Step into the kitchen with Martha Stewart and discover a world of culinary ingenuity.
With her wealth of experience and creative flair, Martha brings you 10 genius kitchen tricks that will revolutionize your cooking experience.
These simple yet effective tips are designed to elevate your kitchen skills and make everyday cooking a delightful adventure.
1. Perfectly Poached Eggs
Ever struggled with poaching eggs? Martha’s trick is to add a teaspoon of vinegar to the water.
This helps the egg whites to solidify quickly, ensuring perfect poached eggs every time. Try swirling the water gently to form a whirlpool, which helps the eggs to keep their shape.
2. Fresh Herbs Storage
Keep your herbs fresh by storing them in a jar of water, just like flowers. Snip the stems and change the water every few days.
This method can keep your herbs going strong for weeks, adding a burst of flavor to your dishes long after purchase.
3. Instant Marinade Flavor
Boost your marinades with Martha’s secret: a splash of soy sauce and honey. These add depth and sweetness, transforming ordinary meats into culinary delights.
Let the meat sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply, making every bite a masterpiece.
4. Fluffy Pancakes
To achieve those perfect, fluffy pancakes, Martha recommends adding a little baking soda along with the baking powder.
This double-acting lift gives pancakes that extra fluffiness, ensuring they rise beautifully. The result? Light, airy pancakes that are worth waking up for.
5. Crispy Roasted Vegetables
Get the crispiest roasted vegetables by preheating the baking sheet. Martha’s technique involves tossing veggies in olive oil and seasoning, then spreading them on a hot tray.
This ensures a caramelized crust, enhancing both texture and flavor, making vegetables irresistible.
6. Effortless Garlic Peeling
Peeling garlic can be a chore, but not with Martha’s method. Simply crush the cloves with the flat side of a knife – the skins will slide right off.
This trick saves time and effort, letting you enjoy the robust flavor of fresh garlic without the hassle.
7. Ultimate Pie Crust
Martha’s pie crust is renowned for its flakiness. The secret? Ice-cold butter and minimal handling.
Use your fingertips to blend the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures the butter remains solid, creating layers of flaky perfection as it bakes.
8. Quick Ripen Avocados
Speed up the ripening of avocados with Martha’s trick: place them in a paper bag with a banana.
The ethylene gas emitted by bananas accelerates ripening. Check daily to prevent over-ripening, and soon you’ll have perfectly ripe avocados ready for your favorite recipes.
9. Perfectly Seared Steak
For the perfect sear, Martha insists on a hot pan and minimal flipping. Pat the steak dry to remove moisture and season generously.
Place it in the pan, and don’t touch it until a crust forms. This method locks in juices, delivering a steak that’s simply unforgettable.
10. Efficient Citrus Juicing
Maximize juice extraction by microwaving citrus fruits for a few seconds before squeezing. Martha’s trick softens the fruit, making it easier to juice.
Roll the fruit on the counter to further loosen juices, ensuring you get every last drop of tangy goodness.