ReadyMade: Instructions for everyday life

Readywhip: Salt

by Erin Simpson

A kitchen staple, kosher salt can do more than just spice up potatoes.

What Is It?
Coarse-grained kosher salt is additive-free and gives food a softer salty flavor than the familiar iodized stuff. Plus, it’s hands-on—keep a little bowl of it by the stove to sprinkle on food with your fingers.

Cool Off
Chill a bottle of champagne or wine faster by layering in salt with the ice in a bucket.

Table Manners
Don’t let a spill on the tablecloth disrupt dinner; just blot and cover the spot with salt. It will absorb the liquid and lessen the stain while you finish your meal.

Smoke and Fire
If food spills onto the oven floor, cover it with salt to stop it from smoking. Salt can also smother a small grease fire.

Foodie Facial
Mix one teaspoon of olive oil with one teaspoon of salt and gently massage your face using long, upward strokes; wash with a mild soap. Puffy eyes? Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water; soak cotton pads into the solution, and press onto your eyes.

Beet It
When beets or other bold-colored veggies stain your hands, make a paste with salt and vinegar and rub it all over your hands. Rinse and repeat as needed. Not only will the color fade, but you will end up with soft, smooth skin.

Send Ants Marching
Place a thin line of salt wherever you see ants entering the kitchen. The ants will not cross the line, and you’ll avoid pesticides and chemicals.

Scour Power
Clean cast-iron skillets with salt and a little cooking oil on a dish cloth, then wipe clean. For other pots (uncoated or nonstick) use lemon juice and salt.

Beach Beauty
There’s no need to buy “beach hair” products. In a spray bottle, dissolve salt in water. Spray on your hair, scrunch, and let air-dry. You’ll get the straight-from-the-beach, tousled look.

A Cut Above
Deodorize and remove stains from wooden cutting boards by rubbing them with salt and a lemon wedge. Brush the salt away and let dry.