cooking zone: HowTo

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Kitchen Hack: The Easiest Way to Slice Cherry Tomatoes

Kitchen tips like this one help to keep things simple in my kitchen. Whether it is slicing cherry tomatoes, grapes, olives or cherries this easy kitchen hack is going to save you a lot of prep time in your kitchen.

Fresh tomatoes are one of the most used ingredients in my recipes. They are so simple and fresh and create an amazing flavor in every dish I add them too. I love Roma tomatoes in the summer, but the rest of the year I lean toward cherry or grape tomatoes because they have the most flavor. After a few years of cutting them one by one I started just using them whole because it is such a tedious job and who has that kind of time? AmIRight?

That is when I heard about this fabulous kitchen shortcut. Since then I have been using it to cut pitted olives, pitted cherries, grapes and just about anything thing round-ish and small that I normally struggle with. Now, I know some of y'all have seen it, there are others that haven't and trust me when I say this kitchen hack is a must for a simple kitchen!

I learned a long time ago that my bread knife only has 2 purposes in life. One, of course, is bread. The other is tomatoes. I have to tell you I have never been so frustrated as when I was trying to cut tomatoes in half and ending up with squished tomatoes.

Use the bread knife. It is like magic. It will perfectly slice through the skin without smooshing the insides. Trust me.

It is going to save you soooo much time!

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Kitchen Hack: Cherry Tomatoes

2 lids (same size)
1 serrated knife (8" bread knife works great)
cherry tomatoes (or grapes, pitted olives or pitted cherries)

Grab 2 same size lids. You can use plastic ware or lids from your fridge. I use the lids from my Ziploc Twist N Lok The lid does not have to be round.

You can use any size lid as long as it has a lip around the edge. You can even use small appetizer plates from your kitchen.

Place lid with the lip facing up, so you have an edge that will hold your food. Fill lid with cherry tomatoes.

Place the 2nd lid on top of the tomatoes with the lip facing down. Firmly press down on the top lid, but do not squish your tomatoes.

The 2 lips will hold the tomatoes in place so they do not roll off the lid. Slide your knife between the lids and carefully slice through them.

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Preserving Fresh Herbs

My favorite kitchen hack for fresh herbs. Keep herbs crisp and fresh for 2 weeks or longer with this awesome kitchen tip.

I have even had them in my fridge for 3 weeks once as we went on vacation and left them in accidentally. They were still crisp and just needed a little water added to the container to perk them up. This works great for leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro.

It is going to make life so much easier!

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Recipe developed by Donna Elick -
Copyright ©2016 – All rights reserved.

Disclosure: This article was written as part of my collaboration with eBay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Homemade Croutons

Easy Homemade Croutons are the best kitchen hack. This simple recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes. Left over bread is perfectly seasoned and then baked until perfectly crisp and completely irresistible. Trust me you will never buy them again.

I love bread! I am an admitted carbivore. I would live on bread if I could. But, my bod just doesn't agree so these days I eat less bread and we can't go through a full loaf quick enough.

So, I started making croutons out of the leftovers. I love the crunch of croutons on a salad or a creamy soup. Not to mention, can you imagine making your stuffing with homemade croutons?

My latest favorite is on top of homemade mac and cheese. Sometimes it just needs that crunch and nothing does that better than croutons. I mean you could pick some up at the store, but why? Homemade croutons are so much better than store bought.

You can make them super crunchy like my favorites or cook them until they are golden brown for a softer crunch. Not to mention, I have several friends and family that eat gluten-free bread. Can you imagine having gluten-free croutons?

Whip up this recipe using gluten-free bread. Then grind some of the croutons into bread crumbs. You would certainly be their hero. This simple recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes. Leftover bread is cubed and tossed with olive oil, herbs, and spices.

Then they are baked until perfectly crisp. Once they come out of the oven I warn you then will disappear. If you want to save some for salads, you might want to set those aside.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Author: Donna Elick

Easy Homemade Croutons

Homemade Croutons are the best kitchen hack. This simple recipe comes together in just about 20 minutes. Left over bread is cubed and tossed with olive oil, herbs and spices. Then they are baked until perfectly crisp and completely irresistable. Trust me you will never buy them again.

