Video Tip: How to Cut Grape Tomatoes and Other Pesky Foods Quickly
I’m so excited about today! I’ve been waiting a long time to roll out my new series and contest and can’t wait to tell you about it.
Here’s the dealio: throughout the year I am going to be posting more video tutorials/tips. There are a lot of questions/tips/tutorials you guys have requested in video form (pie crust, among a hundred others) and there are a million and a half tips that I personally want to share. Sometimes, it’s a lot easier to show it rather than just type about it and post a few pictures.
I’m hoping to build up the Video Tip section to be extremely useful (in addition to the Kitchen Tips I already add to now and again).
As well as the video tips I’ll personally share (and I’ve roped some of my innocent family members into putting together a few of their own that are super helpful to share with you), I am opening up a little contest for YOU! If you have a fabulous cooking/kitchen tip you want to share, I’d love to see it! I’ll be choosing up to two submitted videos to be published on my blog each month (archiving into the useful Video Tips page for the rest of time) and in addition, if your video is chosen, you’ll win a $50 gift card.
I’ve listed all of the contest rules and info on how to submit your video HERE so definitely check it out for more information!
Update: Due to a few unforseen logistical details, the video contest has been temporarily suspended. I’ll be sure to update when I get it back up and running. Thanks everyone!
To kickoff the video tip series, I threw together a short video on something near and dear to my heart: chopping up pesky little foods, like cherry or grape tomatoes, quickly and efficiently without having to cut them one-by-one.
You didn’t know you’d been waiting your whole life for this, did you? I dressed up in my fanciest clothes just for you and yes, the open cupboard bugs the heck out of me, too.
Remember, that you’ll be able to go to THIS PAGE to see all the video tips in one place (I put a handy dandy link in the navigation bar for quick access). And I’ve also created a YouTube channel which will feature all of the videos I post as well as the winning contest entries! Keep checking back to see winning videos posted here and my own video tips to help you out in the kitchen!
100 Comments on “Video Tip: How to Cut Grape Tomatoes and Other Pesky Foods Quickly”
I know that this has been up for a while, but I had to comment. This is my favorite tip ever!! I can’t believe I did not know this. It has revolutionized cutting grapes for nursery. Now I’m done in a minute flat instead of cutting for 20. My cherry tomatoes for caprese panzanella were done before the kids could even help. I am SO. EXCITED. to learn this. Thanks for posting it!
62 yrs young and I’m still learning ! How very clever and smart you are. Let’s see if this old grandma can succeed at doing this !! Thanks so much. I have learned quite a bit from you, you little cutie pie !
This is one of those moments when I think “Why did I never think of that”! Will be using this tip from now on. Thanks!
Mel- I just watched Rachael Ray demonstrate this tip on her new show “3 in the Bag” and I immediately thought of you! I think Rachael may be a fan or your blog! 🙂
Hey Mel I think your recipes are so awesome I have made a lot of them sweet and sour chicken is one of our favorites . You have a lot of different recipes that’s what I like. About the comment referring to your cabinet door being open she needs to lighten up and relax its not a big deal . Keep up the great recipes your awesome !!!!
You are so cute! And thank you for the tip, looking forward to more kitchen tip videos!
You are so dang cute Melanie! Oh how i miss you!
You rock. That’s all.
Hello super model! You are a mix of Faith Hill and Julia Roberts, which is quite the combo my beautiful friend. You are so natural with the camera rolling, that is a talent. Great tip! I love this idea.
Seriously – can I be you when I grow up??? 😉
Used your tip yesterday – love it! Thanks for sharing.
I really, really, really, really, really, really hope that you are planning to do a video on how you make all your breads so pretty. I made your artisan bread bowls the other day and it looked like my two year old made them. They were delicious though!
Great job on the video! I confess I’ve followed your blog for years and always wondered what you are like in person 🙂 So the tomatoes. Duh, why didn’t I think of that?! In the same vein, after hand shredding 8 crockpots of beef and chicken for a Christmas party I discovered (drumroll….) shredding meat in a kitchenaid. I’m sure you already know about it but if you don’t then you’ve got to try it. It changed my life. Just put ready to be shredded meat into the kitchenaid with the paddle mixer and let it go. You have to watch it though, it really only needs a few pulses otherwise you’ll end up with mush.
You are really good on video. Everyone needs some confidence boosters so I wanted to comment and let you know I will look forward to seeing more of this.
Of course! Genius!
What a fabulous tip! I can’t wait to try it. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how you were going to cut them! It was exciting. 😉 I have the same fruit stand as you… I sorta feel like we are kindred spirits now!
Love this, Mel! It is great to see you in action and put your voice to your words! Looking forward to more great tips!
Incredible tip! Seriously, one of those – why didn’t I think of that? moments. I love your website and recommend it to all I know. I do have one request though, for Christmas I received a pizza stone, and really love the crispiness it brings to my pizzas – – but I can’t get them on or off the stone? I even have one of those handy wood ‘sliders’ and I can’t seem to do it? Any video tips on this one? When I try to get the pizza into the oven onto the stone it falls upon itself and burns half of my toppings onto the stone (yes, regrettably, my stone is already a mess.) If you have cleaning tips I’d love that too.
Mel! This is so great! I have never heard of this suggestion in my entire 23 years of cooking! I have always hated slicing those tiny things one by one!! Can’t wait to try it! Like so many others I am so grateful for your site and ideas…my family knows you by name too! Love it! Keep up the awesome job!
So simple…wow! Thanks Mel!
That is an awesome tip, Mel! I have always loved your step-by-step tutorials. I love that you are going to do video tutorials! You are a natural on camera, and your kitchen is so beautiful! I am looking forward to future videos, and maybe I will be brave and submit one of my own!
Absolutely love your video tip and am really looking forward to more video tips. Being a visual learner this is an exciting feature on your blog for me! Thank you!!
I’m going to use this tip tomorrow!
Thanks!!
Thanks so much! Cherry tomatoes and grapes drive me nuts. You are awesome, Mel. And can I just say, I am so glad you did that video in a hoodie?! Thanks for not wearing pearls and high heels. That would be fine and great if you did, but I love how you are real and easy to relate to! (I usually don’t cook in my pearls and high heels. Lol.)
Great tip, Mel!! Thanks for the video. 🙂
LOVE both the tip and the video! Never ever would I have thought to cut grape tomatoes that way!
This was is the most fabulous tip! Clearly I’m a total Nerd because I can’t tell you how excited this made me! Also, love the video 🙂
This is fantastic! Best. Blog. Ever. Seeing you on video confirms to me how awesome you are, I just love your guts so much! (In a completely non stalkerish way considering we’ve never met. . . haha!)
Well now, that was BRILLIANT! Love it! And great video, I’m looking forward to seeing more!!
Oh Mel, what else can I say other than I love your guts! This is awesome! So pretty much you’re my claim to fame. Yep. Even if every time I cook pasta I can’t help but think of you standing in the kitchen of I1 talking about being “quantity deficient” when it comes to figuring out how much pasta to cook. Love it!
Yay for video tutorials!!
I’m going to use this little trick when I cut my kid’s grapes up…such an annoying (but totally necessary) task! Thank you!
This is why I love your site so much! Your recipes use every day ingredients and taste great! Your tips are practical without fancy equipment and work great! Thank you for sharing and making being in the kitchen more enjoyable and delicious.
PS. Hope you’re staying warm.
Such a great tip!! LOVE the video. Will definitely share! I just started a video series too: youtube.com/LindsayAnnBakes if you wanna check it out!!! 😀
This is amazing! Can’t wait for more tips!
Mel, you rock! Thanks!
Great tip and you look great 🙂
Excellent tip and you are just the cutest! I wonder if I have a useful tip to share….hmmmm?
Love the video! Can’t wait to see other video tips and tutorials in the future!
No way are you 30+…u look like a pretty 25 year old !!!
That is brilliant! I always cut grapes in half for my son and this will make it so much faster! Thanks for sharing!
Love the video idea. Way to branch out!!
You have been my favorite cooking/baking blog for years now, and this is my first comment ever! I was so excited to see a video, so fun! 🙂
You are awesome on video! Love the tip. Thank you.
Love it! Thank you for making this video. I had no idea cutting multiple tomatoes at the same time was even possible. I look forward to many more video tips.
Mel, I am so excited! I haven’t even watched the video yet and I am so excited that you’ve added this to your site! 🙂 You are so awesome! I happened upon your site a year ago when looking for a good pork tenderloin recipe and your site is the one and only that I follow. I use your menus and almost everything I cook is from you! You are a household name! Thank you for all that you do! Hope you are staying warm!!
Thanks Mel! I would have never thought of cutting small things in this way. This is great, I even have tops like that!
Who knew?!
Cool! Thanks for the video, awesome. You look great too.
Yay for videos! So excited! Your first one was great & you did fab 😉
Brilliant! I’m at least twice as old as you are, Mel, and wow how much time I have wasted slicing cherry tomatoes one at a time! Just one more reason why I love your website and visit it almost daily. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes and tips. Can’t wait to see you on your own cooking show one day….
Love the Hoody!!! Keep sharing the awesome recipes, much appreciated!!!
Awesome tip! Always have cut each olive, tomato etc 1 at a time….this will be such a timesaver! Thanks Mel.
You are so cute!
This is going to change my life…and echoing what was said above, you’re a natural. Can’t wait for more!
GENIUS!
Awesome! Perfect timing too since I have your Fusilli alla Caprese pasta on my menu this week! Thanks!
I love your idea!!! It works well too! I love to play around for kitchen tips!
this is great. Thanks for the tip and the looking forward to more videos!
You’re a natural at video Mel! Love the tip too! 🙂
Wow! That’s so amazing! Can’t wait to try it. Also would work well for grapes!
That video made me smile! Great tip and you are such a natural on camera. I’d be the first in line to watch you on a cooking show!
Wow. This slicing method goes under the category “Things I Would Never Think of in a Million Years.” It made me immediately think of Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad for next summer! http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2010/07/cherry-tomato-caprese-salad.html
Great video. LOVE the tip, grape tomatoes are the only ones we eat these days. I didn’t even notice the cabinet door. But I did sit there and think that you look very well rested, youthful, and relaxed for a mother of 5. You must be a natural.
