Clean Burners

If you have a gas range, you probably dread having to clean the burner grates - scrubbing off the black grime plus the possible cooked on food bits.  Well, next time don't spend hours scrubbing, try this instead:

• Place grate in a large Ziploc (or similar) bag.  Add 1/4 cup ammonia.  Seal bag.  Allow to sit overnight.  Remove from bag and wipe grate with a damp sponge.  Voila!  Clean burner grates.
• You can wash the grates with soap and water after removing from the bags, if you'd like.
• I usually place one grate per bag and then place the sealed bag (with the grate inside) on a cookie sheet, just in case of leaks.
• Remember to do this in a well-ventilated area since you'll be working with ammonia!

Mmm..tasty!

Coffee Filter, Not Paper Towel

Next time you have to clean the mirrors in your house (or any glass surface for that matter), use coffee filters, not paper towels.  The coffee filters leave no streaks or lint - and they are cheap!  (Or, try this similar tip!)

Mmm...tasty!

No Streaking!

Want streak free windows and mirrors?  Or really any type of glass for that matter?  Clean them with newspaper!  Yep, just plain ol' newspaper and your favorite glass gleaning solution.  They'll leave behind a streak free, lint free shine the very first time.  And, when you are finished, just toss the used newsprint in the recycling bin, no extra laundry to do.

Mmm...tasty!

Lose the Fat

Not sure how to best dispose of the fat or grease from your last cooking adventure?  If the fat is bacon drippings, I would recommend keeping it for later use, but that's a Tasty Tip for another day.  (Throwing away all that useful goodness is almost sacrilege where I come from.)

However, if the fat is of the kind you would rather just toss (i.e. from ground meat, etc.), line a mug or bowl with aluminum foil, pour in the fat, and allow it to solidify.  Once the fat has set, just pull out the foil and discard.  Easy peasy!  And you won't have to worry about a clogged sink drain!

Mmm...tasty!

Uses for Baking Soda: Non-Toxic Oven Cleaner

Hate having to clean your oven?  Hate the fumes and scrubbing that come along with most oven cleaners?  Next time, nix the fumes and the scrubbing, and use baking soda to clean the oven!  Here's how:

If the entire oven needs to be cleaned, sprinkle a good layer of baking soda over the bottom, then take a spray bottle and spray with mix of equal parts vinegar and water.   (If you are just spot cleaning, make a paste of the ingredients in a bowl or cup and apply to the problem areas.) You're trying to achieve a paste-like consistency, so don't over apply the vinegar/water mix!  Allow the solution to set until it begins to appear dry, then wipe the mess away.  If burnt on food/splatters remain, reapply the solution and allow to set once again (you may have to do a little light scrubbing to fully remove stubborn stains).  Once you're finished applying the baking soda & vinegar/water mix, then take a clean, damp towel and wipe away any remaining white residue.  Voila!  A clean oven with minimal scrubbing and no harsh fumes!

Mmmm...tasty!