Ingredients

½ loaf bread, cut into ¾” chunks, or cubes of preferred size
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add bread chunks to a baking pan in an even layer. Sprinkle bread with salt, parsley, garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat well and spread evenly on baking sheet again.
Bake 15-20 minutes, until they are done, flipping after 10 minutes of cook time.
Serve and enjoy!

DONNA'S NOTES

You could use parchment paper or a silpat mat for easy clean up but I find that the metal pan helps the croutons to crisp perfectly. If you prefer to cover your pan I recommend using aluminum foil to line your pan.

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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Check out some more of our favorite kitchen hacks: Click on the image or the bold recipe title and it will open each one in a new tab.

Kitchen Hack: The Easiest Way to Slice Cherry Tomatoes - Kitchen tips like this one help to keep things simple in my kitchen. Whether it is slicing cherry tomatoes, grapes, olives or cherries this easy kitchen hack is going to save you a lot of prep time in your kitchen.

Kitchen Hack: Preserving Fresh Herbs - Keep herbs crisp and fresh for 2 weeks or longer with this awesome kitchen tip. Especially useful for parsley and cilantro.

Kitchen Hack: How to Store Celery - Are you tired of buying celery only to end up using 2 stalks and throwing it away? I was too. Using this simple kitchen tip, I can keep it fresh for 3-4 weeks! No more wasted celery.

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Peeling Ginger

Ginger is one of my favorite spices, but ginger root can be challenging to work with. That is until you have this kitchen tip in your cooking toolbox! And I have some tips on how to store it.

I absolutely love ginger! I know it isn't a spice you would think that you would find in my kitchen. I mean, it's not used in Mexican or Italian cooking (two of my favorite cuisines). But, it is one of those flavors that I love to tuck in unexpected places.

My favorite fruit salad has ginger added in for a nice zing. My favorite pasta salad recipe has ginger in the dressing to give it some added flavor that really pops! Needless to say, it's a flavor that works well in so many recipes: savory, sweet and everything in between.

It is going to make life so much easier!

CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

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CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

How to Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine

We have all the tricks on How to Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine and get rid of that funky smell and make it clean as new. With tips for maintaining your washer and dryer and extending the life of your machines, this is a must read!

With hints to make your washer and dryer last a long time we are so excited to be partnering with Lowe’s on this project.

It has been amazing sharing our recipes and our travel with you. We are thrilled to take you along on our home projects too! The awesome $350 giveaway details will follow the article.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED. AND THE WINNER IS.... RUSTY (SARAH) HOLMGREN

We moved into our home about 10 years ago and bought it with all appliances included. They were 6 years old at the time and kind of mismatched but they all worked. So we decided we had better figure out how to take care of them to make them last.

After some research and trial and error Chad came up with a great routine for maintaining the washer and dryer. But then life got hectic, and as it goes we stopped the routine until one day early this fall. Let me step back a few months. We had a jet setting crazy summer. We would be home long enough to do our laundry and pack for our next trip.

By the end of summer when things settled down we were noticing our towels and clothes smelled odd. Kind of funky, you know what I mean? I couldn’t put my finger on it so Chad started using more detergent, washing in a hot cycle and hoping that would help. It didn’t.

Then we remembered it had been a while (who knows how long) since we did our maintenance routine. So Chad gave it a shot and I have to tell you, after battling with funky smelling laundry the relief you feel to grab a towel and bury your nose in it to enjoy the freshness is such a gift.

So, I am sure you are asking what how did he do it? Yes he! Chad does the laundry. I know. Lucky girl {{{gush}}}. It’s easy and keep reading for tips on maintaining your dryer. Maybe yours will last 16 years too.

To clean your top load washer you will need:
•    scrub brush
•    cleaning cloth
•    cotton swabs
•    4 cups (1 quart) regular bleach
•    4½ cups (1 quart + ½ cup) white vinegar

I am sure it goes without saying, but you want to remove all clothes from the washer before cleaning it.

Start by cleaning your washer’s exterior. Mix 1 cup of hot water and ½ cup vinegar. Using a clean cloth dampen in vinegar solution and wipe down all surfaces with cloth. Put some weight into it. Use a little elbow grease to really clean the knobs well.

