Rule your kitchen like a pro with these tips and tricks. We guarantee you’ll ask yourself “why didn’t I think of that?” at least once.

There’s nothing quite like a handy shortcut on a busy weeknight. That’s one of the main reasons why we can’t get enough of our menu’s weekly 20-Minute Meals. Because there’s no reason it has to take forever to whip up dishes like next week’s Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Quick-Pickled Cucumbers and a Cabbage Carrot Slaw.

Now, even meals that take more than 20 minutes to cook can come together in a snap. We asked the Fresh Fam in our NYC headquarters to divulge their most beloved cooking hacks.

Drum roll, please…

1. Zest garlic instead of chopping it

Don’t get us wrong, we’d never discourage the use of limes. It’s personal, after all. But we’ve got reliable sources that say they use zesters for their garlic even when the recipe calls for it to be chopped. Why? It takes seconds and makes the dish just as tasty.

Just use code JANUARYCLEARANCE to take 50% off when you stock up on your own zester-grater today.

2. Crush nuts while they’re still in the bag

No mess, no stress.

3. Dice small ingredients with a food chopper

From shallots to jalapeños, it’s the quickest way to finely chop those tiny ingredients and keep your fingers nice and safe.

4. Chop herbs in a glass with kitchen shears

Just a few snips and you’ve got a flavorful glass of basil, ready for the sprinkling. Kitchen shears keep it speedy and the glass keeps everything neat and tidy.

Need a new pair? We really love these.

5. Check veggies for “pre-washed” or “thoroughly washed”

Don’t waste time washing ready-to-go ingredients. When we say “pre-washed,” we mean it!

6. Use the kit bag for trash as you cook

The kit bags aren’t just seat belts to keep your delicious ingredients safe en route to your doorstep. They’re also perfect for collecting veggie scraps as you whip up dinner. Just roll up the bag and recycle when you’re done.

7. Store leftovers in handy containers

It may seem like a no-brainer, but having the perfect storage containers on hand makes a world of difference in a lively kitchen.

Just use code JANUARYCLEARANCE to take 50% off when you stock up on your own nesting glass storage containers today.

8. Clean cups and knives efficiently

We’ve all been there. You’re squeezing your sponge down into the bottom of the glass to get those last few drops of wine (if your glass is empty, check out our Wine Club) and your hand has never been less comfortable. Why make it harder than it has to be? We swear by this one-two punch — a genius glass brush and a no-nonsense blade brush that get the job done with none of the twisted wrist struggle.

Just use code JANUARYCLEARANCE to take 50% off when you stock up on your own glass and blade brushes today.

Ready to see some of our favorites in action? No need to take notes. We have a feeling you’ll remember these for many meals to come.

Check out all our clearance items and shop, stock, and chop for more kitchenware inspiration.