Five Healthy Food Hacks

If you're a regular reader, you know I post a lot of recipes here. And also, a lot of lists. Well, today is a list of hacks, ways to make all the food you make easier and tastier. Including those recipes I share all the time. There's a lot of these out there, including ones that could blow up your house or poison your relatives. But I've researched all of these so you don't have to. They're entirelyfood safe. So, wash your hands, get your apron, and let's get into it!

1. AquaFaba

   This one is pretty current, so you may have heard of it. But if not, way, it's the latin name for bean water. Which you totally have if you've cooked beans, or just opened a can. Whatever you do, think twice before pouring it down your sink. Saved back, it can be used to substitute egg whites.* This has a lot of perks: It's free, it makes lots of recipes (Like merengues.) easily, and unlike eggs, it's cholesterol nuetral! So, while it might take up room in your fridge, it might also be a literal life saver.

   2. Instant Mashed Potatoes

   Yes, that might not sound like much of a hack. It's pretty straight forward, right? Except, not really. It's actually a surprising secret ingredient! Once again replacing eggs, these can be whipped into basic white bread dough, making it rich and tendr, like brioche. Or, you can stir in the flakes to get heartier soups and casseroles.

   3 Fish Stock

   I almost used Latin again. This time, it was something like "essence of fish." But never mind that. It's mostly found in tinned fish, though you could boil up the dregs off baked fish. That will last longer, but either way, you shouldn't keep it more than two weeks, and less for tinned stuff.** But assuming that, like me, you don't have the time for that, let's stick with tinned fish. Obviously, you keep the sauces in flavored fish. But even just water packed, this can be reduced on the stove to make fish sauce, and it easily cooks into a stew. Just add your choice of starches (Rice, noodles, etc.) And any sort of vegetables!

   4. Soak your Oats

   This one is more of a technique than an ingredient, but just like it says, soak steel-cut oats, covered with milk in a covered containe overnight. Add-ins include yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup.*** Other varieties, like quick oats, would be pointless. But the old fasioned kind bring many health benifits, they're time consuming to prepare. So try this instead! Then, just open and enjoy, as breakfast is ready!

   5. Plan Ahead

   Lastly, this might be a no-brainer. But then, maybe not? I'm suggesting you do like with the oats, but on a much bigger scale. In my house, for example, we'll pre-cook 5 pounds of ground beef or 3 gallons of rice. Or maybe it's chicken and potaoes. In any case, having a few basic ingredients ready shaves considerable time off making meals. And you can do this with fruits, vegetables, anything. Enjoy!

   *America's Test Kitchen

   ** Food and Wine

   ***Love and Lemons

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