Adding wedges of raw potato or apple and simmering for about 10 minutes before removing them helps pull out excess salt. Still too salty? A spoonful of sugar, a dash of apple-cider vinegar, or diluting with water or low-sodium broth can finish the job.
Three Kitchen Hints for Soup, Sugar, and Herbs
Few things are as frustrating as a soup or stew, hours in the making, that turns out too salty — but it's an easy fix.
Fix an Over-Salted Soup
Protect Brown Sugar From Hardening
Storing brown sugar in the freezer keeps it from hardening in the first place. Already-hardened sugar can be softened by sealing it in a bag with a slice of fresh bread or an apple, or by microwaving it on high for about 30 seconds.
Keep Herbs Fresh for a Month
Washing whole bunches of herbs and sealing them in plastic bags in the freezer keeps them tasting fresh for up to a month, and they chop easily and defrost the moment they hit a hot pan.
Got a handy tip of your own?
Reply and let us know, we love hearing your tips.
This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →