We always have a huge box of toothpicks in our kitchen cabinet, but I venture to guess that we use less than 1% of them for their intended use. Toothpicks are a kitchen heavy hitter, something I always have on hand to help with various tasks.
For this week’s Tuesday’s Tip, I want to share a few of my favorite tips for using the tips of toothpicks:
*Toothpicks are the perfect “doneness”
tester for many baked goods. Muffins, quick breads and cakes all can be determined to be done by a simply inserting a toothpick into the middle of the item. Does the toothpick come out clean? Your item is fully baked! A toothpick with batter indicates you need to give the item awhile longer in the oven.
*To plan where you may want to decorate a baked good, you can trace a line or shape on the baked item with a toothpick before you frost it, or in some cases, before you even bake it. This makes writing letters, shapes or designs much easier.
*For cakes, cookies and cupcakes that are iced or frosted, transporting them on a plate or tray can be made easier by propping up any plastic wrap you are using with a few toothpicks. Toothpicks will prevent the plastic wrap from touching and smearing all the decorations on top. Pick a few spots on the tray of goodies where you can inconspicuously insert a few toothpicks a wee bit and then drape your plastic wrap over the ends of the toothpicks.
*My garlic press get a good work-out in out kitchen, and often there is garlic skin or goo left inside the press that it is difficult to remove. A toothpick works perfectly to remove garlic from a garlic press or any other kitchen item that has small grooves or areas to clean.
*And last but not least, we use toothpicks for making food fun and easier to eat. Tortilla rolls are held together better and mini-fruit kebabs can be made, both with toothpicks.
What is your favorite way to use toothpicks other than in your mouth?
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