5 Sneaky Kitchen Tricks with a Spoon

Flip over four large spoons and lay them on the countertop a few inches apart. Then set a hot baking sheet on top of the spoons to cool.

Use a grapefruit spoon to scrape the seeds and veins out of fiery chiles and mild bell peppers. The spoon’s serrated edge pulls the veins from the inner core and walls, and its rounded sides glide around the chile or bell pepper more easily than a knife.

1. When measuring small amounts of sticky liquid like honey or corn syrup, run the measuring spoons under hot water before using them. 2. A heated spoon keeps the sticky liquid runnier, which helps it release more easily.

Seasoning a whole chicken or turkey under the skin using your fingers can be tricky, since it’s hard to distribute the salt evenly without tearing the skin. Use an iced-tea spoon, which also works to loosen the skin first. 1. Pry the skin from the bird with an iced-tea spoon. 2. Place salt on the spoon and reach under the skin to distribute it evenly.

Removing a split pit from a soft peach half can lead to mashed fruit. For foolproof removal, use a grapefruit spoon. The serrated edge of the spoon can easily cut out the stone without damaging the delicate flesh.