“Housework can't kill you, but why take a chance.” - Phyllis Diller

New year, New... Kitchen? 

No no, I don't mean you have to renovate! But if you've got big ideas for a healthier 2023, you might want to consider a fresh start in your own home kitchen. Just like a mechanic preparing to fix up a car, she needs a clean garage, right? Full access to all the gizmos in order to make real changes. She needs space to move about, with fresh fluids and working tools at her fingertips.

Think of your kitchen the same way as the mechanic's workshop.

You want to build a better you...

One of my favorite sayings is how every recipe should start with, "#1. Wash the dishes in your sink, you're going to need some of those." Now let's go back even further than Step #1...  

Tips to give your kitchen a fresh start in 2023:

1. Get Low ⬇️

Like under your kitchen sink low. Pull it all out, wipe it down, do an inventory of what you've got, and put it back down there in an orderly fashion. Toss that grungy "who-knows-what's even in that spray bottle" away. And remember to label it next time.

2. Sharpen Your Knives 🔪

Dull knives are far more dangerous because they can slip when you have to use more pressure to cut.

3. Tackle Your Tupperware 🥊

Don't beat 'em up- stack 'em up! Nestle smaller containers inside smaller ones, so you no longer have to fear that avalanche every time you open the cabinet. And for the love of Pete, let go of bowls with no lids, and vice versa. I promise you won't lose sleep over it.

4. Look Up ⬆️

My beloved hubby once hired a private chef to prepare a beautiful six course meal for our anniversary. It was WONDERFUL, but he almost burned the place to ground! The previous owners of our home had gunked up the filters over the stove so badly that the tiniest flambé almost set the house ablaze. Do yourself a favor and check under there, whether it's an over-range microwave, or just a filter. Warm, soapy water might do the trick, or you can simply replace it.

5. Empty Your Ice Bin 🧊

Over time, ice can absorb odors and flavor that are not-so-complimentary to your beverages. 

6. Swap Out Your Sponge 🧽

If you can't remember the last time you did, it's way overdue because they have a 2 week lifespan. Though I feel like sponge manufacturers might be influencing this one... Ok, at least toss it in the dishwasher every week!  

7. Replace Old Spices 👃

And I don't mean the deodorant. Dried or ground seasonings don't last more than a year... even if you only used that cardamom once, that jar from 2020 is no bueno. And this goes for your leavening agents, too, like baking powder/soda and yeast. You've got about 6 months to use these, folks.

Test the viability of your leavening agents:

1. Mix 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (or baking soda) into 1/2 cup very hot water.

2. Mix with 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar. If you see fine bubbles, you’re good to go!

👩‍🔬Pro Tip!

You can store yeast in the freezer for a year. To check if it's still good, mix it with warm liquid along with a pinch of sugar, then wait a few minutes to see if it foams up. If it does, go ahead with the rest of the recipe. 👍 If not... 🛒

Thanks for reading! Until next month 👋

Stay Safe and Be Well,

Coach Amanda