These hacks can make all the difference when it comes to surviving those busy weeknights! We all grew up with certain tricks in the kitchen that seemed completely normal, only to find out later that not everyone did it the same way. Whether it's a time-saving trick, a clever way to store food or a method that simplifies meal prep, these hacks are perfect for making dinner less of a chore.
![Cutting pizza with kitchen scissors.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shear-pizza-slices.jpg)
Trim ham ends
![Close-up of ham slices in a wooden board.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Trim-ham-ends.jpg)
Trim the ends off your ham to fit in a small pan. This family tradition can save space and make cooking easier.
DIY brownie and cocoa mixes
![Close-up of Brownies Dessert.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DIY-brownie-and-cocoa-mixes.jpg)
Make and store homemade brownie and cocoa mixes in the freezer so you can always have quick sweet treats.
Prop cookbook drawer
![A Person Reading a Cookbook.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Prop-cookbook-drawer.jpg)
Use a kitchen drawer as a cookbook stand for easy reading and convenience while you cook.
Freeze lemon zest
![Ripe lemons with zest and grater on table.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Freeze-lemon-zesting.jpg)
Keep lemons in the freezer for easy zesting and long-term storage.
Collect bacon fat
![Bacon frying in a pan.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Save-Bacon-Grease-for-Popcorn.jpg)
Collect excess fat from cooking into a metal coffee tin for reuse in frying and adding flavor to other dishes.
Check food expiry
![A Woman Smelling a Muffin.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Check-food-expiry.jpg)
Use sight and smell to determine food safety instead of relying solely on expiry dates. But of course, make sure to follow food safety guidelines!
Cut meat with scissors
![Roasted chicken on a split on cast iron pan with kitchen scissors on the side.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cut-meat-with-scissors.jpg)
Use kitchen scissors to cut meat and other foods instead of a knife for easier handling.
Roast turkey upside down
![Roasted Chicken on Blue Tray.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Roast-turkey-upside-down.jpg)
Cook your turkey breast side down to keep the white meat juicier.
Bay leaf pest control
![Bay leafs in a wood.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bay-leaf-pest-control.jpg)
Add a bay leaf to flour and rice containers to keep pests away.
Pre-boil potatoes
![Potatoes that cook in a saucepan in selective focus.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Vinegar-in-Potato-Water.jpg)
Boil and peel potatoes once a week so they are ready for frying later, saving you time. Better yet, use a microwave to parboil potatoes.
Refresh day-old bread
![A hand pulling out bread from oven.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Refresh-day-old-bread.jpg)
Place day-old bread in a paper bag, spritz with water, and reheat in the oven to make it fresh again.
Preserve apples with salt water
![Sliced Apples on White Ceramic Bowl.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Preserve-apples-with-saltwater.jpg)
Use saltwater to prevent apple slices from browning, instead of lemon juice.
Line sink with newspaper
![Close-up of woman peeling potatoes in the kitchen.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Line-sink-with-newspaper.jpg)
Line your sink with newspaper before peeling vegetables to make cleanup easier.
Blend eggs for deviled eggs
![A close up image of avocado deviled eggs.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Avocado-Deviled-Eggs.jpg)
Use a pastry blender to mash egg yolks when making deviled eggs for a smoother consistency.
Get recipe here: Avocado Deviled Eggs
Shear pizza slices
![Cutting pizza with kitchen scissors.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shear-pizza-slices.jpg)
Cut pizza with kitchen shears instead of a pizza cutter for clean and easy slices.
Grate cheese on parchment
![Grated cheese beside a metal grater in a wooden board.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grate-cheese-on-parchment.jpg)
Grate cheese over parchment paper to easily collect and transfer it without waste.
Use buttered pan to toast bread
![Toasts on skillet.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Butter-pan-toasting-bread.jpg)
Melt butter in the pan for toasting bread instead of spreading cold butter directly on the bread.
DIY iced tea concentrate
![Three glasses of iced tea in a wooden tray.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Concentrate-iced-tea.jpg)
Make a concentrated batch of iced tea in a saucepan and then dilute it with cold water or ice for quick refreshments.
Keep butter on the counter
![Assorted bread with jam and butter.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Keep-butter-on-counter.jpg)
Keep butter at room temperature on the counter for easy spreading (in a butter container)
Brew tea in pot
![Cup of tea near a glass of iced drink with straw.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Brew-tea-in-pot.jpg)
Make tea by letting tea bags steep in boiled water, then sweeten and dilute with cold water for a perfect brew.
Microwave scrambled eggs
![An overhead image of microwave scrambled eggs on a toast served on a plate.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Microwave-Scrambled-Eggs-Horizontal-Shot-1536x1025-1.jpg)
Cook scrambled eggs in the microwave using eggs, milk, and butter for a quick and easy meal.
Get the Recipe: Microwave scrambled eggs
Use scraps for broth
![Leftover vegetables in a pot with water.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Use-scraps-for-broth.jpg)
Boil vegetable scraps in a pot to create homemade vegetable broth, and use bones for a rich bone broth.
Sweeten tomato dishes
![An image of bolognese in a bowl with basil on top.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Vegan-Bolognese-Horizontal-Featured.jpg)
Enhance tomato-based dishes like bolognese or chili with brown sugar to balance acidity and boost flavor.
Flatten frozen ingredients
![Tomato paste with ripe tomatoes on wooden table.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Flatten-frozen-ingredients.jpg)
Flatten leftover ingredients like tomato paste in zipper bags for easier storage and quicker defrosting.
Make pancake syrup
![Stack of pancakes with syrup and butter in a white plate.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Make-pancake-syrup.jpg)
Make syrup with a mixture of water, white sugar, and brown sugar boiled together for a rich homemade pancake syrup.
Fry donuts from biscuits
![Frying donuts in a deep fryer.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fry-donuts-from-biscuits.jpg)
Make donuts by cutting holes in canned biscuits, frying them, and then dipping them in Nesquik powder for a delicious treat.
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