#1: HOW TO SEPARATE EGG YOLKS
Everyone knows how passionate I am about baking. So for a long time I was heartbroken when I’d read a recipe that required me to “separate the yolk from the white” because I just couldn’t figure out how to do it! Finally, thanks to Google, I’ve discovered an amazing, perfect-easy way to do it! You can separate eggs by gently squeezing a plastic water bottle over a cracked egg. When the bottle re-inflates with air, it will scoop to yolk right up!
#2: HOW TO SPRAY A LEMON
Lemons are one of Mother Nature’s biggest gifts to cooking and food. I know that Cristina, for one, likes to squeeze lemon juice on whatever she can. So here’s a tip to squeeze out every last drop in no time…microwave them! Look at the difference between squeezing this cold one vs. one that’s been microwaved for about 20-30 seconds.
Now, for those of us who want an “essence” of lemon instead of using every last drop of juice, I’ve found a life-changing gadget. It’s called a Lekue Citrus Sprayer and it lets you turn fresh lemons into the ultimate juice dispenser! Just insert these handy little tools into your favorite citrus, then press the top to spray a light mist of tangy juice, wherever you like, whether it’s a salad, veggies, or even soft drinks!
#3. PRESERVE YOUR FRESH HERBS
I found a great way to preserve your fresh herbs! Instead of tossing away, you can put them in ice cube trays filled with butter or olive oil! Preserving in oil prevents freezer burn, which happens when you just stash your herbs in the freezer. It’s also a great way to have herbs ready immediately for winter stews, roasts, soups and potato dishes. What’s great is that most of these dishes call for butter or olive oil to start with, so you’re really killing 2 birds with one stone! Note: This method works best with harder herbs, like rosemary, sage, thyme and oregano. On the other hand, softer herbs like mint, basil and dill are a little delicate to survive the freezer!
#4: CUT THE CHEESE…OR THE CAKE
Cheese, we love it. Especially soft, decadent ones like brie, camembert or goat’s cheese. But the problem arrives when we try to cut them because they squish down and lose their shape. You can solve this problem and also cut perfect slices using…dental floss! Look! This also works with cake too. Just make sure to use NON-flavored dental floss!
#5. HOW TO KEEP WINE COLD WITHOUT ICE CUBES
Okay, we all love a nice, chilled glass of white wine. But it’s no fun when the ice cubes finally melt and water the taste down! Next time, just freeze some ice cubes and pop em’ in your glass. You’ll keep your drink cold and maintain its full flavor!
Get additional tips from lifestyle and beauty expert Kym Douglas at KymDouglas.com. Follow her on Twitter @KymDouglas and like her on Facebook.
Get more great recipes and crafts by visiting us on Pinterest at pinterest.com/homeandfamilytv and follow "Home & Family" on Twitter @homeandfamilytv and Facebook. Plus, check out our YouTube channel for backstage videos.
