1. When bananas get all spotted and brown, peel, wrap and throw them in the freezer. You can blend them in smoothies, dip them in chocolate or use them for banana bread.
2. Wash your lettuces and herbs the minute you buy them. Store them in a baking dish lined with damp paper towels and cover in plastic wrap. You lettuce and herbs will stay perfectly crisp and fresh for up to a week! See our cilantro video for an example.
3. Stop wasting time slicing cherry tomatoes individually. Take two plastic lids, fill one lid with cherry tomatoes, top with the second, and carefully slice horizontally with a knife. Check out our video here.
4. Clean as you cook -- rinse any dirty dishes immediately to avoid caked on, hard to remove residue. Wipe down your countertop as often as possible, making sure that your cooking area is always clean. Put up any ingredients that you’ve finished using to avoid clutter as you cook.
5. Bought too many limes or lemons? Bought too many herbs? Have left over stock or sauces? Ice cube trays are your friend. Squeeze juices from citrus and freeze for later use. Clean and chop herbs, and fill with olive oil and freeze for later use. Or fill with stock and sauces and freeze for later use. Remember to always immediately transfer frozen cubes to a resealable plastic bag and date and label to keep things clear and organized. These trays from Amazon work great.
6. Use any leftover fruit and yogurt you have at the end of the week and make popsicles! Simply blend together with a little bit of honey or sugar and freeze in popsicle trays for a tasty, healthy treat! Check out these Honey Yogurt Berry Pops.
7. You can regrow your lettuce, celery and scallions by placing them in a shallow container of water. Within a few days, watch them magically grow!
8. When working with foods with strong odors like fish, garlic or onions, get rid of the stench by rubbing your hands with lemon juice and salt. It not only gets rid of the smell but gives your hands a nice exfoliation!
9. Keep a large bowl next to you when cooking. Instead of running to the trash can every time you prep, collect all of your clippings and bits in a large bowl. Simply empty into your compost or trashcan when finished.
10. To quickly ripen fruit, place it in a brown paper bag with a banana. Seal it and place it in a cool, dark place. Check back in a couple days and it should be ready to eat! Works great with under ripe avocados, peaches, pears, tomatoes, and kiwis. You can watch our avocado video for a great example!