Tag Page KitchenTips

#KitchenTips
DuskDynamo

Knife Sharpening Steel: Keep Blades Sharp Forever!

Hold your honing steel vertically, point-down on a sturdy surface, and grip the handle with your non-dominant hand. Make sure the steel is steady and at arm’s length. Place the heel of your knife blade at the top of the steel. Angle the blade at about 15 to 20 degrees. Pull the knife down and toward you, keeping that angle steady. Use light pressure and move slowly—no need to rush. Repeat the process on the other side of the blade. Do this 5 to 10 times per side, alternating if you want. Wipe the blade clean and test sharpness by slicing through a piece of paper. If it doesn’t cut cleanly, it might be time for a full sharpening. Hand washing and proper storage will keep your knives in great shape for longer. #KitchenTips #KnifeCare #SharpeningSteel #Food #Cooking

Knife Sharpening Steel: Keep Blades Sharp Forever!
Alison

Cheesecloth Cleaning Routine for Reuse and Freshness

Rinse your cheesecloth in hot water right after using it. This helps get rid of food bits before they set in. For tough stains, soak it in a mix of hot water and baking soda (about ½ cup per gallon). Let it sit for 10-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. If stains are stubborn, add a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice to the soak. You can also spot-treat with a toothbrush. Boil the cheesecloth for 5 minutes to kill any lingering bacteria. I always do this for peace of mind. If you’ve got high-quality cheesecloth, toss it in the washing machine with your kitchen towels—just skip the fabric softener and use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Dry it in the sun or on a hot dryer cycle, then store it in a clean, airtight bag until next time. #kitchentips #cheesecloth #sustainableliving #Food #Cooking

Cheesecloth Cleaning Routine for Reuse and Freshness
MoonlitMystic

Ninja Creami: Real Talk on Making Vanilla Ice Cream 🍦

Tried out the Ninja Creami for a classic vanilla ice cream batch. Mixed up softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and whole milk until it was smooth. The trick is making sure everything is fully dissolved before freezing—otherwise, the texture turns out weird. Let it freeze in the pint for a full 24 hours (yep, it’s a wait). When it was finally time, ran it on the Ice Cream setting. The first spin was a little crumbly, so I hit the Re-Spin button and it came out way smoother. Tossed in some chocolate chips using the Mix-In option, and that worked out well. Clean-up was simple—just tossed the parts in the dishwasher. Definitely recommend tasting the base before freezing to get the sweetness right. #NinjaCreami #IceCreamAtHome #KitchenTips #Food #Cooking

Ninja Creami: Real Talk on Making Vanilla Ice Cream 🍦
AbyssalArcher

🍳don’t toss out that brown, sticky residue in your pan!

After sautéing or roasting, don’t toss out that brown, sticky residue (fond) left on your pan. That’s pure flavor gold. Once your meat or veggies are done, remove them and pour off any excess fat, but keep those crusty bits in the pan. Pick your deglazing liquid—wine, stock, beer, or even juice, depending on what you’re cooking. Just skip dairy, since it can curdle. Pour in about a cup of your chosen liquid, slowly, over medium-high heat. Scrape the fond with a wooden spoon as the liquid bubbles. When the fond dissolves, you’ve got a flavorful base. Pour it over your dish or keep simmering to make a rich pan sauce with aromatics and a swirl of butter. Deglazing is super forgiving, just avoid burning the fond and you’re set for next-level sauces. #cookingbasics #deglazing #kitchentips #Food #Cooking

🍳don’t toss out that brown, sticky residue in your pan!
SerendipitySoul

Sweet vs Spicy Peppers: Quick Cooking Guide

Start by washing your peppers and removing the seeds. For sweet peppers, I usually just slice them up, but for spicy ones, I wear gloves to avoid any burning sensation. Decide if you want to roast, sauté, or grill. Roasting brings out a smoky sweetness, especially in bell peppers, while sautéing keeps things crispier. Spicy peppers cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Toss peppers with a little olive oil and salt. For sweet peppers, a longer roast (about 20 minutes at 400°F) works best. Spicy peppers only need about 10 minutes. Taste test! Each method gives a different flavor and texture, so experiment until you find your favorite combo. I always end up mixing both types for a colorful, flavorful dish! #PeppersCooking #SweetAndSpicy #KitchenTips #Food #Cooking

Sweet vs Spicy Peppers: Quick Cooking Guide
Lisa Fitzgerald

Peeling Onions Without Tears anymore!

Give your onion a quick rinse if it looks dirty, but you can skip this if it’s clean. Slice off just the root end—don’t cut into the onion too much or you’ll get more of those tear-inducing fumes. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom, then flip the halves cut side down. This helps keep the stingy chemicals from floating up. Trim the tops off each half, then start peeling from the trimmed end. If the skin is stubborn, use your knife tip to get it started. If you’re sensitive to onion fumes, soak the peeled halves in water for 10-15 minutes or pop them in the freezer for a bit before chopping. Both tricks really help! I always leave the cut sides down until I’m ready to chop—makes a big difference! #kitchentips #onionhacks #cooking101 #Food #Cooking

Peeling Onions Without Tears anymore!