When summer rolls around, we’re all looking for ways to stay cool, enjoy the weather, and cope with some of the side effects of heat. That means downing cool drinks, zapping bugs, and dazzling guests with good food.
While you settle into your summer groove you want to keep things carefree and fun. For that, it helps to have a few tips on hand so you can focus on grillin’ and chillin’. Household Hacker is here to back you up so you can say “Don’t worry, I got this!” all summer long.
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DIY Herb Basting Brush
Give your grilled fare an extra kick of flavor by using a homemade herb brush. Tie a bundle of fresh herbs to the end of a wooden utensil using twine. Baste away with rosemary, oregano, or a sage-thyme combo! You can mix and match which herbs you use for your brush too; just be sure to do as Household Hacker says and have separate basters for veggies and meats.
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Oven Kebabs
Mmm, veggie kebabs! Chop your veggies and position them on metal skewers with small spaces in between. Baste with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, or other spices. Crank up your broiler and make sure your oven racks are placed high. Slip a baking tray on the bottom rack to catch hot oil.
Lay the kebabs on the top rack and cook for about 12 – 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. When you remove them, they should have a nice char. One thing Household Hacker does mention is to adjust cooking times according to your own oven.
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Cup Covers
Household Hacker
Because who says adults can’t party with sippy cups? To keep bugs from indulging in everyone’s outdoor drinks, cover cups with cupcake liners or aluminum foil. Wrap a rubber band around it to hold it in place. Stick a straw through the top and you’re good to go!
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Fruity Drink Chillers
Don’t put your drinks on ice with cubes, use frozen fruit instead. No, not the kind in the freezer section at the store. Take a stab at some fresh fruit with wood skewers, and arrange your fruit-on-a-stick on aluminum foil. Pop them in the freezer until ready and then into your drink. Perfect for injecting some fruity goodness into water or other drinks.
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Hot Corn on the Cob
To cook corn on the cob quickly and make the job of husking it easier, drop it into the microwave – husk on. The husk will provide insulation as the corn heats up. Household Hacker advises to cook one ear at 4 minutes, and for each additional ear to add one minute more.
Hit play on the video below for five more summertime hacks and shortcuts. With cookout season in full effect, you’ll need to up your BBQ and dessert game with style! Spend less time battling bugs, heat, and melted treats and more time loving this time of year.
What tricks do you use to hack the summer? Which of these will you add to your summer repertoire?
