Gift ideas, entertaining ideas, and general cooking and kitchen tips can all be found here!
Get some fun and practical ideas for enhancing your next special event.
Learn some kitchen storage hacks, as well as tips on stocking your pantry.
Enhance your culinary know-how with some new skills and shortcuts.
Use your garden and kitchen to create some wonderful personalized gifts.
My friend @joriehoulihan is joining me today to share some tips with you all for #tiptuesday. Jorie works with women diagnosed late with ADHD to help them with strategies and systems.
⭐️GIGI TIP: Mis en place - things in place! Keep items together & you won’t forget ingredients.
⭐️JORIE TIP: Listen to music to get motivated!
Save this post & give Jorie a follow to learn more about the great things she is doing!
#womenwithadhd #adhdawareness #verysmartideas #kitchentips #cookingwithadhd
My friend @joriehoulihan is joining me today to share some tips with you all for #tiptuesday. Jorie works with women diagnosed late with ADHD to help them with strategies and systems.
⭐️GIGI TIP: Mis en place - things in place! Keep items together & you won’t forget ingredients.
⭐️JORIE TIP: Listen to music to get motivated!
Save this post & give Jorie a follow to learn more about the great things she is doing!
#womenwithadhd #adhdawareness #verysmartideas #kitchentips #cookingwithadhd
What is the difference between broth and stock?
Broth is made from meat and veggies and stock is made with meat, veggies and the addition of bones. Broths are quite flavorful and add a delicious layer of flavor to, well, everything! I make broth occasionally because it takes less time to cook and is typically thinner than stock.
For extra dark rich broth, do not peel the onions. The peels are what give the stock its rich, amber hue!
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #brothvsstock #cookingtips #cooking #homemade
What is the difference between broth and stock?
Broth is made from meat and veggies and stock is made with meat, veggies and the addition of bones. Broths are quite flavorful and add a delicious layer of flavor to, well, everything! I make broth occasionally because it takes less time to cook and is typically thinner than stock.
For extra dark rich broth, do not peel the onions. The peels are what give the stock its rich, amber hue!
#verysmartideas #easyrecipes #brothvsstock #cookingtips #cooking #homemade
Ever wondered how many lemons to use when a recipe calls for fresh lemon juice?
Lemon to Juice Ratios
1 Small Lemon (4 oz.) = 3 tablespoons fresh juice
1 Medium Lemon (5 oz.) = 4 tablespoons fresh juice
1 Large Lemon (6 oz.) = 5 tablespoons fresh juice
If your recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, then you would need to buy at least one small lemon. Conversely, if your recipe calls for the juice of one lemon and all you have is bottled lemon juice, then you know you’ll need between 3-4 tablespoons of juice. Be sure to taste and add more if necessary and remember it is always better to add because you cannot subtract ◡̈
Be sure to double click if you learned something new, and save this post to use as a reference!
#lemon #lemonjuice #kitchentips #cookingvideo #cooking #verysmartideas #tips
Ever wondered how many lemons to use when a recipe calls for fresh lemon juice?
Lemon to Juice Ratios
1 Small Lemon (4 oz.) = 3 tablespoons fresh juice
1 Medium Lemon (5 oz.) = 4 tablespoons fresh juice
1 Large Lemon (6 oz.) = 5 tablespoons fresh juice
If your recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, then you would need to buy at least one small lemon. Conversely, if your recipe calls for the juice of one lemon and all you have is bottled lemon juice, then you know you’ll need between 3-4 tablespoons of juice. Be sure to taste and add more if necessary and remember it is always better to add because you cannot subtract ◡̈
Be sure to double click if you learned something new, and save this post to use as a reference!
#lemon #lemonjuice #kitchentips #cookingvideo #cooking #verysmartideas #tips
Here is a super speedy way to quickly deseed any type of chili pepper. Bonus, you only need one hand! #cookinglessons #verySmartIdeas. #Kitchentips #Disabilityawarenessmonth #chillipeppers #hacks
Here is a super speedy way to quickly deseed any type of chili pepper. Bonus, you only need one hand! #cookinglessons #verySmartIdeas. #Kitchentips #Disabilityawarenessmonth #chillipeppers #hacks
Cooking a squash or pumpkin in an air fryer is a great way to achieve perfectly tender and moist squash. The air fryer also cuts down on cooking time and requires less oil compared to traditional roasting methods, making it a healthy and efficient cooking option. #airfryerrecipes #verysmartideas #kitchentips #cookingvideos #cookinghacks #squash
Cooking a squash or pumpkin in an air fryer is a great way to achieve perfectly tender and moist squash. The air fryer also cuts down on cooking time and requires less oil compared to traditional roasting methods, making it a healthy and efficient cooking option. #airfryerrecipes #verysmartideas #kitchentips #cookingvideos #cookinghacks #squash
This is the safest way to chop an onion!
This technique ingeniously only uses downward motion. No horizontal slices, equals less chance to cut yourself! If you think this technique made helps someone you care about, please share with them! 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ Gigi #onion #safety #kitchenhacks #cookingvideos #cookingathome #verysmartideas #tips
This is the safest way to chop an onion!
