Did you know that your kitchen utensils can do more than just the basic functions you use every day? There are some hidden tricks that can make your cooking experience a lot easier. Let’s explore 7 common kitchen tools and their unexpected alternative uses.
1 Microwave as a Citrus Juicer
Use the microwave to juice citrus fruits
Before juicing, pop your citrus fruits in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This handy trick will help you extract more juice. It’s a nifty hack used by many chefs!
2 Wooden Spoon as a Thermometer
Use a wooden spoon to measure the temperature of hot oil
Typically, a specialized thermometer is used to check the temperature of oil for frying. But what if you don’t have one? Simply grab a wooden spoon! Dip the spoon into the hot oil, and when you see tiny bubbles start forming around the tip of the spoon, your oil is ready for frying.
3 Cast Iron Skillet as a Pepper Grinder
Use a cast iron skillet to grind peppercorns
Don’t have a pepper grinder at home? No problem! Use your cast iron skillet instead. The results will be just as fantastic. Simply place a few peppercorns on the skillet, give them a gentle tap with the skillet, and then grind them with a back-and-forth motion. The more you grind, the finer your pepper will be.
4 Towel for Steaming
Use a towel for steaming
For steaming, place a towel at the bottom of your pot, add water, and steam as usual. This method works great for cakes like sponge cake and caramel custard.
5 Rolling Pin for Crushing Nuts
Use a rolling pin to crush nuts
Crushing nuts, especially harder varieties, can be a challenge. Here’s a tip: place the nuts inside a resealable bag, and then use a rolling pin to crush them. This method is effective and contains the mess.
6 Tongs as a Bottle Opener
Use tongs to open bottles
Opening a tight bottle is a breeze with this trick. Use the tongs to grip the bottle cap (for example, a water bottle), and then twist it open. It’s that simple!
7 Cupcake Pan for Mini Fried Eggs
Use a cupcake pan to make mini fried eggs
Instead of using a large pan, try a cupcake pan to make mini fried eggs. Crack an egg into each cup, add your favorite toppings, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked mini fried eggs!
Now you know the secret alternative uses for 7 common kitchen tools. Put these tricks to use and make your time in the kitchen a breeze!
