6 surprising tips to save time in the kitchen
There are some things in life that, smart as we are, humans just don’t quite get right. And that’s not to say that the way we utilise things in the world around us is inherently wrong, it’s just that sometimes there’s an easier way. You might already know some of these life hacks, but we’re confident there’s at least one that will change your life for the better.
1. Monkey see
Sometimes, despite its appearance of being perfectly ripe, a banana just doesn’t want to cooperate when you try to peel it. Sure, you can grab a knife to give it a little encouragement, but those aren’t always handy. Next time, try peeling the banana like a monkey: turn it upside down and pinch the tip. This grip should make the banana skin slide easily off when you peel. It’s like magic.
2. Foiled again
After all this time, you think that manufacturers would have designed a better way to distribute aluminium foil and cling wrap. Those boxes that seem to eject the rolls when you try to make a tear just aren’t cutting it. Well, if you’re observant enough, you might notice that those dispensers are actually clever examples of engineering. On either end, there is a small semi-circular tab. Push in said tab, and it will hold the roll in place. No more rolls of plastic bouncing across the kitchen floor!
3. Ice aaaaaaages
If you find yourself craving a nice cold beer, or a glass of perfectly chilled wine, but you don’t have any already in the fridge, try this trick for super speedy coldification. Wet a piece of paper towel and wrap it around the bottle. Then place the bottle in the freezer for 15 minutes. Your drink will chill more rapidly. Just don’t forget about it.
4. The last straw
If you enjoy a can of fizzy drink every now and again, and like to protect your teeth by drinking through a straw, you’ve no doubt experienced the frustration of your straw floating up and almost out of the can whenever you take your hand off it. That pesky carbonation, refreshing as it is, causes the light straw to float and bob around. To encourage your straw to stay put, swivel the can’s pull tab around to sit over the opening. Simply slide your straw into the tab’s hole and it will keep your straw still.
5. One is the loneliest tic tac
If you love the fresh breath a tic tac brings (or the tangy flavour of the orange variety), but like to pace yourself with individual treats, then let their packaging work for you. The lid is designed to dispense single tic tacs. Simply turn the box upside down and give it a shake, then turn it onto its side and open the lid – where you’ll find a single tic tac just waiting for you.
6. Tough nut to crack
Fighting with pistachios is one of those battles that’s worth the effort, but eventually takes its toll on your fingernails. Next time, open one pistachio, then use one of that first nut’s shell halves to act as a tool to open any other stubborn nuts.
What’s the best life trick you’ve ever found? We love hearing about them!
Related links:
The ultimate kitchen cheat sheet
Improve meals by avoiding 7 common cooking mistakes
8 surprising uses for used tea bags