Surprising Kitchen Hacks: DIY Taco Shells, Longer-Lasting Bananas & More

Jun 9 2021
Have you ever heard about a cool kitchen hack and thought, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Well, prepare to ask yourself that very question seven times over…



Make hard-boiled eggs in a muffin pan.

If you’d do anything to avoid standing over a pot of water waiting for it to boil, today’s your lucky day. Here’s how to oven-cook your eggs! Place a whole raw egg (still in its shell) in each cup of a muffin pan, and bake at 325°F for 30 minutes. The shells may develop a few brown spots, but don’t let that bother you. Using tongs, immediately transfer eggs to a bowl of ice water to chill for 10 minutes — this is a must for easy peeling!

Hull strawberries with a drinking straw.

Whether your kitchen is stocked with classic plastic straws or new-school metal ones, this hack will have you chomping leafless berries in no time. Just press a straw through the bottom center of a strawberry until it pushes completely through and takes the leaves with it. You’ll save time and waste less fruit. Brilliant!

Freshen the garbage disposal with lemons.

Wondering where that unpleasant smell is coming from? There’s a good chance your garbage disposal is the culprit, but here’s a fix. Roughly chop a lemon — peel and all — and toss it into the sink. Turn on the garbage disposal, and let it grind up that lemon for a nice, citrusy smell. This is a perfect trick to employ right before company arrives.

Wrap banana crowns for longer-lasting bananas.

Yup, the stem of a banana is called a crown. (How regal!) Grab some plastic wrap or foil, and wrap those crowns. This slows the ripening process, so you’ll get more life out of those bananas. Approaching the point of no return? Slice your banana into coins and freeze for a fast smoothie addition or yummy snack.

Use nonstick spray to measure sticky ingredients.

What’s the point of carefully measuring honey if half of it stays in the measuring spoon? Instead of guessing, spray your measuring cup or spoon with nonstick spray. Your sticky ingredient will slide right out! Bonus: Your measuring tools will be easier to clean with no sticky residue.

Bake your own taco shells.

Craving crunchy tacos but only have soft tortillas on hand? No problem! Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place a couple of 6-inch corn tortillas between two paper towels, and microwave until warm. Spray both sides of tortillas with cooking spray, and evenly drape each one over one side of a loaf pan. Bake until crispy, about 7 minutes. Let cool for maximum crispiness!

Keep your drink chilled without watering it down.

Frozen grapes are a tasty summertime treat, but that’s not all they’re good for… Use the frosty orbs as no-melt ice cubes! Evenly place rinsed grapes on a parchment-lined plate, and freeze until solid. Bonus: They look beautiful in a party pitcher, and you’ll have a snack waiting for you at the bottom of your glass.

Chew on this:

Today, June 9th, is National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day. With all due respect to rhubarb, this Upside-Down Strawberry Pretzel Pie is plain perfect as is.

Your friends need these kitchen hacks! Save the day, and click “Send to a Friend” now.

Have a Question for Hungry Girl?

Send it in! She answers new Qs each week (but cannot respond to emails personally).

Social

We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.

We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.

*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.

Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.

Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.