Every once in a while, you’ll stumble upon a shortcut in life that saves time, maximizes resources, or just introduces a different, more convenient way of doing things. When these little life hacks come to you in the kitchen, they can have a major impact
on your cooking game. Here are a few to keep in your back pocket.

1. Freeze fresh herbs in olive oil for easy flavor boosts.

It’s exciting to have fresh herbs to add to your dishes—that is, until they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Instead of routinely tossing out sprigs that have gone bad, you can chop up herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or thyme, and freeze them in ice cube trays with olive oil. These herb-infused oil cubes are perfect for adding instant flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. Plus, they’ll last for months in the freezer, so you always have a burst of freshness at your fingertips.

2. Use citrus zest to elevate your dishes.

Don’t toss those citrus peels in the trash—they’re packed with flavor! Reach for a zester, or a cheese grater will work if that’s not available to you, and start adding citrus zest to your dishes for an instant flavor boost. Whether it’s lemon zest in your pasta, lime zest in your guacamole, orange zest in your baked goods, or grapefruit zest in your salads, citrus zest adds a bright, zesty kick that takes your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

3. Repurpose stale bread into crispy croutons.

Got a loaf of stale bread sitting on your countertop? Don’t throw it away – turn it into crispy, golden-brown croutons instead! Just cube the bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs, then bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees or until crunchy. These homemade croutons are perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, and pasta dishes, and they’re far superior to anything you can buy at the store.

4. Use a spoon to easily peel ginger.

Peeling ginger can be a hassle, but not if you have a spoon handy. Simply use the edge of a spoon to scrape away the thin, papery skin of the ginger root. This method makes the process quick and easy, and it also helps to minimize waste, so you get every last bit of flavorful ginger goodness.

5. Revive limp vegetables with an ice bath.

If your veggies are looking a little worse for wear, an ice bath can work wonders. Fill a bowl with ice water, then submerge your limp vegetables for a few minutes. The cold water will help crisp them up, making them look and taste fresh once again.

6. Use cooking spray to prevent sticky messes.

Tired of sticky, stubborn messes clinging to your measuring cups and spoons? A quick spritz of cooking spray can work wonders. Simply spray your measuring tools before using sticky ingredients like honey or peanut butter, and watch as they slide right off with ease. It’s a small trick that can save you a lot of frustration in the kitchen.

7. Keep brown sugar soft with a slice of bread.

There’s nothing worse than reaching for your brown sugar only to find it rock-hard, but a slice of bread can save the day. Place a slice of fresh bread in your brown sugar container, and watch as it magically softens up the sugar overnight. It’s a simple yet effective trick that ensures your brown sugar stays soft and scoopable for months to come.

8. Use velcro strips to organize kitchen tools.

Tired of rummaging through drawers to find the right kitchen tool? Get some adhesive-backed Velcro strips and attach them to the inside of your cabinet doors. Then, simply attach the corresponding piece of Velcro to each of your kitchen tools. This simple organization hack keeps your tools within easy reach and eliminates cluttered drawers.

9. Soften pizza crust with water and a microwave.

When you have a craving for leftover pizza from the other nights, sometimes you can be met with stiff, cardboard-like crust. Bring that slice back to life in just seconds by tossing it in the microwave with a glass of water set next to it and reheating for 30-45 seconds. The moisture from the water will help soften the crust and make it much more appetizing.

10. Use a muffin tin to make individual portions.

Forget about portioning out your ingredients – let a muffin tin do the work for you! Whether you’re making meatloaf, quiche, or mini cheesecakes, a muffin tin is the perfect tool for creating individual portions. Plus, it makes for easy serving and cleanup, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations.