I mentioned buying a nutcracker at a thrift shop recently and posted this photo on Instagram a day or two ago. The response has been overwhelming. So many people didn't realize the plastic tops have been reduced in height and there is no longer enough surface to get a good grip and unscrew them. When I saw this nutcracker I knew immediately it would work and it does. I could have used pliers but I only have one set and it's downstairs in my toolbox. Most of you will have a nutcracker in your junk drawer and won't have to buy one. I love giving new life to old things and this nutcracker now has an honored place in my kitchen silverware drawer. See my Instagram post HERE Now I know I'm not the only one with this problem. Trader Joe's private label milks have gone back to the old carton design with no plastic at all. You just rip open one of the sides and pour.
Just a random photo from one of my walks. Allium seed heads look like exploding fireworks, don't they? xo
12 comments:
That is an excellent tip, Rosemary. Thank you for posting. I've found nutcrackers work well when opening stubborn screw-top jars too.
Tasha T -- It's good to hear you thought of doing this too. I like the idea of repurposing old tools for today's problems. I can't remember when I've seen nuts in their shells. My grandparents had pecan trees and I always had to help shell them for pecan pies. Happy first days of summer. xo, Rosemary
You know I almost always learn new things from you:) And ALWAYS pick up decorating ideas! Even your crockery with silverware in it - LOVE it! **Happy Summer to you and yours:) Karen
Karen --- Thanks so much. I am always happy to share the things that help me. Shame on those screw top designers for making them too shallow to open safely. I'm glad you like learning new things too. xo, Rosemary
Love this! I have struggled with those shallow plastic caps.xo
annette -- I am so happy this hack will help you with getting those poorly designed caps off. Isn't it comforting to know you aren't alone with this problem? The last carton I tried to open before I got my nutcracker was absolutely impossible. I had to cut one end off with a knife and scissors and pour the contents into the carton I had just emptied using a funnel. Have a great weekend. Mine is rainy but we need it desperately. xo, Rosemary
I never would have thought of that!! I have my dad's old nutcracker and the picks that went with it (if I can find them...). Thanks for sharing this with us, Rosemary! Have a great weekend!
Pam -- Keep looking until you find your dad's old nutcracker. My "new" one is in a place of honor just waiting for another screw top to open. I'm glad you like this idea. Have a great weekend too. xo, Rosemary
There was only one possible location for the old nutcracker—a container I keep of seldom-used kitchen utensils but ones you don’t want to throw out. When I got around to looking, sure enough, there it was! I just felt like I would never have thrown it away. ������ Reason for not using was: a friend who used to send me pecans (a huge bag) at Christmas from his pecan orchard in southern Alabama always sent them already cracked, picked apart, and ready to use. Unfortunately, my friend passed away in 2022 and I certainly did miss being gifted with pecans at Christmas last year. Such a wonderful friend he was! xoxo. Judy
JudyMac -- Judy, I'm glad you found the old nutcracker you have always had. I can't imagine I ever threw mine away or donated it; it's probably hiding in my two junk drawers. That's very sad that you lost such a good friend who sent pecans from his orchard every year. Now you have a new use for your nutcracker though. We are having a two week long rainy spell that will continue through the weekend and you are having very hot weather. Let's hope we both have a clear July 4th and you get a cool spell. xo, Rosemary
I used your nutcracker idea yesterday morning, and it worked great! Struggling with a pint carton of half and half is not my idea of fun before coffee:-)
Vicki Arkens -- Wonderful! I used my nutcracker to open a big carton of Soymilk a few days ago. I'm glad you were able to enjoy your coffee without a struggle. Happy Sunday. xo, Rosemary
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