Open the top and wipe down the inside of the lid. Sometimes dirt and soap splash the lid leaving a build up of grime. Use cotton swabs to get in the crevices. Remove any bleach or fabric softener dispensers (when possible) and scrub the dispenser with your scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution. Use your scrub brush to clean the agitator and take a peek at the top of the wash bin. Use a cloth to clean this area.

Set your washer to the hottest setting, the largest load and the longest wash and spin cycle. Let the washer fill with hot water and add 4 cups bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes and then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour. Head out to the kitchen and try 2 of our 30 minute meals, I mean you have an hour to kill. After an hour turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.

After the first cycle has finished turn the washer back on and fill with hot water once again. Add 4 cups vinegar. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes and then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour. Go watch a couple DVR’d episodes of your favorite show. Duck Dynasty and Walking Dead are my personal fav’s. No point in hanging around the laundry room. After an hour turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.

You now have a clean as new washing machine, ready to be put to the test! We cleaned out our laundry room while we were cleaning our machines. Do you know how many things we had in there that we haven’t used in 5 years??? A whole box full! Not to mention the farm of dust bunnies behind those unused product. ACK!

Additional tips for maintaining your washer and extending the life of your machine:
•    The cleaning routine should be repeated monthly for best results. Repeat routine at least every 3 months to prevent build up.
•    If you live in a hard water area you will want to perform this routine monthly. Hard water and lime can build up in your machine and your lines causing things to run inefficiently.
•    It is recommended that you replace your washer hose every 3-5 years. This is something you want to put on your calendar (or on a note in your laundry room) I have had to clean up the mess from a busted washer hose before, it’s not fun.
•    Do not overload your machine it causes the machine to run inefficiently and puts strain on the motor.
•    Shake your clothes out before placing in the washer.
•    Make sure your machine is level; the vibration can cause “walking” of the machine which can damage the floor and objects around it. Additionally it can cause additional strain on the machine.
•    Leave the lid open. It will allow the drum to dry completely and prevent mold and mildew odors from developing.
•    Be sure to turn off the water when you leave on vacation. Hoses are constantly under pressure and a busted water hose can cause severe water damage to your home while you are away.

Tips for maintaining your dryer and extending the life of your machine:
•    Always shake your clothes out before placing them in the dryer.
•    Do not overfill, it causes additional strain on the machine
•    Empty the lint trap after every load.
•    Monthly (when you clean the washer), remove the lint trap and scrub with a soft brush and gentle dish detergent to remove any residue. An unclean lint trap can block air flow. Dry completely before returning to dryer.
•    Every six months pull the dryer out and unplug it. Vacuum out the lint trap and the wall and the floor behind the dryer. Disconnect the vent and piping and check the airflow to the outside for obstructions. Proper airflow helps with the longevity and efficiency of your dryer.

Easy peasy! So, then we had a beautiful, clean and perfectly functional 16 year old washer and dryer set. But, sometimes you just want something new. So, needless to say the new owners of our washer and dryer were very happy with them.

We are so excited to be able to tell you about our new LG 3.6 cu ft High-Efficiency Front-Load Washer and LG 7.3 cu ft Electric Dryer! They arrived about 3 months ago and we are so thrilled with them. OK, OK. Chad is so thrilled with them, but I like I said they are so pretty and play a cute tune when the cycle is done.

I honestly did not realize exactly how little water they use. Wow! My daughter is amazed too, she sits in front of the washer and watches it spin. Too cute. Bonus for mom and dad; the front load is perfect for teaching her to help with the laundry too. Triple score!

Seriously though, once we cleaned out the laundry room and got the new set we knew we had to redo the room. So, we headed over to Lowe’s and picked up some paint and flooring. We painted and re-floored the room and then put in the new washer and dryer. It’s so nice I might even start doing laundry. Nah! Who am I kidding? That’ll never happen.