This technique ingeniously only uses downward motion. No horizontal slices, equals less chance to cut yourself! If you think this technique made helps someone you care about, please share with them! 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️ Gigi #onion #safety #kitchenhacks #cookingvideos #cookingathome #verysmartideas #tips
Perfect boiled potatoes every time
Start the potatoes in cold, salted water because cold water helps keep the skins intact and it holds moisture in. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender. Insert a knife into the middle of the potato, if the knife slides easily out there are finished. If not, boil just a minute or two longer and until tender. Remove them from the boiling water as they finish.
The most important thing to remember is to use cold water to start and not boiling water. Boiling water cooks the outside of potato faster and causes uneven texture and finish. Baby spuds, pictured in the video, take about 10 minutes, give or take. I make these often, smash them, and then roast with olive oil, Parmesan and spices. If making, cubed, potatoes, for example to use in potato salad, these will take around 15 minutes where larger chunks or whole new potatoes will be 20-25 minutes.
#verysmartideas #cooking #cookingtips #potato #potatolover #easyrecipe#healthyrecipes #limbdifferenceawareness #disabled
Perfect boiled potatoes every time
Start the potatoes in cold, salted water because cold water helps keep the skins intact and it holds moisture in. Boil the potatoes until they’re tender. Insert a knife into the middle of the potato, if the knife slides easily out there are finished. If not, boil just a minute or two longer and until tender. Remove them from the boiling water as they finish.
The most important thing to remember is to use cold water to start and not boiling water. Boiling water cooks the outside of potato faster and causes uneven texture and finish. Baby spuds, pictured in the video, take about 10 minutes, give or take. I make these often, smash them, and then roast with olive oil, Parmesan and spices. If making, cubed, potatoes, for example to use in potato salad, these will take around 15 minutes where larger chunks or whole new potatoes will be 20-25 minutes.
#verysmartideas #cooking #cookingtips #potato #potatolover #easyrecipe#healthyrecipes #limbdifferenceawareness #disabled
How to peel a carrot the easy way!
I can’t say I’m an expert at peeling carrots or any veggie for that matter, but I can say several people tell me they use my method for peeling carrots and veggies-after they saw one of my cooking classes. So, here is how I peel carrots and other veggies with my limb difference! Viva le difference🦾💯👏🏻🙏🏻
#verysmartideas #kitchentips #veggies #peeler #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #bionicmama #representationmatters #cooking #kitchenhacks
How to peel a carrot the easy way!
I can’t say I’m an expert at peeling carrots or any veggie for that matter, but I can say several people tell me they use my method for peeling carrots and veggies-after they saw one of my cooking classes. So, here is how I peel carrots and other veggies with my limb difference! Viva le difference🦾💯👏🏻🙏🏻
#verysmartideas #kitchentips #veggies #peeler #lucky_fin_project #limbdifferenceawareness #bionicmama #representationmatters #cooking #kitchenhacks
When are little bottles of wine better than bigger bottles of wine? No, this is not a trick question! Keep little bottles of Chardonnay, Cabernet, and or Pinot wines on hand when you don’t want or need to open a regular-sized bottle. Use in sauces and soups and to deglaze the skillet to make rich pan sauces when plain broth just won’t do!
Pictured here is my Easy Peasy Pot Roast. More recipes and tips at www.verysmartideas.com.
Please double tap, if you’d like these tips and recipes, and share with someone who might like this information too
🙏🏻❤️ ~Gigi
#verysmartideas #kitchentips #kitchenhacks #cookinglessons #cookingvideos #wine
When are little bottles of wine better than bigger bottles of wine? No, this is not a trick question! Keep little bottles of Chardonnay, Cabernet, and or Pinot wines on hand when you don’t want or need to open a regular-sized bottle. Use in sauces and soups and to deglaze the skillet to make rich pan sauces when plain broth just won’t do!
Pictured here is my Easy Peasy Pot Roast. More recipes and tips at www.verysmartideas.com.
Please double tap, if you’d like these tips and recipes, and share with someone who might like this information too
🙏🏻❤️ ~Gigi
#verysmartideas #kitchentips #kitchenhacks #cookinglessons #cookingvideos #wine
How to store basil to keep it fresher longer.
I love using basil in the winter. It always brings a touch of summer to my recipes. Here’s how I store basil to keep it fresher longer. #verysmartideas #kitchentips #basil #foodie #zerowaste #fresh #cookingvideos
How to store basil to keep it fresher longer.
I love using basil in the winter. It always brings a touch of summer to my recipes. Here’s how I store basil to keep it fresher longer. #verysmartideas #kitchentips #basil #foodie #zerowaste #fresh #cookingvideos
Oven Mitts on Strings!
This is one of my favorite #kitchenhacks ever! We baked and cooked up a storm this past holiday season and my oven mitts were never where I needed them to be so I came up with this idea to use what moms have been using for decades to help keep their kiddos from losing their mittens AND it worked like a CHARM! Let me know if you like this hack and please share with others who might like it too. The mitten clips are on my website if you’d like to check them out ◡̈
https://verysmartideas.com/product/resinta-2-pack-adjustable-mitten-clips/ #verysmartideas #verysmarttips #kitchenhacks #kitchentips #ovenmitts #bakingfromscratch #baking #cookingvideos #cooking
Oven Mitts on Strings!
