10 Kitchen Hacks that Will Rock Your World

If you are anything like me, much of your day is spent in the kitchen. I birthed these adorable little creatures who have a constant need for ridiculous things like being FED. Three times a day, at minimum. The nerve!

Throughout the last seven years, I have learned a trick or two to make my time in the kitchen easier, and I am here to let you in on these little momma hacks. So, without further ado, I give you . . . my TOP 10 KITCHEN HACKS!

1. The Egg Test
   We go through eggs ridiculously fast in our home. Of course, every once in a while a carton with a lone ranger will get stuck in the back of the fridge, and because we buy eggs straight from the farm, there is no date to be found. No worries! Gently place that egg into a bowl of water. If it sinks, you are good to go! If it floats, toss it. Simple as that!
2. Potato Peeler  Onion Slicer
   Do you like having onion slivers on your salads like a fancy restaurant does but can’t figure out how to get them nice and thin? Use a potato peeler instead of a knife! You’ll be shocked at how easy it is, and will never again go back to rinsing your finger tips in the name of a thinly sliced onion.
3. Hollandaise Just Got Easier
   One of my love languages is hollandaise sauce. Literally. I love it on eggs, on salmon, on chicken, on veggies — it’s pretty much my version of ketchup. However, I don’t love the pain that is separating the yolk from the egg white. That is, until I discovered THIS little trick! Crack your eggs into a shallow dish (you want the yolk to be slightly higher than the egg white). Then, go grab an empty plastic water bottle. (I won’t tell anyone if you grab one out of the recycling bin.) Gently squeeze the plastic water bottle. While keeping it squeezed, position the mouth of the water bottle on top of the yolk, then release pressure/stop squeezing the bottle. The release of pressure should create a “vacuum” of sorts and suck that yolk right up into the water bottle. Voila! (For an added bonus, check out this recipe for Hollandaise in your blender.)
4. The Instant Pot
   I could probably write 18 posts about this one hack alone. Shreddable chicken breasts in under 10 minutes?  A perfectly cooked roast in 90 minutes? A whole frozen chicken cooked in under an hour? Perfect rice every time without having to watch or stir the pot? Homemade yogurt? Easy-to-peel, perfectly cooked, hard-boiled (or soft-boiled, if thats your jam) eggs in under 10 minutes? I know, it sounds like I am living in Neverland where pigs fly, but I am totally serious. This kitchen appliance is basically God’s gift to busy moms and their bank accounts. No more, “Oops! It’s 5:45 and I have no meat thawed . . . take out it is,” evenings!
5. Cling Wrap to the Rescue
   Pounding chicken breasts is one of my least favorite kitchen duties because all of the little flying pieces of chicken and chicken juices squirting into my face. That is, until I discovered this trick! Lay your chicken out on a cutting board, lay a piece of cling wrap (or Press ‘N Seal) over the pieces, and get to pounding. The plastic will shield you from getting chicken cooties spread around your kitchen and can be thrown away for easy clean up.
6. Not-Your-Mama’s Mixer
   Remember how I said that cool thing called an Instant Pot can make shreddable chicken in a crazy short period of time? Well, I have a trick that will sweeten the deal even more. Place your chicken in a deep bowl (or just drain the extra juices and leave it in the pot), place the mixer in the bowl, and turn it on. Thats it! Your chicken (or beef or pork) will be perfectly shredded in 30 seconds tops.
7. Easy Peel Eggs
   Okay, I know I keep talking about the Instant Pot, but remember how I said it makes PERFECT, easy-to-peel, hard-boiled eggs? It’s true. However, not everyone has this magical appliance, so this one is for you. After boiling eggs, place a few in a mason jar filled with water. Put the lid on, and shake vigorously. Before you know it, the eggs and the shells will completely separate, and you will be ready to make the perfect deviled egg! Plus, it’s an easy way to get the kids involved.
8. Ditch the Pizza Cutter
   Ditch that bulky pizza cutter and just stick with your kitchen scissors. This is a trick my momma used to always use, and it has just never left me! Not only is it so easy kids can do it, it saves you some $$$ and frees up some space in your drawer. Win-win!
9. Moldy Berries Be Gone
   My kids go through raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries like crazy. So, instead of running to the grocery store every day for a new stash, I like to buy them in bulk at my beloved Costco. However, these things mold faster than anything else in my fridge if I forget this one little trick! Empty your berries into a bowl with water, and add about 1/2 cup of vinegar. Let soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain and dry. Once they’re dry, put them back into the carton and refrigerate. This should easily extend the berry life by five to seven days.
10. Ice Fruit Cups
    Want to chill that glass of wine or cocktail without watering it down? Use frozen grapes or berries (I like to use organic frozen berries from Costco) instead! Your drink will become nice and chilled without the flavor being ruined!

Which hack are YOU most excited about? Let us know in the comments!