Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
The word “hack” has several meanings, including to describe someone who tries to surreptitiously gain access to computers. However, in recent years, this word has come to mean alternative/creative ways of doing something to achieve the same goal. There are hundreds of hacks online, of course, but here are some of the more interesting ones—some of which this author has tried.
It’s the yeast of my problems! Making bread? Heat a large amount of water in the microwave. Remove the container, then place your already prepared bread dough in a glass bowl, covered with plastic wrap and a towel. Close the microwave door and let the dough “proof.” It is the moist heat that will ensure a good outcome.
Join the club! The club soda, that is! Always have a bottle of club soda on hand for removing fresh stains. It works like magic!
Walk the talk about guac! It was a new container of guacamole, and several scoops were taken out at your appetizer party. What next to avoid the guacamole turning black? Just top with lime juice and plastic wrap. When ready to serve, pour off the juice!
Let’s face it One could buy La Mer or Erno Lazlo moistures at $100 per ounce, or one could purchase the Japanese moisturizer Cle de Peau Beaute (priced five times more per gram than gold) for $13,000, but the maestra in the world of hacks, Martha Stewart, uses baby oil! Priced at Target for $6 for 14 fluid ounces, baby oil is excellent for taking off makeup and moisturizing one’s skin. In Stewart’s words, baby oil “keeps my skin very moist.”
This makes scents! So, after your Friday fish fry, you could not get the smell of fish out of your kitchen. Here are two honorable hacks: Boil a mixture of oil and vinegar on your stovetop or concoct a mixture of cinnamon, citrus, and ginger and boil with water. All traces of fish, or other odors, will dissipate.
Hair today, hair still tomorrow. If you used your last drop of hair conditioner a few days ago, try these options: apple cider vinegar (which has been around for thousands of years), argan oil (termed liquid gold), coconut oil, or aloe vera (right from the plant!).
Are you being callused these days? Putting your best foot forward, it’s best to rid your feet of those nasty calluses. If not dealt with, calluses can crack and become infected. Also, people living with diabetes are at risk with infected calluses. A home remedy is to mix a solution of four parts water and one part apple vinegar and soak your feet for 20 minutes.
Soured on sauerkraut? You might not be after knowing that the juice of fermented sauerkraut juice can cure nail fungus. Just soak a cotton ball in the juice and put it on the infected nails. Do this with some frequency for several days or weeks, and voila!
Do this gingerly! Freeze ginger for easier grating.
A bonus read: www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-kitchen-hacks