May 31 2008
Five uses for vinegar you didn’t know
For years now it has been a prisoner of the kitchen cabinet. It may be used once or twice a month in most homes, and even then only sparingly.It is vinegar and I want you to know why you need to dust off that bottle and start pouring! Here are five uses for vinegar that you have probably never heard of before:
1. Cold vinegar takes the sting out of sunburn and can also be used to prevent other burns from blistering.
2. Marinating tough cuts of mean in vinegar will make them more tender. Marinating fish in vinegar will sweeten the flavor and take away the ‘fishy’ taste.
3. A strong vinegar solution wiped on your walls will prevent and eliminate mildew and dust buildup.
4. Vinegar and water mixed in a spray bottle is the best window and glass cleaner you will ever use. Use newspaper instead of paper towels for a streak-free shine.
5. 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vinegar. Blend together for homemade sour cream.
I love vinegar on my fries, but I have to say that you’re right - as a cleaner it’s hard to beat! Although I usually use a dark apple, balsamic or malt vinegar for cooking, for cleaning I use a clear one so that I don’t feel as if I’m adding to the mess! LOL
I only use vinegar once a year when I color easter eggs. Learn something new everyday.
I’ll have to try out your faux sour cream recipe. I love the stuff, but I don’t always keep it on hand, since I am the only one in my family who eats it.
katieanne: vinegar on fries is the BEST!
regina: you should look into using tea to stain easter eggs - it is amazing!
beprepared: I eat so much sour cream that I have yet to try the recipe, but I keep it on hand in case I need it someday. You always have to BE PREPARED!
I’m going to have to try your suggestion for meat and fish. Good tips!
Sudden craving for a real English bag of salt and vinegar crisps… that’s potato chips, to you!
I know, junk food isn’t the frugal life, but I’m just going with the association… and now that I think of it, my Dad used to make his own salt and vinegar crisps. Potatoes from the garden, washed but not skinned, then sliced super-thin and fried in a wok, dried on baking paper and salted and vinegared. Delicious!
Derek.