I asked GHRI's food experts for their advice on being handier in the kitchen. They gave me a few time- and headache-saving tips:
1. "Easily chop fatty bacon for recipes by placing it in stacks, wrapping it in plastic wrap, and freezing it for an hour." - Sherry Rujikarn, Test Kitchen Assistant
Related: 5 Simple Condiments for Grilling
2. "To quickly dry blueberries (or any other fruit) for muffins, spread them out on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet." - Genevieve Ko, Senior Food Editor
3. "Save leftover wine for cooking in small jars or bottles in the fridge so you don't need to pop open a new bottle." - Cathy Lo, Associate Food Editor
Related: Easiest Ever Twist 'n' Shake Salad Dressings
4. "Coat your measuring cup or spoon with a quick spritz of cooking spray before measuring sticky things like honey and molasses, and they'll slide right out with nothing to waste!" - Jessica Fox, Editorial Assistant
5. "I love quick thawing frozen items, like peas or shrimp, in a colander or sieve under cool (not cold) water, then blotting them dry with a paper towel. It's super quick and easy." - Sherry Rujikarn
Related: 5 Do-Ahead Tips for Summer BBQs
6. "To pick leaves off thyme stems, run your thumb and index finger against the leaves to pop them off." - Genevieve Ko
7. "Zap a cold lemon in the microwave for 10 seconds; it will release its juices more easily."- Susan Westmoreland, Food Director
Related: Test Kitchen Favorite Hot Sauces
8. "Kitchen shears are for more than cutting open bags. Use them to quickly cut up dried fruit, which is usually too sticky to chop, snip chives into perfect little sticks, and "tear" basil without bruising it." - Sherry Rujikarn
For recipe ideas and more kitchen tips, visit Good Housekeeping's recipe page. What tips have you found to be life-savers? Share your kitchen wisdom in the comments!
-by Chris Malloy
More from Good Housekeeping:
