Whoa, had no clue about this!

### 6. **Grate Frozen Butter for Perfect Pastries**
Making pie crust or flaky biscuits and don’t want to deal with soft, melted butter? **Grate frozen butter** directly into your dough mixture. This allows for tiny, cold butter shreds that incorporate evenly without warming up, giving you the ideal texture for flaky pastries. This trick works wonders when you’re trying to achieve the ultimate flakiness in things like scones, pie crusts, or biscuits.

### 7. **Don’t Throw Away Your Corn Cobs!**
Once you’ve eaten the kernels off your corn on the cob, don’t throw away the cobs! **Use them to make a flavorful broth**. Simply simmer the cobs in water with a few seasonings like garlic, onion, and herbs to create a sweet, corn-flavored broth that’s perfect for soups or risottos. It’s an eco-friendly way to get the most out of your ingredients!

### 8. **Cook Pancakes on a Griddle for Even Cooking**
If you’ve been cooking pancakes one at a time on a skillet, try using a **griddle** instead! A griddle gives you a larger surface area and more even heat distribution, allowing you to cook multiple pancakes at once without worrying about burning or uneven cooking. You’ll get perfectly golden-brown pancakes every time, and breakfast becomes much easier and quicker!

### 9. **Use Mayonnaise to Make Perfect Grilled Cheese**
We’ve all been taught to spread butter on the outside of bread for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, but here’s a **new trick**—try using **mayonnaise** instead! It sounds strange, but mayo creates a golden, crispy crust that’s even better than butter. Plus, it adds an extra layer of flavor that makes your grilled cheese irresistible. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to butter again!

### 10. **Peel Garlic Cloves Easily with a Jar**
Peeling garlic can be a frustrating task, but here’s an easy way to do it: **put the garlic cloves in a jar** and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. The skins will loosen and slide right off without much effort. It’s the quickest and cleanest method to get your garlic ready for cooking, especially when you have a lot to peel!

### 11. **Use a Potato Peeler for Zesting Citrus**
Tired of trying to zest citrus with a small grater or zester? **A potato peeler** can be a game-changer! Just use it to peel thin strips of the citrus peel, then finely chop them for zest. This method gives you nice long strips that are easy to work with and won’t result in any of the bitter white pith.

### 12. **Make Perfect Rice Every Time with a Pot Lid**
Getting perfectly cooked rice can be tricky, but here’s a trick to help you get it right every time: **cook rice with the lid on, but don’t open it while it’s cooking**. The lid helps trap the steam and moisture, ensuring that the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. Once the rice is done, let it sit with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes, and you’ll have soft, fluffy rice.

### Final Thoughts

“Whoa, had no clue about this!” is exactly the reaction you’ll have when you try out these cooking hacks. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, there are always ways to make your cooking life easier, more efficient, and more delicious. From freezing herbs in olive oil to using mayo for the perfect grilled cheese, these little tricks can change the way you approach everyday meals.

Next time you’re cooking, keep these tips in mind—you might just surprise yourself with how much easier it is to whip up your favorite dishes. So go ahead, try something new, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your new culinary knowledge. Happy cooking!