Tools
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Mix pancake batter in a large measuring cup with a spoon for easier, mess-free pouring onto the griddle.
It makes pouring easier and reduces mess.
one person who lived it
Set cheap dial timers for each cooking task when preparing multiple items simultaneously.
To ensure nothing burns.
one person who lived it
Use a pressure cooker to save time and improve taste compared to oven or crockpot methods.
Everything made in it tasted better and took way less time.
one person who lived it
Slice blocks of parmesan or cheddar cheese very thinly with a potato peeler.
- Soft cheeses like Camembert and brie get messy with this method.
- The block may end up crescent-shaped.
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Seek out graters with solid metal inserts rather than plastic ones for better sturdiness.
Plastic inserts are smaller and less sturdy.
one person who lived it
Use dedicated egg rings with yolk separators to center the yolk for symmetrical presentation.
It allows you to gently place the yolk in the center for increased symmetry.
one person who lived it
Use a mandolin instead of a KitchenAid veggie shredder attachment for most tasks.
The attachment produces a fine imperfect cut suitable only for coleslaw-type recipes.
one person who lived it
Use a Microplane grater for hard cheeses.
It provides easy control and consistent finely shaved output.
one person who lived it