Simple Kitchen Tips That Make Cooking a Whole Lot Easier
Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Sometimes it’s the little tricks that make the biggest difference. Whether you’re fixing supper for the family or baking a batch of cookies on a Sunday afternoon, these easy kitchen tips will help save you time, stress, and maybe even a trip to the store.
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Here’s a roundup of simple kitchen wisdom every home cook should know
🍴 Half a Recipe Without the Guesswork
Cutting a recipe in half can feel tricky, but it’s easy once you know the measurements. Here’s a quick guide to help:
| Original Amount | Half Amount |
| 1 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 3/4 cup | 6 tablespoons |
| 2/3 cup | 1/3 cup |
| 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 1/3 cup | 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons |
| 1/4 cup | 2 tablespoons |
| 1 tablespoon | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon |
Tip: Keep a set of measuring spoons handy — they’re perfect for these smaller amounts.
🍴 Easy Substitutes for Milk
Out of milk right when you need it? Try one of these easy swaps:
- Evaporated milk: Mix half evaporated milk and half water.
- Yogurt or sour cream: Thin it out with a little water to get the right consistency.
- Heavy cream: Use about half the amount of cream and add water if needed.
Tip: These swaps work best in baking, casseroles, and sauces.
🍴 How to Soften Butter Fast
Need soft butter but forgot to set it out? No problem.
- Cut it into small cubes: The smaller pieces will soften in just a few minutes.
- Microwave shortcut: Place butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat on low power in 5-second bursts. Turn the butter often so it doesn’t melt.
- Warm glass trick: Fill a glass with hot water, dump it out, then place it over the butter. The heat from the glass will soften it quickly.
🍴 Keep Brown Sugar Soft
Brown sugar loves to turn into a brick at the worst times. Keep it soft with this easy fix:
- Bread slice: Add a slice of fresh bread to the container.
- Marshmallows: Toss in a few large marshmallows to hold the moisture.
- Clay disk: You can buy a little clay sugar saver online or at kitchen stores — just soak it in water and tuck it in.
Tip: If it’s already hard, microwave brown sugar with a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.
🍴 How to Measure Sticky Ingredients Without the Mess
Honey, syrup, or molasses sticking to your measuring cups? Try this:
- Lightly spray the cup or spoon with cooking spray before measuring.
- Or, dip it in a little oil first.
The sticky stuff will slide right out without leaving half of it behind.
🍴 Easiest Way to Juice a Lemon
Get the most juice out of your lemons by:
- Rolling it firmly on the counter before cutting.
- Popping it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to loosen up the juices.
No fancy gadgets needed!
🍴 Quick Egg Substitutes for Baking
No eggs in the fridge? Don’t panic. Here are a few easy substitutes (good for cakes, muffins, and cookies):
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 egg
- 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana = 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes) = 1 egg
Tip: These work best in softer baked goods, not in recipes where eggs are the main star (like meringues or soufflés).
🍴 How to Tell If Baking Powder or Baking Soda Is Still Good
Baking powder and soda lose their power over time. Here’s a quick way to check:
- Baking powder: Stir a teaspoon into a little warm water. If it bubbles right away, it’s good.
- Baking soda: Stir a teaspoon into a little vinegar. If it fizzes like crazy, it’s still active.
No fizz? Time to toss it.
🍴 Freeze Extra Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil
If you’ve got fresh herbs that are about to wilt, don’t let them go to waste.
- Chop them up, place in an ice cube tray, and cover with olive oil.
- Freeze the cubes, then pop them into soups, stews, or skillets later for an easy flavor boost.
Final Thoughts
Cooking at home should feel fun — not frustrating. Having a few tricks up your sleeve makes everything easier, from baking biscuits to fixing a quick supper after a long day. Bookmark this list or print it out and keep it in your kitchen for those moments when you need a fast fix.
And remember: it’s not about doing everything perfectly — it’s about making good food with what you’ve got.
Want ideas on what to cook for new parents? Here are 5 tips that could be helpful!
