I was amazed there was something I hadn't read, lived by or seen on Thriftyfun. Not that I know it all but sure we have those 'wow' moments when seeing anything new. This was one of those for me.
I grew up living thrifty and with every saying it seems, "A watched pot never boils" is one. What else is there to do? Yes, it does seem it takes twice as long when watching the pot of water so it will not boil over.
My friend sent me some tips her Aunt had shared with her. If you place a wooden spoon over the pot filled with water it will not boil over. I tried it several times and it's fool proof! Just get one of the old spoons we all seem to have, place over your pot of water and go about your business. It will not boil over the sides of the pan. Doesn't hurt the spoon either. I just wouldn't forget about it and burn the pan. Now there is no need to stand there watching anymore.
I love learning new things. This one put a smile on my face.
By Luana M. from San Diego, CA
This page contains the following solutions.
Before boiling potatoes, pasta, or rice, rub margarine around the top inside of the pan to keep it from boiling over.
This tip is for boiling pasta, noodles, rice, etc. The next time you have an empty can, remove the lid. When you are boiling water, place the lid in the bottom of the pot.
When boiling potatoes, other vegetables, or pasta for your favorite recipe, a small amount, 1/2 tsp. or so of butter, will keep it from boiling over onto the burner.
Did you know that placing a wooden spoon across the top of a pot of boiling water will prevent the water from boiling over. Try it, it works!
When boiling pasta, potatoes, or etc. just place a large wooden or metal spoon across the pot top. This stops liquid from boiling over onto stove. It has never failed me.
When boiling potatoes, noodles, etc on top of stove, place a wooden spoon over top of pan to keep it from boiling over and having to clean up a mess.
ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.
Place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot when you are boiling water. It separates the steam and keeps it from boiling over. By dsbaby14
To stop potatoes or rice from boiling over while cooking on a stovetop, smooth oil around the top inch of the pan. . .