Trick #1 OPEN YOUR BEER BOTTLE
During parties, it’s all too easy to misplace one of the most important tools: the bottle opener. Next time you find yourself without one, sneak into the kitchen to try this substitute: Catch the opening that’s on the inside of a set of tongs on the edge of the bottle cap. Twist up, pop the top off, and take a sip. You’ve earned it.
Trick #2 JUICE YOUR CITRUS
Don’t have a citrus juicer? Don’t worry. Tongs can act as a reamer for lemons, limes, and oranges. Holding the tongs closed, stick the pincers into the halved fruit, hold it over a container, and watch the juices flow.
Trick #3 GRAB YOUR HARD-TO-REACH GOODS
Do you live with people who are much taller than you? Do they keep putting your favorite cereal on a high shelf? The next time you need to access a lightweight kitchen item that’s just out of reach, try this easy alternative to pulling out the step stool: Grab a pair of tongs and reach for the stars (or pasta—whatever).
Trick #4 STEADY YOUR ROAST
When carving a roast, you don’t want it to slide all over the cutting board as you try to tackle dinner. Steadying it with a large fork, however, punctures the meat and causes juices to leak. Using tongs to hold the meat in place keeps the juices inside the roast while you slice it.
Like these? See more quick tips at Cook's Illustrated.
About the Author: America's Test Kitchen
4 Comments
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
You can also use locking tongs to prop a thin piece of meat upright in the pan to sear the edges like this:
http://forums.egullet.org/uploads/monthly_02_2010/post-18727-126500986511.jpg
Got no issue with #1&2, but won’t reaming and prying skew the legs and possibly damage the hinge?
I use tongs to get my canisters down from the top cupboard shelf. Slip one side neatly under the rim beneath the lid and pull down easily. Just not practical for large items without an upper edge to grip.
# 3 always!!