Tips, tips, tips, and more tips. (cont'd part 6)

1. Don't throw away any shriveled lemons. If you soak them in water overnight, they will be fresh and usable in the morning.
2. When you have to slice, dice, mince, or chop an onion, always cut off the top and leave the root end alone. As long as the root isn't cut, it will not make you cry.
3. For the lightest pancakes or waffles you ever tasted, use club soda instead of usual milk. But you must use all the batter as soon as it's made because it can't be stored.
4. If brown sugar is hardened, use a grater to shave it off.
5. If you dip your beaters into cold water before using, the shortening won't stick to them.
6. Does your pasta stick together when you refrigerate it? Add a little vegetable oil first.
7. Keep your flour sifter, measuring cups, and measuring spoons in a plastic ziploc bag, so that you don't have to wash them after each use. (Of course, you wouldn't do this with sticky or wet ingredients :))
8. Put a piece of lettuce into your brown sugar to keep it from getting hard.
9. Put a layer of marshmallows in the bottom of the pumpkin pie. Then add the filling. It will make a nice topping as the marshmallows will come to the top as it bakes.
10. Slice cinnamon rolls with dental floss. It doesn't stick to the dough. Or, bake the roll and slice it afterwards. It makes for a lot less work.
11. Store onions in an old piece of hosiery, with a knot tied between each one. This enables you to remove one of the sprouts without harming the others.
12. If you burn biscuits on the bottom, don't throw them away. Instead rub them gently over a cheese grater to remove the burned layer.
13. If muffins stick to the pan after baking, place hot pan on a wet towel and they will slide right out.
14. If you frequently use grated or shredded cheese, process several pounds at a time. Then divide it up into reusable margarine containers or sealable bags. Freeze them and then thaw as needed.
15. Spray paper cupcake liners with nonstick cooking spray before filling them with batter. They won't stick to the cupcakes.
16. To chop nuts quickly without a mess, put the nuts into a plastic bag and give it a couple quick hits with a rolling pin.
17. Instead of buying waxed paper, use linings from cereal boxes.
18. If it's cool in your house, and you want to raise bread or doughnut dough, take a heating pad and place a tea towel on it. Then place the pan of dough on that and cover with another tea towel. Wrap the bowl with a third towel to keep it warm. Your dough will rise beautifully. P.S. It also works well without the many towels, although you need one at the top.
19. If you need to remove heavy appliances in the kitchen, first rub a small amount of vegetable oil on the linoleum. The appliance will slide easier and won't scratch the floor.
20. Instead of discarding orange peels, cut them into small pieces and place in water in a teakettle or covered pan. Simmer over low heat, adding more water as it cooks away. Your house will have the delightful aroma of a citrus grove.