perfectly creamy mashed potatoes without the excess water that can dilute the flavor.
## **7. The Secret to Crispy, Golden-Brown Chicken**
Whether you’re frying chicken or roasting it in the oven, achieving a crispy, golden crust is often easier said than done. Many people struggle with soggy or unevenly browned chicken that doesn’t have that satisfying crunch.
**So good to know**: The secret to crispy chicken lies in proper preparation. For fried chicken, make sure the chicken is completely dry before coating it in flour or batter. Excess moisture will cause the coating to become soggy. When roasting chicken in the oven, make sure the skin is dry and use a high oven temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) to ensure a crispy crust. You can also brush the chicken with a little olive oil or butter before roasting to enhance the crispiness.
For even more crunch, double-coat your chicken by dipping it in the flour or batter, then in an egg wash, and finally in the flour again. This extra layer of coating ensures that the crust stays crispy longer.
## **8. How to Make Your Own Salad Dressing in Seconds**
Store-bought salad dressings are convenient, but they’re often full of preservatives and additives. Making your own salad dressing is quick, easy, and much more flavorful than the pre-made varieties.
**So good to know**: The base of a simple homemade dressing is usually oil and vinegar, but you can get creative with different variations. A basic vinaigrette starts with three parts oil to one part vinegar. Add a little mustard, honey, or garlic for extra flavor. Shake the ingredients together in a jar and drizzle over your salad. You can also experiment with adding fresh herbs, lemon juice, or yogurt to customize the dressing to your liking.
A homemade dressing is fresher, healthier, and customizable. Plus, you can avoid the unhealthy sugars and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought dressings.
## **9. The Easiest Way to Peel a Tomato**
Peeling tomatoes can be a time-consuming process, especially when you need the skin off for a smooth sauce or soup. However, there’s a super easy way to peel tomatoes without any mess or hassle.
**So good to know**: To peel tomatoes effortlessly, simply score the bottoms with an “X” using a sharp knife. Then, drop the tomatoes into a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds, or until the skins start to peel away from the flesh. Immediately transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, the skins will peel off easily, and you’ll be left with perfectly peeled tomatoes for your recipe.
This trick is especially useful when you’re preparing large batches of tomato sauce or canning tomatoes.
## **10. The Trick to Reheating Pizza**
If you’ve ever reheated leftover pizza in the microwave, you know that the crust can become soggy, and the cheese can lose its melt. Thankfully, there’s a simple trick to reheating pizza and keeping it just as delicious as when it was first made.
**So good to know**: Instead of using the microwave, try reheating pizza on the stovetop. Place a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan on medium heat and add the pizza slice. Cover the pan with a lid to trap heat and help the cheese melt. The crust will become crispy again, and your pizza will taste nearly as good as fresh.
For an added bonus, you can add a splash of water to the pan before covering it, which will create steam to help the cheese re-melt without drying out the pizza.
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## **Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Time in the Kitchen**
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, there are always little tricks and tips that can make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and even more rewarding. The tips we’ve shared here are simple but effective, and they can help you get the most out of your ingredients, save time, and create better meals for you and your loved ones. Cooking should be fun and satisfying, and these hacks are truly **so good to know**. So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, try one or two of these tricks and watch your cooking skills skyrocket!