What a great tutorial!!! I will use this technique many, many times….Thanks a bunch!
Genius! You are fantastic.
One word…
Brilliant!
More words…
Love seeing your cute face and being able to finally put a voice to your posts/emails/comments. Love, love love 😀
This is BRILLIANT! How I never thought of this before?? Such a cute video too! Great job!
Next up: Food Network!!
This is brilliant! I have never seen this anywhere! I have made many of your recipes and have never been disappointed. I recently made your Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup. It was such a hit I had to make it again the next day so my daughter could take some home to Texas! I will definitely try this tip with tomatoes, grapes, and olives – all of which are pesky items to slice. I will be looking for more of your videos. You did a great job Mel – you made it look so easy and I know it is not. You are a natural!
Awesome! Now I can cut grapes up fast for my little one! I always despised all the time it took to slice grapes up 🙂
Very clever! It is nice to put a voice to your picture! You seem very at ease doing this, I would be a wreck 🙂 You are my go to blog for recipes & you just upped the stakes! I love the video & look forward to watching more. Thanks for your hard work putting all this together.
Super helpful tip! Thanks for sharing Mel!
Awesome tip! Thanks!!!
Why did I not think of that ever? So simple and so helpful! Can’t wait to see more videos, and I’ve subscribed to your youtube channel so as not to miss any.
Over the weekend, I made your best sugar cookies ever and they were a hit.
Thanks for all you do!
This is brilliant! I enjoyed your commentary during the demonstration too! Your wit translates in your writing and videos. I would submit a tip if I had one. I’m pretty good at changing diapers on my lap (eww, gross?) but that’s for an entirely different blogging genre.
Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this site. Your recipes are fantastic!
Great idea and great video. I will use this for grapes too as we always cut them for the grandchildren so they are not a choking hazard.
Yay! I’m so excited for these videos!
Yeah!! Thank you so much. This is great. I can’t wait for that pie dough tutorial 🙂
Oh my gosh, this is GENIUS!! I cannot believe it never occurred to me. You win the Nobel Prize for cutting vegetables, friend. Also, you are a natural!! Love the video 🙂
That is brilliant! I think I might just go buy some tomatoes just to try this out. Really looking forward to more tips!
Awesome! Both the tip and the contest!
Clever, clever tip!!!! THANK YOU!
This is awesome! Thanks so much! You are just amazing and your site keeps getting better and better! We had two of your recipes last night for dinner–crispy southwest chicken wraps and confetti corn with bacon–yum-o!!! Thanks! You rock!
You read my mind… I have been meaning to ask you if you could do a tutorial on how you shape your dough other breads when you make your French Bread Roll recipe (the yeast and perfect shaped roll tutorial are great…My rolls look great now!) I would like to see you shape them for buns and meatball subs bread (like how much dough you use?) The sooner the better 😉 Thanks for always sharing!
I never knew! Thank you very much for this helpful hint. Looking forward to your new series and I LOVE your recipes. Good job Mel!
Love this, Mel! Looking forward to more videos. Happy 2014!
Now that I have heard your voice, I feel like we are officially best friends! Your website is so awesome! Thank you, a thousand times, for making me a rock star in the kitchen-that is your goal right? And what a great tip!
If I didn’t think it would sound condescending, I might be tempted to say that you are so adorable I could squeeze you. But I have too much class to embarrass either of us in that particular way. BTW, I did have to watch the video twice because I didn’t listen to you and I blinked while you were doing the trick and missed the whole thing!
xo Nicole
Pure genius!!! I LOVE the video and look forward to seeing more. I’m allergic to tomatoes, but i can eat a whole can of olives in one salad. What an easy and fast way to prep them. Nice to put a voice to a face as well! =]
Brilliant tip!! I have sliced one at a time for my whole life. I’ll remember this for grapes, too. Too bad I didn’t do it when my children were babies. 🙂
Videos…what a cool idea. Maybe if I take the time I’ll submit one. Can’t wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. 🙂
That tip is new to me and is so clever! Best wishes for the new year.
Good idea. I never thought of doing it that way.
I love to watch tutorials. Sometimes it is hard to grasp what directions mean. LOVE your kitchen.
THANKS!!!
Love it love it… I’m so looking forward to your future video tips. Thank you Mel for your wonderful site.
Phenomenal!!!!
Your site just keeps getting better and better! I made your pretzel bites over the holidays (delicious!) and kept your picture tutorial right beside of me on the counter constantly viewing to make sure I did things right. I just made a smoked mozzeralla pasta dish this weekend and needed to roasted tomatoes. The only ones I had were grape. Because of time constraints, I didn’t cut them and it took forever for them to roast properly. I’m making your Tuscan Sausage and White Bean Soup for supper tonight. You do such a great job on everything you apply your mind and hands to do. Neat idea and video! As far as the open cupboard door, please shut it next time. Your neat cupboards are too condemning for some of your blog followers. 🙂
Wonderful initiative! I love your website even more now (and I didn’t think it was possible!)