15 Clever Cooking Shortcuts

With these 15 Clever Cooking Shortcuts You Can Change Your Life by reducing the time and effort that cooking and meal preparation takes!

Are you tired of spending hours slaving away in the kitchen? Do you dream of having more free time to relax or spend with your family? Well, dream no more! We’ve compiled a list of 15 game-changing cooking shortcuts that will save you time, effort, and sanity. Get ready to be mind-blown by these genius kitchen hacks!

  • Freeze Herbs in Olive Oil: Instead of letting those fresh herbs go to waste, chop them up and freeze them in olive oil ice cube trays. Pop them out when needed for an instant burst of flavor!
  • Microwave Your Citrus: For maximum juice extraction, pop your lemons or limes in the microwave for 20 seconds before squeezing. You’ll get every last drop!
15 Clever Cooking Shortcuts
Use Mesh Strainers
  • Use a Mesh Strainer for Perfect Rice: Ditch the bulky rice cooker and use a simple mesh strainer instead. After cooking, rinse the rice in the strainer to remove excess starch, fluffing it up to perfection every time!
  • Grate Your Butter: Grating frozen butter makes it easy to incorporate into baked goods without overmixing. Your pastries will thank you!
  • Line Your Pans with Parchment Paper: Say goodbye to stuck-on messes and hello to easy cleanup with this simple hack.
  • Buy Pre-Chopped Veggies: Forget tedious chopping and invest in pre-chopped veggies from the grocery store. Time-saving bliss!
  • Use a Salad Spinner for Drying Herbs: No more wilted herbs! A salad spinner will dry them quickly and efficiently.

Pro Tip: Get an immersion blender for small-batch dishes to quickly emulsify without pulling out that bulky blender.

15 Clever Cooking Shortcuts
Freeze Foods
  • Freeze Your Bread: Prevent waste and always have fresh bread by freezing it. Just pop it in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy it.
  • Cook Once, Eat Twice: Double up on recipes and freeze half for an effortless meal later in the week.
  • Embrace the Slow Cooker: Toss ingredients in the morning and come home to a hot, delicious meal. Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend!
  • Batch Cook and Freeze: Dedicate one day a week to prepping meals in bulk, then freeze them for easy reheating.
  • Use a Mandoline Slicer: Achieve perfectly uniform slices of veggies, fruits, and more with this kitchen gadget.
  • Invest in a Good Knife: A sharp, high-quality knife will make prep work a breeze and save you tons of time.
  • Opt for One-Pot Meals: Fewer dishes to wash? Sign us up! One-pot wonders like stir-fries and casseroles are a lifesaver.
  • Clean as You Go: Maintain a tidy workspace by cleaning up spills and messes as you cook. It’ll make the final cleanup a breeze!

Bonus Tip: Meal Prep Like a Pro! Set aside a few hours on the weekend to chop veggies, marinate proteins, and portion out snacks. You’ll have a fridge full of grab-and-go options for the busy week ahead.

Quick and Easy Meal Suggestions

Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs, add your favorite fillings, and wrap in a tortilla for an on-the-go breakfast.

Mason Jar Salads: Layer ingredients in a jar for a portable, nutrient-packed lunch.

Slow Cooker Chili: Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it simmer all day for a hearty, fuss-free meal.

Sheet Pan Dinners: Roast protein and veggies together on one sheet pan for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.

In Conclusion, 15 Clever Cooking Shortcuts

By implementing these 15 clever cooking shortcuts, you’ll not only save time and effort but also reduce stress and enjoy more quality moments with your loved ones. Embrace the convenience of these kitchen hacks, and watch your life transform into a well-oiled, deliciously efficient machine!

Sherry Kay Cooks

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