Herbs in Ice Cubes: 10 Culinary Tricks Everyone Should Know
Who among us doesn't love being in the kitchen, inventing dishes, or at least eating? Here are 10 culinary tricks to help you cook (or eat) better.
Whether you love to cook or love to eat, it's time to reveal 10 culinary tricks that will enhance the experience for anyone who enjoys being in the kitchen. For those among us who cook, cooking is an art, but with a few small tricks, it can become more efficient, enjoyable, and delicious.
Here are ten simple tips that can change how you cook:
**1. Using Ice Cubes for Fresh Herbs**
- **How does it work?**
Chop herbs like parsley, dill, or basil, place them in an ice cube tray, and add a little olive oil or water.
- **Advantage:**
It keeps the herbs fresh for a long time and makes it easy to add them to soups, sauces, and dishes.
2. Turning Eggshells into a Tool for Cleaning Shell Fragments**
- **How does it work?**
Did a piece of eggshell fall into the bowl? Use a large piece of eggshell to easily lift it out.
- **Advantage:**
It's faster than trying to remove it with your fingers.
3. Sharpening Knives with the Bottom of a Ceramic Plate**
- **How does it work?**
Flip a ceramic plate and use its bottom (the rough edge) to sharpen your knife.
- **Advantage:**
A quick and efficient solution if you don't have a knife sharpener.
4. Adding Salt When Cooking Pasta or Potatoes**
- **How does it work?**
Add a tablespoon of salt to the water before cooking pasta or potatoes.
- **Advantage:**
Enhances the flavor of the pasta and prevents it from sticking together.
5. Testing Egg Freshness in Water**
- **How does it work?**
Place the egg in a glass of water. If it sinks, it's fresh. If it floats, you should toss it.
- **Advantage:**
A quick way to know if eggs are safe to use.
6. Using Orange Peel to Add Flavor**
- **How does it work?**
Grate orange (or lemon) peel and add it to cakes, dishes, or sauces.
- **Advantage:**
Adds a fresh and rich flavor to the dish effortlessly.
7. Preventing Tears from Cutting Onions**
- **How does it work?**
Cut the onion under running water or place it in the fridge before slicing.
- **Advantage:**
Reduces the irritation that causes tears.
8. Using a Wooden Spoon to Prevent Water Overflow**
- **How does it work?**
Place a wooden spoon over a pot of boiling water to prevent overflow.
- **Advantage:**
Helps prevent mess on the stove while cooking.
9. Stabilizing a Cutting Board**
- **How does it work?**
Place a damp towel or silicone mat under the cutting board.
- **Advantage:**
Prevents slipping and makes cutting safer.
10. Refreshing Stale Bread in the Oven**
- **How does it work?*
Wrap the bread in foil, sprinkle a little water on the foil, and bake it in the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.
- **Advantage:**
The bread comes out fresh and soft as new.
With these tricks, you can save time, elevate flavors, and enjoy a more convenient cooking process. Don't forget to try them out and discover what works best for you!