This is one of my favorite #kitchenhacks ever! We baked and cooked up a storm this past holiday season and my oven mitts were never where I needed them to be so I came up with this idea to use what moms have been using for decades to help keep their kiddos from losing their mittens AND it worked like a CHARM! Let me know if you like this hack and please share with others who might like it too. The mitten clips are on my website if you’d like to check them out ◡̈
https://verysmartideas.com/product/resinta-2-pack-adjustable-mitten-clips/ #verysmartideas #verysmarttips #kitchenhacks #kitchentips #ovenmitts #bakingfromscratch #baking #cookingvideos #cooking
How to keep your nightstand clear from clutter!
Clutter creeps up on me. Items accumulate right before our eyes but we don’t see it, why?
For me, it tends to happen when I have a lot going on at work and I’m often too busy to notice. For you it could be starting a new job, a new baby or moving in with roommates. Whatever the reason, clutter can be a major distraction. In particular, I find a calm bedroom soothing after a busy day. If there’s less for me to visually process then there is less for me to think about. I talk about this concept in how to de-clutter a bathroom. It’s on YouTube @verysmartideas, if you want to check it out! <3 Gig #cleaning #resolutions #cleaninghacks #healthy #healthylifestyle #homedecor #verysmartideas #verysmarttips
How to keep your nightstand clear from clutter!
Clutter creeps up on me. Items accumulate right before our eyes but we don’t see it, why?
For me, it tends to happen when I have a lot going on at work and I’m often too busy to notice. For you it could be starting a new job, a new baby or moving in with roommates. Whatever the reason, clutter can be a major distraction. In particular, I find a calm bedroom soothing after a busy day. If there’s less for me to visually process then there is less for me to think about. I talk about this concept in how to de-clutter a bathroom. It’s on YouTube @verysmartideas, if you want to check it out! <3 Gig #cleaning #resolutions #cleaninghacks #healthy #healthylifestyle #homedecor #verysmartideas #verysmarttips
#Easy steps on how to care for your wooden cutting boards and utensils!
We did oodles of #cooking and #baking this past holiday season and my wooden cutting boards and spoons took a beating. Here is a video ( it is a bit choppy) Pun intended 🤪🤣 on how to bring them back to life. The entire video is on the TUBE @very smart ideas. Thanks for watching my peeps. <3 Gigi #verysmartideas #homemade #kitchentips #cuttingboard #hacks
#Easy steps on how to care for your wooden cutting boards and utensils!
We did oodles of #cooking and #baking this past holiday season and my wooden cutting boards and spoons took a beating. Here is a video ( it is a bit choppy) Pun intended 🤪🤣 on how to bring them back to life. The entire video is on the TUBE @very smart ideas. Thanks for watching my peeps. <3 Gigi #verysmartideas #homemade #kitchentips #cuttingboard #hacks
Quick tip on how to sneak more water into your day!
HNY! It is time to start acting on those healthy NY resolutions. For me, I will be working on drinking more water and here is a super easy way I plan to make it happen!
#verysmart ideas
#healthylife
#verysmarttips
#water #goodhabits
#2023
#2023resolutions
#healthytips
Quick tip on how to sneak more water into your day!
HNY! It is time to start acting on those healthy NY resolutions. For me, I will be working on drinking more water and here is a super easy way I plan to make it happen!
#verysmart ideas
#healthylife
#verysmarttips
#water #goodhabits
#2023
#2023resolutions
#healthytips
How to store holiday decorations.
Decorating the house for the holidays was always such a chore until I figured out an easy system to store holiday items. Having a system is place makes it a snap to re-create a beautiful holiday home every year.
#holidaydecor #homeorganization #christmastree #verysmartideas #verysmarttips #homedesigntips #home #homedecor
How to store holiday decorations.
Decorating the house for the holidays was always such a chore until I figured out an easy system to store holiday items. Having a system is place makes it a snap to re-create a beautiful holiday home every year.
#holidaydecor #homeorganization #christmastree #verysmartideas #verysmarttips #homedesigntips #home #homedecor
Halfway homemade warm roll trick and just in time for the #holidays. Warm honey butter and everything bagel seasoning make these warm rolls so GOOD to serve with your holiday dinner. And they are so EASY to make, you’ll find yourself making them often. Here is how to do it. Honey butter recipe @ https://verysmartideas.com/easy-honey-butter/
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#holiday #holidayrecipes #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #kitchenhacks #christmas #warmbread
Halfway homemade warm roll trick and just in time for the #holidays. Warm honey butter and everything bagel seasoning make these warm rolls so GOOD to serve with your holiday dinner. And they are so EASY to make, you’ll find yourself making them often. Here is how to do it. Honey butter recipe @ https://verysmartideas.com/easy-honey-butter/
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#holiday #holidayrecipes #verysmartideas #easyrecipes #kitchenhacks #christmas #warmbread
