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Some of the best kitchen tips have been passed down through generations, long before expensive gadgets filled our countertops. Grandmothers learned through years of cooking for their families, finding simple ways to save time, reduce waste, and make everyday tasks easier.
Many of those old-fashioned tricks still work just as well today. Here are 16 kitchen secrets Grandma relied on that are still worth using.
Save Bacon Grease for Cooking
Instead of pouring bacon grease down the drain, save it for cooking. Once it has cooled slightly, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter to remove any bits of bacon, then store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator. A spoonful can add rich, smoky flavor to fried potatoes, vegetables, eggs, cornbread, and beans. Properly stored, bacon grease will keep for several months.
Related: 12 Unexpected Uses for Cornstarch Around the Home
Preserve Fruits and Vegetables by Canning
Grandma rarely let fresh produce go to waste. Canning was one of her favorite ways to preserve fruits, vegetables, jams, and pickles so they could be enjoyed throughout the year. While it takes some time to learn, it’s still one of the best ways to make the most of a productive garden.
Related: 15 Soups That Bring Back Memories of Home-Cooked Meals
Soften Brown Sugar with a Slice of Bread
Brown sugar has a habit of turning into a hard brick after sitting in the pantry. Grandma’s fix couldn’t be easier. Place a slice of fresh bread in the container, seal it tightly, and let it sit overnight. The moisture from the bread softens the sugar without making it wet, leaving it easy to scoop again.
Related: 26 Deliciously Simple Cookies that Anyone Can Make at Home
Stop Pots from Boiling Over
Watching a pot boil over is frustrating, especially when it leaves a mess on the stove. Grandma’s simple trick was to lay a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. The spoon helps break the large bubbles before they spill over the edge, giving you a little extra time before things get messy.
Related: 12 Hearty Recipes Made the Way Grandma Used to Cook Them
Remove Strong Food Odors from Your Hands
Garlic, onions, and fish can leave stubborn smells behind that soap doesn’t always remove. Grandma had several easy fixes. Rubbing fresh parsley between your hands can help reduce onion and garlic odors. A paste made from two parts baking soda and one part salt also works well. Used coffee grounds are another good option, scrubbing away odors while gently exfoliating your skin.
Add a Pinch of Salt to Bitter Coffee
If a pot of coffee turns out more bitter than expected, Grandma reached for the salt instead of the sugar bowl. A tiny pinch added to the grounds or brewed coffee helps balance bitter flavors without making the coffee taste salty.
Make Hard-Boiled Eggs Easier to Peel
Peeling hard-boiled eggs doesn’t have to be frustrating. Grandma often added about half a teaspoon of baking soda to the cooking water. Many home cooks believe it helps loosen the shells, making them much easier to remove after the eggs have cooled.
Reduce Tears While Chopping Onions
Few kitchen jobs bring on tears faster than slicing onions. Grandma found that chilling onions in the refrigerator before cutting them helped slow the release of the compounds that irritate your eyes. Cutting the onion in half before peeling it can also make the job a little easier.
Check Oil Temperature Without a Thermometer
Before kitchen thermometers became common, Grandma relied on a wooden spoon. Dip the handle into the hot oil. If small bubbles gather around the wood right away, the oil is usually hot enough for frying.
Test Whether Eggs Are Fresh
Grandma had an easy way to check eggs before cracking them open. Fill a glass with water, stir in a little salt, and gently lower in the egg. Fresh eggs sink to the bottom, while older eggs begin to stand upright or float. Floating eggs are best discarded.
Clean Glass with Vinegar
Vinegar has long been one of Grandma’s favorite cleaning products. Mixing equal parts white vinegar and water creates an easy cleaner for glass, removing water spots, fingerprints, and grease. A splash of vinegar added to the dishwasher can also leave glasses looking clearer.
Keep Salad Greens Crisp Longer
Fresh salad greens wilt quickly without the right storage. Grandma lined the storage bowl with a slightly damp paper towel, added the greens, placed another damp paper towel on top, and covered the bowl tightly. The paper towels help absorb excess moisture while keeping the greens crisp.
Tenderize Tough Cuts of Meat
Less expensive cuts of meat can become much more tender with a simple overnight marinade. Grandma often combined half a cup of vinegar with one cup of beef broth before soaking tougher cuts overnight. The marinade helps soften the meat while adding extra flavor.
Clean Cast Iron with Coarse Salt
Instead of washing cast iron with soap, Grandma reached for coarse salt. Sprinkle salt into the warm skillet and scrub with a cloth or paper towel. The salt lifts away stuck-on food without damaging the skillet’s seasoned surface.
Keep Baking Soda in the Refrigerator
A small open box of baking soda has been a refrigerator staple for generations. It helps absorb lingering food odors and keeps the fridge smelling fresher. Replacing it every two or three months keeps it working well.
Parboil Potatoes Before Roasting
Grandma knew that partially cooking potatoes before roasting made a big difference. A quick boil softens the outside, allowing the potatoes to crisp up beautifully in the oven while staying fluffy inside. It also shortens the roasting time and helps seasonings stick to the potatoes more evenly.
