Epiphany: “A sudden, intuitive perception or insight into the reality or essential nature of something, usually initiated by some simple, or commonplace occurrence.”

Probably no other feeling engenders more emotion, personal satisfaction and quite frankly, awe than an epiphany. From the time that Archimedes leapt from the public baths and ran all the way home shouting “Eureka”; to the moment Newton realized that an apple bonking had just presented him with the secret to the universe, men and women alike have always been thrilled when some humble occurrence unveils a wonderful idea.

Far be it for me to hoist myself up into the ranks of Classical and Renaissance thinkers. Still, the following five kitchen epiphanies have always caused me to smile inwardly whenever I remember how I first stumbled upon each of them. I hope they bring you the same feelings of satisfaction and real monetary savings that they have brought me through the years.

1. Have you ever been left, tomato paste can in hand, with half a can or more left over after measuring out for your recipe? Sometimes you only need a teaspoon of paste and are left with a full open can. If you leave it, it starts tasting like the can, then it turns black and then all types of flora and mold burst forth. What to do?

Put the leftover paste in a sandwich sized zip-lock bag, flatten the whole thing down, squeeze out the air and put it into the freezer. Whenever you need another small amount, just break a piece off and add it to your cooking.

2. Did you ever accidentally add too much salt to a pot of water? If the water is boiling it can not only be a waste of effort to start over, but it can also be quite dangerous; especially if you’re annoyed and distracted by your mistake. Solution: If you add a peeled potato to the water, it will absorb a surprising amount of excess salt. Really it will! And if you don’t think a potato will go with whatever the water is for, just fish it out after a few minutes and your water will be remarkably desalinated.

3. You forgot to transfer your brown sugar into an airtight container the last time you used it. Now, it’s a brick as solid as the monoliths of Stonehenge.  To soften brown sugar that has hardened, transfer the brick into an air tight container or zip-lock bag, add some slices of peeled apple and put it away for a few days. When you come back to use your softened brown sugar, don’t forget to fish out the apple slices from the container.

4. Ever have practically a whole bottle of good cooking wine or sherry left over after opening it to add a splash into one of your gravies? Did the wine sour waiting for the next recipe that called for it? Solution: Freeze the leftover wine in small measured amounts. You can use small zip-lock bags or even an ice cube tray. Measuring the amount you pour into the bag or tray makes it even easier. That way the next time you need it, you will know with certainty how many ounces are in the container.

5. Though not quite Kitchen Tips, here are two great ways to clean your jewelry. Just use a bit of dish washing liquid and a soft tooth brush in a clean bowl of water. Or you can place your jewelry in a bowl with water and toss in a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets. Leave it for a few minutes then rinse.

Bonus $ 1,000 Tip: >>> NEVER rinse your jewelry over an open drain…oops.

Fran Valle is partners with her sister, Sharon Grey and their friend Mary Meade in DinnerSmith; the first meal prep studio in Maplewood, New Jersey. Every day the three women dedicate themselves to bringing together fresh ingredients, cutting-edge recipes and the work space necessary for their friends and neighbors to quickly prepare as many delicious dinners as they need for that week or for that month. Visit http://www.dinnersmith.com for incredible meal ideas or, if you’re in the neighborhood, just drop in and say “hi.”

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