• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Deep Roots at Home

  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Alternative Medicine
    • Babies & Pregnancy
    • Beauty
    • Books & Booklists
    • Brain & Gut Health
    • Children At Home
    • COVID-19
    • Detoxing & TRS
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Education & Homeschool
    • Faith & Family
    • Feel-Good Stories
    • Flourishing Marriage
    • Flourishing Womanhood
    • Food & Recipes
    • Food Additives
    • Garden & Homestead
    • Healthy Living
    • Herbs & Remedies
    • Holidays
    • Homemaking
    • My Favorite Products
    • News & Alerts
    • Parental Rights
    • Pharma & Vaccines
    • Play, Toys, & Movies
    • Raising Daughters
    • Raising Sons
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Shop
  • Popular Blog Topics
  • Alternative Medicine
  • Babies & Pregnancy
  • Beauty
  • Books & Booklists
  • Brain & Gut Health
  • Children at Home
  • COVID-19
  • Detoxing & TRS
  • DIY & Crafts
  • Education & Homeschool
  • Faith & Family
  • Feel-Good Stories
  • Flourishing Marriage
  • Flourishing Womanhood
  • Food & Recipes
  • Food Additives
  • Garden & Homestead
  • Healthy Living
  • Herbs & Remedies
  • Holidays
  • Homemaking
  • My Favorite Products
  • News And Alerts
  • Parenting / Parental Rights
  • Pharmaceutical Warnings
  • Play / Toys
  • Raising Daughters
  • Raising Sons
  • Popular This Week
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood

    7.5KViews Modified: Aug 9, 2022 · Published: Oct 3, 2019
    By Jacqueline 5 Comments

    Share780
    Telegram
    Pin193
    973 Shares

    Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood.

    There are a lot of kitchen basics I learned before I was married! Yes, I learned much in my mom’s kitchen. Then once I had my own family, I had to develop my own sense of timing, style, order, and a recipe repertoire. I’m thankful I learned these basics that saved me time, money, and prevent logistical headaches.

    If you are anything like me, you are in the kitchen – a lot – preparing good things for your family.

    But if you avoid the kitchen, maybe you need these tips so it will function better for you!

    Genius For Your Kitchen From Mom

    Tricks & Tips

    Keep from crying chopping onions:  Just poke your tongue out a little between your teeth when chopping onions – sounds crazy, but the molecules of onions seems to hit the first wet spot – so yes, this works! Goes to your tongue and not the eyes!

    Store mushrooms properly to extend life! The #1 BEST WAY is to wrap mushrooms together in a paper towel, inside a perforated plastic bag.

    Add a dash of soy sauce to mushrooms and you’ll have the mushroomiest-tasting mushrooms you’ve ever tasted!

    For scoopable ice cream and unbent spoons, place your ice cream tub in a freezer bag. It will keep the cold air from freezing it rock hard. Push as much air out as possible before freezing.

    Extend veggie freshness by lining the bottom of your refrigerator’s crisper drawer (or a gallon ziplock) with paper towels. Excess moisture causes veggies to rot.

    Eggs don’t stick to your pan – ever! A good cast-iron skillet is a valuable kitchen ally. It offers a non-toxic, even heat-distributing cooking surface and is a breeze to clean. My Cast Iron Skillet Frittata Recipe – Quick and Easy

    Never cook tomato sauce or foods with lemon juice or vinegar in cast iron. Acid causes the seasoning on a cast-iron pan to break down.

    Protect your spices: Store in a cool, dark place, not above your stove. Humidity, light and heat causes loss of flavor rather quickly.

    Get high quality knives you will love to use use. Resist the temptation to get a cheap butcher block set (which are notoriously poor quality steel). Consider:

    • Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Knives for high quality, lower cost which will likely last half a lifetime
    • or consider more expensive Cutco knives which WILL last a lifetime and maintain their edge (these make excellent wedding gifts)

    Tricks & Tips

    Basil stays fresher and actually puts on little roots if you keep the water fresh.

    Make buttermilk for baking in 30 seconds: My mom loved to do this. Adding a good squeeze of lemon juice (or 1/2 tsp. AC vinegar) to 1/2-3/4 c. milk sours it slightly, mimicking buttermilk, often used in biscuits and scones.

    Invest in parchment paper for lining pans and trays. Different than waxed paper and way healthier than aluminum foil! Mom showed me how it makes cleanup a dream, and keeps food off of your aluminum bake surfaces.

