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Ask HN: What kitchen/cooking hacks that have been really effective for you?

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Re: Ask HN: What kitchen/cooking hacks that have been really effective for you?

#61
post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Use the side of a large knife to mash whole garlic cloves. The skin will easily separate and the clove will be ready to cook or chop.

This will easily break the clove. Ok if you are going for finely chopped but less nice if you need thin slices. Another way is to roll the clove between your hands for a few seconds. Trim the top and bottom off, roll, peel. Also if you use a garlic press, there's no need to peel. Actually it's easier to clean the pres if you don't.

> Another way is to roll the clove between your hands for a few seconds. Trim the top and bottom off, roll, peel.

Yes, that works. You have to press the garlic hard while rolling it, though, more so if it is older and drier.

Re: Ask HN: What kitchen/cooking hacks that have been really effective for you?

#62

Be able to sharpen a knife and always have at least one really sharp knife. Learn how to cut/chop efficiently. Pixian Douban Jiang - This is the flavor you were looking for: https://blog.themalamarket.com/pixian-chili-bean-paste-douba... Measure by weight, use a thermometer. Make stock. Decent stock is one of the secrets to really good cooking, but it is not available in stores (at least in the US). Whenever you have…

> add 1TB vinegar

How does anyone need more than 16MB vinegar? Get off my lawn!

Re: Ask HN: What kitchen/cooking hacks that have been really effective for you?

#64
A vitamix blender is the best thing I've ever purchased. I don't really care for eating salads, but I try to eat healthy. So I will blend combinations of the following: greens, apple, celery, cucumber, oranges, lemon, ginger, frozen pineapple, and frozen mango, and plain protein. Wakes me up better than coffee, and keeps me full till lunch.

Re: Ask HN: What kitchen/cooking hacks that have been really effective for you?

#65

Freeze herbs - most herbs will retain flavor. I've used rosemary, thyme and lemongrass as old as 6 months. Ginger becomes really easy to grate if its frozen. So stick it in the freezer. Add freshly crushed Cardamom, saffron and pistachios to vanilla ice-cream. Orgasmic. Whack a garlic clove with the back of the knife. It will peel instantly. Put a lid on to boil faster (~10-15% faster in my experience) Add butter to…

> Add freshly crushed Cardamom, saffron and pistachios to vanilla ice-cream. Orgasmic.

Also, mango ice cream + blackberries. So good

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