The great news; Lowe’s is giving away a $350 Lowe’s Giftcard to one lucky reader! That is certain to make your next home improvement project a whole lot easier. Talk about the perfect Thanksgiving week giveaway. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. USA residents only. Must be 18 to enter. Open 11/25/13 3:00am MST until 12/1/13 11:59pm MST. Winner will be verified and notified within 48 hours. Check your email.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED. AND THE WINNER IS.... RUSTY (SARAH) HOLMGREN

Disclosure: We are working in partnership with the LOWE'S brand and we are receiving compensation for our participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are of course 100% our own.

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS
How to developed by Chad Elick -
Copyright ©2013 – All rights reserved.

Originally published 11/25/13

GIVEAWAY CLOSED. AND THE WINNER IS.... RUSTY (SARAH) HOLMGREN
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Peeling Garlic

Peeling Garlic Kitchen Hack is one kitchen shortcut you need! I love garlic and you will find it in many of my recipes. I use so much garlic and use it so many ways. I have always struggled with the peels, but not anymore. With this kitchen tip in your cooking toolbox, it will save you so much time and frustration.

Have you been peeling garlic the wrong way? I am going to share many different ways to peel it and then my favorite way.

It is going to make life so much easier!

CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

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CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Hulling Strawberries

Hulling Strawberries can be a huge pain and just cutting the tops off is a huge waste of the tastiest part of the strawberry. This kitchen hack is a time saver and will save the flavorful part of the berry while hulling the tasteless pith and stem.

I have been trying to get my daughter more involved in the kitchen. I have been putting together some of my favorite kitchen tips as I am teaching her and I am so excited to share them with you.

Munchkin is a picky 6-year-old, and she doesn't like the way certain food looks or what it's called. For example, if I say a recipe has ground beef in it, she is bothered, so I call it "hamburger." That makes more sense to her. I have found when she is more involved in the process, she is more open to trying new food.

This kitchen hack for hulling strawberries is not only perfect for my 6-year old, but it is my husbands preferred way to hull them too.

CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

CLICK HERE FOR KITCHEN HACK

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Kitchen Hack: Homemade Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream is rich, silky and utterly delicious. It's the perfect topping to just about every dessert. It is really a kitchen staple. This simple recipe with 11 custom flavor creations and tips on how to keep it longer in the fridge, you are sure to find what you are looking for!

Perfect for topping fruit, coffee, making frosting and so much more.

I can only recall a few times growing up that we bought premade whipped cream. It was always homemade, and I absolutely love the taste and texture of homemade whipped cream.

The one issue that I used to struggle with was after sitting for a while the whipped cream would deflate. Well, I figured out the trick to stabilize it and help it stay fluffy for days in the fridge.

Custom Flavors - Add powders at the same time that you add the sugar. Add liquids once the cream is thick enough to see a trail follow the beater. All flavors are to taste, add more if it is not strong enough.

Chocolate Whipped Cream - Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.

Vanilla Almond Whipped Cream (my favorite) - Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon almond extract.

Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream - Add 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste. Chocolate Whipped Cream - Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder at the time you add the sugar.

Hot Chocolate Whipped Cream - Add 2 tablespoons unprepared hot chocolate mix.

Peppermint Whipped Cream - Add 1 teaspoon peppermint extract and 7-10 drops red food coloring.

Strawberry Whipped Cream - Add 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (at the time you add liquids).

Lemon Fluff Whipped Cream - Add 1 teaspoons lemon extract and 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest.

Peanut Butter Whipped Cream - Add 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter.

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream - Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger.

Praline Whipped Cream - Add 2 tablespoons crushed praline topping folded into the stiff-peaked whipped cream.

Marshmallow Whipped Cream - Add 2-3 tablespoons of marshmallow fluff once soft peaks form. Continue whipping until cream reaches medium or firm peaks. This is a stabilized whip cream.

Stabilizing whipped cream with dry pudding mix - Add 2 tablespoons dry instant pudding mix. I love flavoring this way too. I prefer Jell-O Instant French Vanilla pudding. It helps the whipped cream stay fluffy longer.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Yield: 2 CupsAuthor: Donna Elick

Homemade Whipped Cream

Homemade Whipped Cream is rich, silky and utterly delicious. It's the perfect topping to just about every dessert. It is really a kitchen staple. This simple recipe with 11 custom flavor creations and tips on how to keep it longer in the fridge, you are sure to find what you are looking for!