How to Quickly Marinate Food Using Durbl Silicone Bags

We've all faced this situation: you’ve just finished cooking a delicious meal, but there are leftovers, and you wonder, "Can I put hot food in the fridge?" The answer isn't straightforward, but let's delve into why you should or shouldn't do it. Thermal Shock and Glass Containers Firstly, if you're using glass containers, you need to be cautious. Glass has a property known as thermal expansion. This means it expands when hot and contracts when cold. If you place a hot glass container directly into the fridge or freezer, it can experience thermal shock and potentially shatter. This risk is especially high with standard glass, but using borosilicate glass can mitigate the risk as it's more resistant to thermal shock. Still, it's best to avoid sudden temperature changes. Refrigerator Efficiency Putting hot food directly into the fridge isn't ideal for the appliance's efficiency. Hot food raises the fridge's internal temperature, making it work harder to cool down, which can affect its overall performance and longevity. This can also impact other foods stored in the fridge, potentially leading to spoilage. Food Safety Contrary to popular belief, placing hot food directly into the fridge is generally safe from a food safety perspective. The danger zone for bacterial growth in food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Leaving hot food out to cool for extended periods can actually pose a greater risk than refrigerating it immediately. The key is to cool the food down quickly. You can do this by dividing it into smaller portions or placing it in shallow containers before refrigerating. Practical Tips Cool Down First: Allow food to cool slightly on the counter before placing it in the fridge. You can use an ice bath to speed up the cooling process. Use the Right Containers: Use shallow, wide containers to store food, which helps it cool faster. Opt for borosilicate glass or food-grade silicone like Durbl bags, which can handle temperature changes better. Avoid Overloading: Ensure there is enough space around containers in the fridge to allow air circulation for faster cooling. Conclusion So, is it bad to put hot food in the fridge? It depends on the circumstances. For food safety, it's generally okay, but consider the type of container you're using and your fridge's efficiency. Cooling food quickly in shallow containers or using an ice bath can mitigate many of the potential issues. Remember, keeping your food safe and your fridge running efficiently are both achievable with a few mindful practices.By following these tips, you can enjoy your leftovers safely and keep your fridge in good working order. Happy cooking and storing!

For nail enthusiasts, organizing nail polish and manicure tools can be challenging. Here’s how to effectively store and organize your collection while ensuring your nail polish lasts longer. Nail Polish Storage Tips To make nail polish last longer, store bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid bathrooms due to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Remove dried polish from bottle necks and ensure lids are tightly closed. Organization Ideas Using Durbl bags is a smart way to organize your nail polish collection. Here are some effective nail polish organization tips: 1. Nail Polish Organizer Group polishes by color, brand, or frequency of use in Stand-Up Mini Bags. This allows for neat, upright storage in drawers or cabinets. Clear bags let you easily see the contents, while colorful bags can be labeled with chalk markers for added organization. 2. Nail Polish Storage for Travel Durbl bags are leak-proof, durable, and washable, making them ideal for on-the-go storage. Secure your nail polishes in these bags to prevent messes during transport. Use the same method for storing nail tools like polish remover, base coats, and nail files. 3. Display and Storage If you prefer to display your nail polish, consider clear acrylic beauty organizers, wall-mounted racks, or stackable trays. These options keep your collection accessible and visually appealing. For a home spa vibe, display seasonal colors while storing off-season shades out of sight. 4. Plastic Organizers Plastic organizers with drawers can be tucked away in cabinets or closets for out-of-sight storage. Combine this with Durbl bags for extra leak-free protection. Choose a storage method that suits your needs and preferences. Keeping your nail polishes organized not only helps you find the perfect shade quickly but also extends the shelf life of your products. Happy organizing!

Sous vide cooking is an emerging home kitchen technique that involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in a temperature-controlled water bath. This method ensures perfect results every time, especially for thicker cuts of steak like filet mignon, ribeye, strip steak, and T-bone. Tools Needed: ● Sous vide machine or a large pot with a digital thermometer● Durbl silicone bags (Half Gallon or Quart size)● Tongs for handling hot bags Steps: 1. Prep: Preheat your sous vide machine to the desired temperature. Season your steak with salt, black pepper, herbs like rosemary or thyme, minced garlic, and a tablespoon of butter. Place each steak in a Durbl bag and use the water displacement method to vacuum seal the bag. 2. Cook: Submerge the sealed bags in the water bath, ensuring the steaks are fully submerged. Use silicone weights or clips if needed. Refer to the following sous vide steak time and temperature chart: ■ Rare: 120°F (49°C) - 128°F (53°C), 1 to 2.5 hours ■ Medium-Rare: 129°F (54°C) - 134°F (57°C), 1 to 4 hours ■ Medium: 135°F (57°C) - 144°F (62°C), 1 to 4 hours ■ Medium-Well: 145°F (63°C) - 155°F (68°C), 1 to 3.5 hours ■ Well-Done: 156°F (69°C) and up, 1 to 3 hour 3. Sear: Remove the bags from the water bath and take out the steaks. Heat olive oil or butter in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Sear the steaks for about one minute on each side and quickly sear the edges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Tips: Use Durbl silicone bags for a safer, eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags. For best results, use thicker cuts of steak to prevent overcooking during the searing process. Sous vide cooking guarantees a juicy and perfectly cooked steak every time, making it an ideal method for home chefs aiming for restaurant-quality results.