9 Stress-Busting Hacks for the Kitchen

The foul odor in the fridge, the stale cookies, and the unevenly heated microwave meals are all a thing of the past with these simple hacks.

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To heat food evenly in the microwave

When reheating food in the microwave, the center often doesn’t get as warm as the edges. For more even heating, try arranging your food in a ring shape as shown.





A ring shape can help food heat more evenly in the microwave

Prevent potatoes from sprouting

Keep potatoes from sprouting by storing them with an apple. Keep them away from onions and store them in a cool, dark place.





An apple can help prevent potatoes from sprouting

Separate egg yolks from whites

If you don’t have a specialized tool for separating egg yolks and whites, you can use a slotted spoon. Simply crack the egg over the spoon and gently shake. The yolk will stay in the spoon while the white falls into the bowl below.





Use a slotted spoon to separate egg yolks and whites

Sharpen knives with a mug

Kitchen knives can become dull and discolored over time. If you don’t have a specialized sharpener, you can use a ceramic mug. Turn the mug upside down and run the knife over the bottom edge at a 45-degree angle.





Sharpen your knife on the bottom edge of a ceramic mug

Keep strawberries fresh

Strawberries tend to go bad quickly, so try this trick to keep them fresh: wash them in diluted vinegar, soak for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.





Wash strawberries in diluted vinegar to keep them fresh

Remove odors from plastic and glass containers with newspaper

Even after thorough washing, some containers can retain odors. Crumple up some newspaper, stuff it into the container, and let it sit for 24-48 hours to absorb the smell.





Use crumpled newspaper to absorb odors from containers

Deodorize the fridge

Spoiled produce and leftover soup can leave your fridge smelling less than fresh. Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to neutralize odors.





Baking soda can help absorb odors in the fridge

Keep cookies fresh

To keep cookies from going stale, place a slice of apple in the cookie jar. This will help maintain their freshness.





Place a slice of apple in your cookie jar to keep them fresh

Protect your fingers when chopping

To avoid cutting your fingers while chopping vegetables, use a plastic bottle and a rubber band. Cut off the top of the bottle and slip it over your fingers, securing it with the rubber band.





Use a plastic bottle and a rubber band to protect your fingers while chopping

Nhat Minh (According to Brightside)

Frequently asked questions

There are several effective strategies to reduce stress while cooking or managing kitchen affairs. Firstly, create a functional and organized kitchen space by decluttering and arranging items in a way that makes sense to you. This saves time and prevents frustration. Secondly, practice meal planning and preparation. Planning meals in advance and preparing ingredients can reduce the stress of deciding what to cook and ensure a smoother cooking process. Additionally, involve other family members or roommates in kitchen duties. Sharing responsibilities not only lightens the load but also makes the experience more enjoyable and social.

To reduce stress associated with grocery shopping, consider creating a master grocery list. This list can be a running document that you update as you run out of items or think of things you need. Having a comprehensive and organized list makes shopping quicker and more efficient. You can also opt for online grocery shopping and delivery services, which save you time and energy. Another tip is to shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long lines, making the experience less hectic.

To save time in the kitchen, consider batch cooking and freezing meals. Preparing large batches of meals and freezing individual portions for later consumption is a great way to always have a home-cooked meal ready. You can also utilize kitchen appliances like slow cookers or pressure cookers, which allow for hands-off cooking while you attend to other tasks. Additionally, practice ‘once-a-month cooking’, where you dedicate a day to cook a month’s worth of meals and freeze them in portions, ensuring a stress-free month ahead.

To ease the burden of cleaning up after cooking, adopt the habit of cleaning as you cook. Wash utensils and wipe surfaces immediately after use, so that the final cleanup after the meal is minimal. You can also soak pots and pans with stubborn stains in soapy water while you eat, making them easier to clean later. Another tip is to use a trash bowl while cooking to collect all the waste in one place, which reduces the mess and makes disposal easier.

Parents can implement several strategies to reduce kitchen-related stress. Encourage your children to get involved in the kitchen, teaching them age-appropriate tasks like setting the table or measuring ingredients. This fosters independence and makes them feel included. You can also create a ‘kids’ cooking kit’ with child-safe utensils and simple recipes, providing them with a sense of ownership and responsibility. Additionally, establish a family meal routine by involving everyone in meal planning, shopping, and preparation, promoting a sense of teamwork and making the kitchen a less stressful environment.
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