Best Kitchen Hacks - February 25, 2023

What's cooking today? Today's hacks features peeling garlic in seconds. Read below to find out more about this hack and others!
1. Dice Using a Cooling Rack
For a party-ready Cobb salad, quickly dice hard-boiled eggs and avocados with a cooling rack. Place the rack over a large bowl, then use a large, flat metal spatula to push the food through the rack. Once done, you will have perfectly uniform cubes of eggs and avocados, perfect for a delicious Cobb salad!
2. Use Parchment Paper to to Find Oven Hot Spots
If you want to ensure that your foods are cooked evenly and to the right temperature, it is essential to know where your oven's hot spots are. Hot spots can lead to overcooked or burnt food, so it's important to be aware of them and avoid them when possible. Fortunately, you can easily test for hot spots in your oven using parchment paper or slices of bread.
Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the rack in the center. Put a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the oven and leave it for 20 minutes. When you take it out, the areas with hot spots will be darker. Alternatively, you can also use slices of bread to test for hot spots - though it's best to be prepared to eat a lot of toast afterward! Once you know where the hot spots in your oven are, you can then adjust accordingly.
3. Vodka Bottle as a Dough Roller
If you're looking for a way to make the perfect pie crust this summer, consider using a bottle of frozen vodka rather than a wine bottle rolling pin. Not only will it keep your dough cool and flaky, it is also less sticky and easier to roll. To ensure the dough doesn't absorb any condensation on the bottle, roll it between pieces of parchment paper. This simple hack can help you achieve a delicious crust every time.
4. Spray Your Spoon
Make sure to coat your measuring spoon with non-stick spray prior to using it to measure sticky ingredients like honey and syrup. This will result in the food sliding out of the spoon quickly and easily into the bowl you are using for mixing. Not using the spray will make it hard for you to take accurate measurements, as the food will stick to the spoon.
5. Peel Garlic in Seconds
To quickly peel garlic, place the garlic cloves in a bowl and cover with a lid. Shake the bowl vigorously for 30 seconds. The garlic will be peeled in no time!
Kitchen hacks can be an incredibly helpful and effective way to make your kitchen-related tasks easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. From using everyday items as kitchen tools to creating your own kitchen hacks, there are countless ways to make your cooking experience more fun and less stressful. Stay tuned for tomorrow's hack!