SARA NOEL | Posted: Friday, June 19, 2009 12:00 am
Gathering your baking supplies can be time-consuming. Sometimes measuring cups and spoons get separated or pans get shoved far back into the cabinets. It can end up a real workout before you've even started mixing ingredients. You might end up buying replacements for supplies you've misplaced. The first tip is a wonderful way to organize your baking supplies.
Organize your kitchen: Buy three large, clear plastic tubs (40 quarts). Label them cookies, cake and pie. Then put into each tub all the supplies and utensils relating to that category. Baking is a snap now when the grandkids come and bring out one plastic tub. I use a closet near the kitchen to store the tubs. It clears out the kitchen and makes it so easy to find things.
- Janice G., Washington
Sharpen scissors: When using soap-filled scrubbing pads like S.O.S., wet the object to be scrubbed instead of the pad. The pad lasts a lot longer and doesn't rust as quickly. I also usually cut the pad in two pieces before using. This stretches the pads and sharpens my kitchen shears at the same time.
- Dianne, New England
Detergent boost: If dishes are extra-greasy, add up to 1/2 cup baking soda to usual dish-soap water.
- Juls, e-mail
Reuse plastic baggies: When I buy clothing, and it comes with extra buttons. I put the buttons in a snack-size zipper bag and then I write a description of the garment on an index card. I staple the two together and toss it in the top dresser drawer in a larger zipper bag.
- Missy, Colorado
Double duty: I use a steamer basket on top of my pasta water. Veggies steam while pasta cooks.
- Suzanne, e-mail
Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com), a Web site that offers practical, money-saving strategies for everyday living. To send tips, comments or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail sara@frugalvillage.com.