15 Ways to Be a Scrappier Cook

1 Revive Wilted Produce

Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula): Soak greens in ice water for 30 minutes.

Vegetables with stalks or stems (broccoli, asparagus, celery, scallions, parsley): Trim stalks or stems on bias to expose more water-wicking capillaries. Stand produce in container filled with cold water for 1 hour.

2 Reuse Charcoal

You can replace up to half of the fresh coals called for in a recipe with partially spent ones that you filter from the ash.

To prepare coals: Immediately extinguish coals by cutting off air supply (dump coals into small metal trash can or container with lid and cover). Let cool. Place coals in chimney starter; shake and rap chimney starter over trash can to dislodge ash. Store coals until ready to use.

Place fresh coals in chimney starter first, then top with used coals.