Comments on: Got a clever kitchen tip you love? Share it with us & you could get a collection of kitchen favorites from Solutions!

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:31:30 +0000

Every time I wash dishes after a meal, I will put a small bowl of water and dish detergent into the microwave and microwave for about 2 minutes (sometimes longer if there has been an extra messy cooking episode). While the microwave is running, I finish cleaning up my stove and cabinets. When done, the steam from the soapy water has covered the interior of the microwave and all the splatters wipe up very quickly and easily. The the hot soapy water goes down both drains to help clean the pipes that may have had some greasy residue. This will help keep the pipe clear and unclogged. Just rinse out bowl, dry and put away.

By: Chris Vaughn

Chris Vaughn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:12:34 +0000

Before measuring spices, sugar, flour, or other dry ingredients for a recipe, I put a sheet of parchment paper on my countertop. Then I do the measuring over the paper. If I spill an ingredient, I just roll up the paper and funnel the ingredient back into its container. No more wasting expensive spices. You can reuse the paper, too (provided it stays clean and dry, of course!).

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:06:53 +0000

To cool cookies after baking, lay several layers of newspaper (just open up an unread section, like the classified ads) on your countertop, island or table. After cooling cookies on pan for 1-2 minutes as recipe directs, transfer them to the newspaper sheets. Unopened newspaper is completely hygenic, and will absorb extra oil from the cookies. It also makes cleanup a snap: just roll the newspapers, crumbs and all, and toss them in the trash.

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:41:32 +0000

I use 4×6 index cards for recipes. I put the recipe in the magnetic photo sleeves, you can buy at the craft store, and put on my refrigerator-it keeps the card clean and right at eye level. I also put my recipes that I take from magazines and foodie websites in plastic sheet protectors and put in a binder. when I want the recipe, I take it out of the book and attach to a magnetic clip on refrigerator.

By: dianne

dianne — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:36:44 +0000

I store my many spices in the top drawer of my island cabinet. Enough room to lay all flat for easy reach and I keep them in alphabetical order which makes a quick reach easy and fast.

By: Karen Plowden

Karen Plowden — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:07:50 +0000

I cut up backing (that is sold to keep throw rugs from slipping) to layer between my skillets. It keeps them from scratching or making noise.

By: Carol Melodia

Carol Melodia — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 06:23:06 +0000

I put down several layers of newspaper and then a paper towel on top to soak up cooked bacon grease. It’s a great way to use old newspaper and less paper towels!

By: reva skie

reva skie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:45:27 +0000

Whenever I begin cooking something, I always lay a single paper towel on the counter. I put any stirring spoons, measuring cups, etc onto the paper towel so I don’t have any mess on the counter. When I am done, I transfer all the dishes to the dishwasher and just toss the paper towel. A little prevention saves the need for elbow grease later.