7 Kitchen Tips & Simple Solutions

The filler opening of many pepper grinders is so small that the only way to fill them is by using a funnel. But even that trick has its problems, as peppercorns can easily catch in the neck of the funnel and block it. To avoid this problem, try one of these solutions:
A. Coffee Filter
1. Cut off the bottom ¼ inch of the filter. Fold the filter in half and separate the layers to create a funnel.
2. Insert the narrow end of the funnel into a pepper mill and add peppercorns.
B. Rubber Garlic Peeler
A rubber garlic peeler is both wide and malleable, so it’s perfect for this job.
C. Plastic Storage Bag
Place the peppercorns in a zipper-lock bag and snip off one corner. Position the snipped corner in the grinder to fill.
D. Envelope
1. Snip the sealed corner from an envelope to create a funnel of the desired width.
2. Crack open the envelope, insert the funnel into the container, and pour in ingredients.

You can use a Pyrex measuring cup to crush peppercorns. The cup is heavy enough to crush the peppercorns, and its clear glass bottom allows you to gauge your progress as you work.

I like to grind our own spices with a mortar and pestle, but I find that some spices, like peppercorns, tend to fly out of the mortar in the process. Here’s a tip: Put the spices in the mortar and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Then make a tiny slit in the wrap and poke the pestle through. Even though the slit will end up stretching as you grind, as long as the wrap seals the edges, the spices will stay put.

Here’s a clever way to grind whole spices without a spice grinder: Purchase peppercorns in glass jars with removable grinding mechanisms, which can be found in the spice section of the supermarket. After reserving their contents for later use, fill the now-empty jars with cumin, coriander, or fennel seeds; red pepper flakes; and more. The spices can now be ground as needed.

Keep your hands clean when seasoning chops, steaks, or cutlets with this tip.
1. Sprinkle a plate or other flat surface liberally with salt and pepper (or other seasonings), then use a pair of tongs to lay the meat on the plate.
2. Season the top side of the meat.
3. Use the tongs to transfer the meat to the stovetop or grill.

Use empty store-bought spice jars to store homemade spice rubs.
1. Gently pry the perforated lid off the jar, refill with your favorite homemade spice rub, and snap the lid back in place.
2. The spices can now be applied more evenly to the meat.

When sprinkling kosher salt on foods such as steak, it can be hard to get an even coating using your hands. But the holes on a salt shaker are too small to allow the large grains to pass through. Try storing your kosher salt in a clean spice jar with a shaker top. The holes are the perfect size to dispense the large grains.