Still crying when you chop onions? Not sure what else you can do with that crazy kitchen gadget you got for Christmas? How about maximizing the refrigerator life of your fresh produce? If you can’t answer any of these questions, then Lifehack.org’s top 20 kitchen hacks isn’t just an necessity in your life—it’s a requirement.
1. Use your blender to aerate red wine.
If you’ve been pouring your red wine straight into the glass, then you’re missing a trick for ultimate drinking deliciousness. Exposing red wine to the air can open up the bouquet, as well as the flavor. Though this may look a bit odd, it’s the quickest way to ensure your vino is perfect.
2. Chop an onion without crying like a little girl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i55IzJ0YXI0
You’ve probably heard all the hacks for preventing the tears from flowing when it comes to chopping onions. Stop looking like a chump and line up this method for the ultimate foodie satisfaction.
3. Give your eggs some radar love.
Everyone loves a hot, cooked breakfast. But who has the time anymore? Check out these quick hacks to have you scrambling, poaching and even making omelets with a little help from your microwave—all in under three minutes.
4. Ripen bananas in a flash with your radiator.
When you buy bananas at the store, chances are that they’re just not quite ready yet. While this may work in the store’s favor, should you really have to wait a week to chow down? Of course not.
5. Get the right knife for the job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKgGlpe45T0
You probably, like most people, have a drawer full of knives but only end up using a couple of favorites. However, did you know that by using the right knife for the job you can seriously save time and hassle? Expert Alton Brown gives his top tips on what knife you should be using when in this handy video.
6. Chop those fiddly little cherry tomatoes in no time.
Cherry tomatoes are yummy, that’s for sure. But chopping them for your salads or sauces is a massive pain. Use this quick tip to slice fistfuls of the little suckers in no time flat.
7. Chop a watermelon up for salad in under a minute.
While obviously getting as quick as this chap is going to take some practice, we’re still intrigued. Whip up a quick summer salad without all the hassle with the help of a big knife and an even bigger sense of swagger.
8. Open a bottle of wine with a shoe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ajCWI5q6iQ
Ever shown up to an event and there’s no corkscrew for that great bottle of wine you brought with you? Mastering this hack could, quite literally, make you the most popular guy at the party.
9. Seed a squash like a pro.
Stop bending spoons and hacking up your hand with a knife when you attempt to seed a pumpkin or butternut squash. That often neglected ice cream scoop can come riding to the rescue, making it quick and easy to clean your veggies.
10. Peel garlic quicker than you can say the word “garlic.”
Where has this hack been all of our life? Forget smelly fingers and fiddling with little bits of paper. With a few quick shakes, you can peel an entire head of garlic in seconds.
11. Chicken wings: you’re eating them wrong.
12. Whip up your own buttermilk.
Buttermilk is great for making pancakes and creating the perfect fried chicken, but who really keeps this stuff on hand? Save your cash by making your own at home using just a few simple ingredients you’re sure to have around.
13. Clean your kitchen in about 10 minutes.
Cleaning your kitchen, particularly after a huge cooking session, is a drag. So how can you do it quickly and without using harsh chemicals? These ladies have got your number on how to get the grime out of your microwave and make your countertops sparkle.
14. The last mayo recipe you’ll ever need.
If you’re a cooking geek, chances are you’ve tried to make your own mayonnaise. Additionally, chances are fairly high that you’ve screwed it up once or twice. This kitchen hack produces top-quality mayo with no effort or room for screw ups.
15. Cut your avocados without making a huge, mushy mess.
Still trying to peel your avocados? Why? Doing so only results in a great big green mess. Check out this professional tip for the sexiest slices and cuts of avocado with very little hassle.
16. Freeze your meat the right way.
You probably already know that buying meat in bulk is a great way to save cash. However, most people aren’t maximizing their freezer space or ability to quickly thaw that meat once they’ve stored it in the freezer. Go flat, says this smart kitchen hack.
17. Get the maximum juice out of your lemons and limes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9VN1dVosjw
Microwave them, squeeze them or cut them on an angle—you’re simply not going to get all the juice out of that lemon or lime. Throw down like a professional chef by turning to your old friend, the humble fork, for juicing satisfaction.
18. Extend the life of your dairy products with the flip of a wrist.
Do you buy sour cream, cottage cheese or yogurts on a regular basis, only to have them go bad just a few days later? Stop storing them right-side up. It may look ridiculous, but it helps extend the life of your dairy products by several days.
19. Make the best roasted chicken with a bundt pan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsNGCvXSGJ0
You know those pans you bought for a particular recipe that you’ve never used again? The bundt pan is the king of these. However, you’ll be pulling it out a lot more for your roast chicken with this quick and simple hack.
20. Achieve dog nirvana on your barbecue.
With warm weather quickly approaching, it’s time to drag out that barbecue, and where there’s a grill there’s hot dogs. Give your plain old dogs a twist, as well as a delicious edge, with this quick tip. Not only will the fit in your bun better, but they’ll also be more receptive to toppings.
Featured photo credit: batterjob32 via flickr.com
