Kitchen Confidence: 7 Pro Tips to Help You Rule the Kitchen
“Staring at the knife, cutting board, and all the various veggies that needed to be cut…
I couldn’t help but thinking, ‘there has got to be a better way.’”
There I was: staring at the knife, cutting board, and all the various veggies that needed to be cut. Letting out an enormous “sigh,” I couldn’t help but thinking, “there has got to be a better way.”
As I stood there dreading the task of dicing onions, mincing garlic, and chopping carrots, I began looking around my kitchen, as if something nearby had the answer I was looking for. Or, maybe I was just looking for an excuse to be distracted from the task at hand. (I’m sure we’ve all had one of those moments.)
I let out one last “sigh,” and began to wash my hands and prepare to mince, slice, and dice. I was grabbing a towel to dry my hands, as I noticed the end of a cord peeking out from the bottom of the cabinet. I opened the cabinet, and there she was: the answer to my dilemma, shining bright as day.
“Why didn’t I think of this sooner?” I thought as I lifted the food processor from its cozy little spot. Just a couple of quick slices and a “zoom zoom,” and all that chopping, mincing, and dicing, done in the blink of an eye.
Little lightbulb moments like this, led me to creating these 7 Pro Tips to Help You Rule the Kitchen. With these 7 Pro Tips, you’re bound to save time, money, and stress.
So, without further ado, here are my 7 Pro Tips to Help You Rule the Kitchen.
1. Use a Food Processor for Chopping
A food processor can save an abundance of time in the kitchen.
It assists in chopping many things, like nuts and seeds, or fruits and vegetables. Just a few quick pulses, and voilà: chopped, minced, and diced perfection.
I am using an old food processor right now, but I’m thinking of upgrading. I have heard great things about the Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor, but is it really worth the price?
I’d love to hear what kind of processor you recommend. Do you have a favorite food processor, or are you in the market for one? Comment below.
2. Use Kitchen Shears
Kitchen shears can save time and energy on many of the projects that we’d normally just grab a knife and cutting board for. Examples include, cutting up leafy greens and other vegetables; cutting chicken, bacon, or other meats into smaller pieces; and trimming veggie stems or fat from meats.
I have personally been using a pair of kitchen shears that came with a set of Miracle Blade World Class knives that I got quite a few years back.
Anyone remember those infomercials, where they would slice through all of the things?
I awed at the cutting capability, but always cringed at how much food was being thrown out.
Don’t they know that goats and chickens would love to munch down on that?
3. Stop Struggling with Dull Knives
Speaking of knives, in addition to making our lives easier, a sharp knife is a matter of safety. Struggling with dull knives is a major safety risk! I have been using a Cutco French Chef Knife, with a pearl handle, for years now. I have no affiliation with them, I just think they’re awesome knives.
No matter what brand of knives you choose, be sure to keep them clean and sharp, and out of the reach of children and garden gnomes.
4. Get a Good Blender
A high-power blender, like a Vitamix or a BlendTec, will save you lots of time and money; giving you the ability to prep many foods that cost an arm and a leg in the grocery store.
I personally use my Vitamix blender to make super green smoothies every morning for my partner and I. It’s a great way to get a load of nutrients in a fun and delicious way throughout the day.
Plus, a high-power blender makes soups, sauces, and condiments a total breeze.
5. Buy in Bulk Whenever Possible
Buying things in bulk when possible will save you both time and money. Bulk items tend to be a much better value than purchasing in smaller quantities with more packaging. You’ll also save time by not having to worry about running out of the item and shopping for it as often.
However, I think my favorite bonus of buying in bulk whenever possible, is the positive impact it makes economically. By purchasing less product, we purchase less packaging, and we generate less waste: which ultimately is better for the environment.
6. Consider Using a Macronutrient Calculator
When making any major dietary changes, a macronutrient calculator can help us learn about the nutritional value of foods that we are not familiar with. This can give us a better overall understanding of what we’re consuming vs what our bodies need.
I have personally used the free phone app, Carb Manager: Keto Diet Tracker & Macros Counter, for a couple years now; and I love it.
I found the app initially when I was doing the Keto diet with my epileptic partner, who was experimenting with the diet for seizure reduction. Although my partner and I are no longer Keto, we still use the app to create and save recipes, to look up nutrient values for various foods, and to get a visual of our macro consumption from time to time.
A macro calculator definitely helps to save time and prevent calculation headaches.
7. When in Doubt, Ask for Help
Many of us live in a society where asking for help has been perceived as a sign of weakness; however, when we ask for help, we allow others the reward of giving.
A society based on giving rather than taking is overall happier, healthier, and more productive. So, give others the gift of giving, and ask for help when you need it.
I hope these tips help you as much as they have helped me.
If you are ever in need of help in the kitchen, with health and wellness, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach me personally at Cassiopeia@CookingWithCassiopeia.com. Remember, we are here to help.
Do you have any valuable Pro Kitchen Tips of your own? We would love to hear from you. Share your #1 most valuable kitchen tip in the comments below.