365 Quick Tips

Book excerpt: 365 Quick Tips is a collection of our editor's favorite picks from thousands of kitchen tricks and shortcuts submitted by our readers over the last eight years. One of the most popular sections of Cook's illustrated magazine, quick tips are easier (often surprising) ways of performing a kitchen task which either saves time, money or just makes you a better cook. Inside you will find truly original ideas for getting the lumps out of polenta (use an immersion blender), knowing when your steamer is out of water (add marbles to the bottom of the pot), and melting chocolate without a microwave (use the burner of an electric drip coffee machine). The quick tips are organized alphabetically and beautifully demonstrated through hand-drawn illustrations.