KITCHEN HACKS

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about

HACKTASTIC

1. Prevent onions from making you weep

To stop onion-induced tears, freeze this aromatic veggie before chopping. (Note: This trick only works if you’re planning to cook the onions later — otherwise, after the onion thaws out, the raw pieces will be a bit soggy!)

Another option? Strap on your swimming goggles to protect your eyes while you chop.

Or, if you want to look absolutely crazy when your housemate walks in, put a slice of bread in your mouth (partially sticking out) to absorb the irritant gas before it reaches your eyes.

2. Deal with hard-to-open jars

To open a stuck jar lid, wrap the lid with a rubber band and give it another try. The band will provide extra traction. If that’s still not enough (or your hands hurt too much), cover the rubber banded top with a dishtowel, and try again.

Alternatively, lid grips can help and are easily found at the grocery store in packs of three.

3. Make your own buttermilk

Buttermilk adds richness to muffins, pancakes, and breads, but it can be a tall order to get through a whole container of the stuff. (‘Cause we’re willing to bet you don’t drink it straight.)

To make your own buttermilk, add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. The mixture won’t get as thick and creamy as the real thing, but it will help create fluffy baked goods just the same.

4. Cut cherry tomatoes in half all at once

Cut multiple cherry or grape tomatoes in half with a handy lid trick.

Place one lid flat on the countertop, add a layer of tomatoes (roughly all the same diameter), and top with another lid. Gently slice horizontally through the bunch of tomatoes while pressing down the top lid.

What kind of lids? Anything works! Large yogurt container lids or Tupperware tops are good options.

5. Soften butter in a flash

Keeping butter out on the counter for an hour isn’t exactly ideal for a tight schedule. To speed up the process, grate it with a cheese grater or flatten it with a rolling pin (but put it in a plastic bag first).

And as always have a chilled day from the Viking