Take a Break: Kitchen Hacks that Really Work

With the holidays in the offing, take a break today by trying a kitchen hack or two. A number of these I’ve tried and can highly recommend. Since one of my favorite “take a breaks” is experimenting in the kitchen, there are some I want to try.

• Corn Tortillas + the Oven Rack= Great Taco Shells: If you want them more like a tostado shell, lay flat on the oven rack and spray slighting with cooking oil. For a true taco shape, warm in the microwave and drape over the rack. Bake at 350 for about 10 min. You can also cut up a corn tortilla shell, place on baking sheet,  spray with oil, sprinkle salt and bake at 350 for 10 min.

• Use an apple slicer to cut potatoes. Great for making baked potato wedges. Mix with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and whatever spice you like, and bake at 450.

• Bring new life to stale crackers, chips and even rice crackers by zapping in the microwave. Takes seconds, so a few trial and errors will help you figure out the best setting for your microwave.

• Reheat pizza in a skillet.

• Mason Jar Blender Hack (This is my current favorite): Basically turn your blender into a Magic Bullet by using a Mason jar in place of the blender pitcher. Use this for single serving smoothies, salad dressing, and even single serving soups. 

• Make delicious gluten free breadcrumbs with a food processor: I actually prefer these to regular breadcrumbs in recipes. Put Rice or Corn Chex Cereal or GF Pretzels into a food processor and grind. Use as needed and freeze the rest for another time. Careful processing can yield crumbs that are similar to Panko. I prefer these to regular bread crumbs.

• Turn a Mason jar into a utility device with a pour spout. 

• Twenty Things You Didn’t Know Your Microwave Could Do 

• 17 Restaurant Workers Reveal Their Personal Food Hacks and Tips 

Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas.