Use Every Last Bit of Your Veggies
Instead of tossing those carrot tops, onion skins, and celery leaves, save them for a homemade veggie broth! Collect your veggie scraps in a freezer bag, and once you’ve got a good stash, simmer them in water for a few hours to make a flavorful, cost-free stock. It’s perfect for soups, stews, and risottos.
Make Stale Bread Work for You
Don’t let stale bread go to waste. Turn it into breadcrumbs, croutons, or even a rustic bread pudding. For breadcrumbs, simply toast the slices, then grind them up. They’re fantastic for adding crunch to pasta dishes or as a coating for chicken.
Reuse Pasta Water for Extra Flavor
When you boil pasta, save that starchy water! It’s perfect for thickening sauces, adding a silky finish. Just scoop out a cup before you drain the pasta and add a bit to your sauce. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
Freeze Fresh Herbs in Oil
If your fresh herbs are looking a little sad, chop them up, put them in an ice cube tray, and cover them with olive oil. Freeze, then pop out the cubes as you need them! They’re perfect for starting a sauté or adding fresh herb flavor to a dish without the waste.
Keep Onions and Potatoes Separate
Onions and potatoes might seem like pantry buddies, but they actually make each other spoil faster. Store them in separate, cool, dark places to extend their shelf life. You’ll find they last longer, which saves you from unnecessary replacements.
Use Citrus Peels for a Fresh Touch
Don’t throw away lemon, lime, or orange peels! They’re packed with flavor. You can dry them to make homemade zest or throw fresh peels into vinaigrettes, marinades, or even desserts. They also make a natural cleaner when simmered in vinegar!
Batch Cook and Freeze for Easy Meals
Cooking in batches saves time, money, and reduces food waste. Think soups, stews, or even casseroles that you can portion and freeze. When you’re short on time (or motivation), having ready-to-eat meals in the freezer is a lifesaver.
Maximize the Microwave
Your microwave can do more than just heat leftovers. Use it to soften hard brown sugar by microwaving it with a damp paper towel, revive stale bread with a quick zap, or even cook veggies when you’re in a rush. It’s a time-saver you might be underestimating.
Grate Your Own Cheese (and Freeze It!)
Pre-shredded cheese costs more and often comes coated with anti-clumping agents. Buy a block and grate it yourself—then store it in the freezer if you have extras. It melts beautifully for pasta, pizza, and casseroles, with the bonus of better flavor.
DIY Salad Spinner Hack
If you don’t have a salad spinner, a clean dish towel will do the trick! Place your washed greens in the towel, gather the ends, and give it a whirl outside (or over the sink). It’s surprisingly effective and doesn’t require any special equipment.
Stretch Milk with Water for Baking
This one’s a bit old-school, but it works! If you’re low on milk, add a bit of water to stretch it for baking recipes. For most baked goods, this won’t affect the texture or flavor noticeably, and it’ll help make that gallon go a little further.