Kitchen Hacks: How Clever Cooks Get Things Done

by Cook's Illustrated

Having trouble removing coconut meat from the shell? Freeze the coconut overnight, whack the equator with the dull side of a cleaver, and the shell will detach easily from the meat. And, the coconut water is frozen into a ball, making it easy to remove without spillage or waste.

Want steamed milk for a cappuccino? Fill a Mason jar halfway with milk, put on the lid, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds on high to warm and stabilize the foam.

Take a snapshot on your phone of kitchen supplies that are empty and save them to a album entitled “Groceries.” Now you...