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Cooking Tips & Tricks ✨

Cooking tips and tricks for aesthetic, quick, and flavorful food, kitchen hacks, and ways to improve your meal with Pretty Platz

Kitchen Hacks

Tip #1

Scoop leftover tomato paste into a plastic baggie, separate into portions with your fingertip, and freeze flat. Break off a chunk when needed. This also works for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

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Tip #2

Chop big pieces of lettuce quickly by using a pizza cutter directly in the salad bowl for easy slicing.

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Tip #3

Clean a microwave faster by heating 2 cups of water for 2 minutes, then wiping the inside. Add lemon for extra cleaning power.

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Tip #4

Freeze soft cheese like mozzarella for 15 minutes to make it easier to slice or shred.

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Tip #5

Strip kale leaves easily by pulling the stem through your fingers from bottom to top.

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Tip #6

Cut cupcakes and fill them by removing a cone shape from the center, adding filling, then replacing the top.

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Tip #7

Use a garlic press so you don’t need to peel garlic cloves manually.

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Tip #8

Slice herbs like basil by stacking leaves, rolling them, then cutting into thin ribbons.

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Tip #9

Rinse quinoa in a sieve that has been pre-wetted to prevent grains from falling through.

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Tip #10

Clean grill grates by scrubbing with crumpled aluminum foil before heating.

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Tip #11

Flatten chicken breasts with a rolling pin for even cooking.

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Tip #12

Peel hard-boiled eggs while they are still warm for easier removal.

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Tip #13

Let dough rise on a heating pad set to low for consistent warmth.

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Tip #14

Use a cookie scoop to portion pancakes and muffins evenly.

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Tip #15

Microwave hard squash for 1–2 minutes before cutting to soften it.

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Tip #16

Use separate cutting boards for meat, vegetables, and gluten-free foods to prevent cross contamination.

Tip #17

Do not over-muddle mint to avoid bitterness.

Tip #18

Cover baked dishes with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Tip #19

Cook bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack for crispy, mess-free results.

Tip #20

Crush cereal in a bag with a rolling pin to make homemade breadcrumbs.

Tip #21

Slice cherry tomatoes through the middle for cleaner halves.

Tip #22

Use a bottle and straw method to remove cherry pits easily.

Tip #23

Freeze spinach and use it later in smoothies for a cold, healthy boost.

Tip #24

Freeze herbs in olive oil cubes for easy cooking additions.

Tip #25

Cook quesadillas side-by-side for easier flipping.

Tip #26

Peel kiwi by scooping the fruit out with a spoon.

Tip #27

Freeze parmesan rinds and use them to flavor soups and stews.

Tip #28

Create roasting racks using rolled foil.

Tip #29

Line baking sheets with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Tip #30

Peel ginger using a spoon instead of a knife.

Tip #31

Use a plastic bag around the sink to collect food scraps while prepping.

Works Cited:

Dalkin, Gabby. “The Perfect DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl - What’s Gaby Cooking.” Whatsgabycooking.com, 3 May 2023, whatsgabycooking.com/diy-chipotle-burrito-bowl/#recipeJump.

Firkser, Rebecca. “Smashed Potatoes with Bacon & Eggs.” Food52, Food52, food52.com/recipes/85382-smashed-potatoes-with-bacon-and-eggs-recipe. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

McKenney, Sally. “Cozy Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls (Perfect for Christmas Morning).” Sally’s Baking, 19 Dec. 2025, sallysbakingaddiction.com/gingerbread-cinnamon-rolls/#tasty-recipes-114509. Accessed 6 May 2026.

---. “Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole - Sally’s Baking.” Sally’s Baking, 13 Nov. 2019, sallysbakingaddiction.com/everything-bagel-breakfast-casserole/#tasty-recipes-78000. Accessed 6 May 2026.

---. “Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies with Naturally Pink Swirls.” Sally’s Baking, 5 Feb. 2026, sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-cheesecake-brownies/#tasty-recipes-115471. Accessed 6 May 2026.

---. “Raspberry Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing - Sally’s Baking.” Sally’s Baking, 9 Aug. 2023, sallysbakingaddiction.com/raspberry-swirl-sweet-rolls/#tasty-recipes-76641. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Olson, Michelle Doll. “Silky Sicilian Mushroom Penne Tossed with Veggies in a Cream Sauce.” HelloFresh, 4 Feb. 2020, www.hellofresh.com/recipes/silky-sicilian-mushroom-penne-5e39c13ff1e8243dda35c94f. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Wilkes, Krysten. “Pellet Grill Smoked Turkey.” Cooks with Soul, 5 Oct. 2024, cookswithsoul.com/pellet-grill-smoked-turkey/#recipe. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Woodard, Jazzmine. “Southern Baked Chicken Dinner - Dash of Jazz.” Dash of Jazz, 8 Oct. 2025, www.dashofjazz.com/southern-baked-chicken-dinner/#recipe. Accessed 6 May 2026.

Porter, Kristin. “40+ Favorite Kitchen Tips and Tricks.” Iowa Girl Eats, 24 Oct. 2014, iowagirleats.com/40-favorite-kitchen-tips-and-tricks/.