Useful Kitchen Tips for Every Texan Kitchen
Discover > Texas Mom Blog > Useful Kitchen Tips for Every Texan Kitchen
There's nothing like the smell of freshly-baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. And in Texas, we know a thing or two about cooking up a storm. From hearty Tex-Mex dishes to tender barbecue, our cuisine is as unique as our state.
Because Texans love to cook, we also know how to make the best of a bad situation. That's why we've compiled a list of kitchen tips that are actually useful for Texas. From dealing with ants to cleaning up the microwave, these tips will help you make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Kitchen Configuration Tips
When designing a new kitchen or planning a renovation, remember a few things to ensure that your space works for you. The layout of your kitchen is essential, and how you arrange your appliances, countertops, and storage will impact how you use the space. Here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect kitchen layout fit for a Texas kitchen.
Keep it Cool
Texas is known for its hot weather, so keeping your kitchen cool is essential. Open the windows and turn on the fan when cooking, and use a light color scheme in your kitchen to reflect heat.
Invest in Proper Ventilation
Humidity can also be a problem in Texas kitchens. To combat this, invest in some quality ventilation and fans. Also, don't forget to clean your range hood filter often to prevent grease build-up.
Provide Good Lighting
Good lighting is one of the most important elements of a well-designed kitchen. It not only makes the space more inviting and functional, but it can also help to create the illusion of a larger and cleaner space.
Kitchen injuries are inconvenient, to say the least, but unfortunately, they're pretty much inevitable. Here are some TexasRealFood tips for Preventing and Treating Kitchen Injuries.
Kitchen Cleaning Tips
There's no getting around it. Cleaning the kitchen can be a pain. But with these tips, you can make short work of even the dirtiest jobs.
Easily Clean Up Oil
Don't worry about spilled oil! Just sprinkle a thick layer of flour over the spill and wait a moment before sweeping up with an absorbent material like paper towels or cardboard shavings.
Clean the Microwave with Ease
To fast and effectively clean your microwave, place a microwave-safe bowl of water inside and microwave it on high for 2 minutes. This allows steam to build up inside and makes any splatters easy to clean up with a damp cloth.
Use Vinegar to Unclog Faucet Heads
The faucet on your kitchen sink or even the shower head can get clogged from time to time if you live in an area with hard water. To clear it up, just fill a cup of white vinegar and let that run while streaming back any excess liquid into our waste stream!
Storage Tips
As any Texas knows, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It's where we cook, eat, and socialize with family and friends. But it can also be a cluttered mess if we're not careful. So here are some tips to help you keep your kitchen organized and tidy:
Store Your Onions in the Fridge
It's hard to chop onions without crying! But store your chopping board in the fridge, and you won't have any tears.
Keep Tomatoes From Rotting
Keep your tomatoes fresh by storing them stem-end down. This will prevent air from entering and moisture from escaping the scar they once attached to their vine, which keeps rot at bay!
Prevent Brown Sugar From Hardening
Texans use a lot of brown sugar for staples like Pecan Pie. To keep brown sugar soft and scoopable, add an apple peel or slice of citrus along with the coarse sweetness.
Preserve Parsley
Follow these steps to keep your fresh parsley from getting moldy and stale. First, wash the entire bunch in warm water, then shake off all excess moisture by rolling it up into a paper towel-covered ball before placing back into a storage container or wrap with another layer of plastic if needed for a longer refrigeration time frame.
Maintain a Fresh Fridge
Keep your fridge and freezer fresh with a few simple steps. First, load up the back of each appliance with 1-2 plain charcoal briquettes- conveniently found in most Texas kitchens. These will absorb odors well while taking up very little space between cleanings!
There is a world of kitchen knives out there. The options are wide, to say the least. But what knives are essential to any commercial or home kitchen? and exactly what are these knives used for? Let's explore a little more about Kitchen Knives & How To Use Them.
Pest Control Tips
We all know that pests can be a big problem in the kitchen. They can contaminate food, spread disease, and make a mess. But there are some simple steps to help keep pests under control.
Keep Pests at Bay
Another common issue in Texas kitchens is pests. Keep your food sealed tightly, and don't leave any crumbs or food out overnight. If you have a pest problem, many effective traps and baits are available at your local hardware store.
Sprinkle Salt for Ants
If you're dealing with ants, try sprinkling salt around their entry point. You can also keep them out of your kitchen by wiping down surfaces with vinegar or lemon juice. Finally, if you'd rather not deal with ants, you can always set out some traps.
Create a Glass Fly Trap
Take a regular drinking glass and partially fill it with some apple cider vinegar. Now you have a baited glass that attracts small fruit flies. Add a funnel made out of paper and tape, and now the flies can go in but they can't get out!
Living in Texas, I’ve come to realize that gnats are some of the most annoying insects out there. Wondering how to get rid of these pesky bugs? TexasRealFood can help you Get Rid of Annoying Gnats in Your Kitchen or Garden.
Summary
If you're looking for some helpful kitchen tips in the great state of Texas, look no further! These tips will help you keep your kitchen clean and organized so you can focus on what's essential - cooking delicious meals for yourself and your loved ones. Do you have any other tips that you find helpful in the kitchen? Share them with us in the comments below!
Bring your kitchen to life and find fresh produce that are in season through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