    Mom taught me to season fish simply. The flavor of the fish is what you want. When it comes off the grill or out of the oven or pan, finish with a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Always. There is just something about lemon and fish that is heavenly. Cod pairs so well with dill and Old Bay seasoning.

    “How do you boil an egg?” Find out the TIMEs for your chosen egg doneness and easy peeling!

    Freeze excess ripe tomatoes whole in a ziplock like marbles and add to soups this winter. Mom’s soups were something we all loved!

    Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood.

    Mayo trick: For rich, creamy dressings made healthier, substitute half or more of the mayo with plain cultured yogurt.

    Don’t let cheese dry out: always cover cheese with shrink wrap or do as my grandmother did – spread open edges with a thin layer of butter.

    My immersion blender is invaluable: easier to clean (and used more) than my VitaMix or food processor. Get rid of lumps in a sauce, purée soups directly in the pot, or make mayo in under 5 minutes.

    Don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re sauteing — it’ll steam your veggies and make them mushy.

    Save your lungs. Use non-toxic, 2 ingredient, non-scratch scouring powder Bon Ami 1886 Formula. For showers, sinks, stainless steel.

    Get PURE water. Reject bottled or fluoridated tap water. Consider a Berkey Water Filter and never worry again about losing electricity and your drinking water supply.

    Discover my relaxed slow turkey roasting method where WE decide when we are ready to eat, NOT the turkey!  

    herbs in oil, tomatoes, vinaigrette

    Tomatoes last longer placed stem side down. They store better at room temp than in the fridge.

    3 Ingredient DIY Fruit & Veggie Wash: Fill a small spray bottle with 1 c. water, 3 TBSP lemon juice (or white vinegar) and 1 TBSP baking soda. I add 3 drops Thieves blend. Shake gently (it will bubble and fizz a bit).

    Preserve your herbs in olive oil to preserve full flavor:  Freeze flat in ziplock and cut off chunks when ready to season with them.

    Homemade vinaigrettes have fewer, healthier ingredients and taste better than bottled ones. I just put all the ingredients in this glass Salad Dressing Mixer Bottle and shake.

    My go-to house Honey Mustard dressing is 1/2 cup organic brown Dijon mustard, just under 1/2 cup raw honey, 1/3 cup EVOO, sea salt and black pepper to taste. Use shaker bottle. So simple!

    Mom taught me a dash of apple cider vinegar can liven a soup or stew from heavy and boring to fresh and flavorful.

    Trash the table salt (NaCl) in the kitchen and replace it with Himalayan pink, Redmond Real, or Celtic sea salt. Your body will thank you! Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood.

    Scrub your cast iron pans with salt instead of dish soap. The salt acts an abrasive cleaner without removing the seasoning.

    Prevent your Pot from boiling over:  Simply place a wooden spoon across the top of your pot. It has to be wooden.

    Brighten your Stainless Steel sink. Mix vinegar and water together, spray the solution on your surfaces and wipe it down.

    Stretch a whole chicken out for 3 meals: The first day use the breasts in a meal (chicken salad, teriyaki chicken or chicken stir fry); the second day, the rest of the meat in a casserole. Finally, make quantities of bone broth with the whole chicken frame for soups or for cooking rice or quinoa.

    Keep fruit from getting brown once cut: Stir 1 tsp. of vitamin C into cut fruit or coating them with an acidic juice such as lemon, orange or pineapple juice.

    Tricks & Tips: garlic smell, lemon juice

    Herbs stay put when chopping: When mincing herbs, toss a little salt onto your cutting board; it will keep them from flying around.

    Remove garlic odor from hands: After working with garlic, rub your hands vigorously on a stainless spoon for 20 seconds before washing them.

    Want just a little lemon juice but not cut up the whole fruit? Roll the lemon on a countertop until pliable and poke a hole in one end with a toothpick. Squeeze for juice, then stick the toothpick back in the hole and refrigerate the lemon.

    A squeeze of lemon juice in your sautéed vegetables will brighten them up.

    Revolutionary idea: My mom demanded I actually read my recipe through before I began. It does save mistakes and time in the kitchen.

    Taste as you go: I’m amazed that people will follow a recipe but not taste the dish before serving to see if it needs more salt, pepper or spices.

    Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood. meme

    Cooking cauliflower: adding a bit of milk to the water with salt keeps the cauliflower bright white.

    Chopping onions:  Hold a piece of bread in your mouth! Or freeze your onion for 15 minutes before chopping.  Chefs tell us that once you are an onion chopping pro, your eyes adjust.

    Remove eggshell fragments: Use a half of the eggshell to scoop up the other pieces. It attracts them like a magnet.

    When you grill, pull your steaks or hamburgers out of the refrigerator one hour ahead of time so they can come to room temperature.

    Always measure when baking. No shortcuts in pastry: It’s a science.

    Clean as you go. (Sounds dorky, sure, but it really helps!) My mom taught me, so I taught our children! It is all so much easier that way!

    “Don’t eat anything your great-great-grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” ~Michael Pollan

    Timeless Kitchen Hacks: 35 Tricks & Tips from My Mom & My Childhood. cooking together
    Print Friendly, PDF & Email
    Share780
    Telegram
    Pin193
    973 Shares
    « Science-Based Protocol To Reduce Severity of Vaccine Side Effects
    Synthetic Fragrances & MCS: Smells That Make Us Sick »

    Related

    Hi! I’m Jacqueline!

    Thanks for being part of this journey with me.
    Welcome to my own little place on the internet! Home is where I love to be. I feel there is no greater place to incubate souls. These days you’ll find me using my experiences here to write about herbal remedies and natural health research — a big passion of mine. But being a wife and mother is not easy. It is challenging and potentially lonely. I get that. I wanted to create a place to connect with and support other moms for creating a natural, healthy, and fulfilling home life.
    Join the newsletter:

    Sent in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

    Footer

    About Deep Roots at Home

    What is Deep Roots at Home?
    Jacqueline’s Story
    Article Archives
    Contact
    Stay Updated

    Weekly updates on the topics that matter the most to you!

    Sent in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

    Popular Posts This Week
    • The Wet Socks Treatment Gives A Plethora Of Overnight Benefits
    • Mexican Hot Cocoa With Turmeric, Coconut Oil, Maca & Spices
    • How to Store Eggs at Room Temp in Lime Water for 1 Year or More
    • The Sexual Behavior of Women, Barometer of Cultural Success

    Affiliate Disclosure  •  Medical Disclosure  •  Privacy Policy  •  Cookie Policy

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Website by Imperative Co.



    © 2006–2023 Deep Roots at Home • All Rights Reserved

    Many people don’t see me on the Deep Roots at Home Facebook page these days due to censorship.

    Come straight to Deeprootsathome.com instead and find out what you’re missing!

    You can even make DRAH your browser homepage.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “5 Easy, Homemade Remedies to Beat Coughs & Colds” printable PDF.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “5 Easy + Healthy Lifestyle Drinks” printable PDF.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup — with Easy Recipes!” printable PDF.

    Subscribe to Email Updates

    By adding your email address below, you agree to receive email updates from Deep Roots at Home. You’ll get 2-6 emails per month with info that we can’t share on social media and important updates. We may send occasional marketing / sales emails.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Treasured Old Books” printable guide.

    Get the printable ebook!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Dyslexia Tips” ebook from Sarah J. Brown.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Starving Brains & Poor Attention Spans in Boys: 30 Tips for Parents” printable PDF.

    Get your free ebook!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “Vital Vaccine Info” printable e-book.

    Get your free printable guide!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “31 Days of Praying Scripture for Newlyweds” printable guide.

    Get the freebie of the season!

    Fill in your email address to receive the free “100 Wholehearted Books to Take Back the Culture” printable guide.

    Praying for newlyweds is perhaps the best gift we can give them! Receive this printable PDF: “31 Days of Praying Scripture for Newlyweds.” 

    Prayers for Husbands

    View our privacy policy.

    The PDF will arrive in your inbox! You’ll also get about 1-2 emails a month (including the seasonal freebies!) and can unsubscribe at any time.

    ¡Nos gustaría mantener en contacto! Y usted recibirá un obsequio importante de la temporada: “Cerebros Ambrientes y Escasa Atención En Los Niños” PDF imprimible.

    Spanish Boys Attention Spans

    Ver nuestra política de privacidad.


    ¡El PDF llegará a su buzón de entrada! ¡Usted recibirá 1 – 2 correos electrónicos al mes (incluyendo los regalos de temporada!) y puede cancelar su suscripción en cualquier momento.