If you've ever gone down an Instagram rabbithole searching for clever cooking tips, chances are you've come across LORAfied — aka Lora McLaughlin Peterson — and her practical, highly watchable videos. Known for her ingenious kitchen, home, and beauty hacks, this jack-of-all-trades creator is our go-to source for simple, doable shortcuts. Seriously — we've already bookmarked her Thanksgiving dinner hacks for November so that we can spend less time fretting over the stove and more time soaking up the happy holiday vibes. McLaughlin Peterson's tips help make cooking, home maintenance, and entertaining actually enjoyable.
But McLaughlin Peterson isn't just a MacGyver for the 21st-century home — she can also write nourishing, flavorful recipes. In fact, she recently launched her debut cookbook, which contains a wide range of easy, budget-friendly dishes.
To celebrate the release, McLaughlin Peterson let us in on her top 10 all-time favorite hacks. We're talking the life-changing cheat codes she can't live without. Get ready for your kitchen time to be cut in half.
Frankly, her effortless trick for breaking down a rotisserie chicken is reason enough to keep reading. And you've got to see how McLaughlin Peterson builds an on-the-fly standmixer — this tip will save you if you don't have easy access to your trusty KitchenAid. Plus, her two-ingredient French toast recipe will win you over in its easy decadence. Watch her tips and tricks below.
LORAfied's 10 Favorite Hacks
Red Solo cup hack
You've probably have a stack of Solo cups tucked away in your cabinet. Watch the video to find out how this classic vessel can help you measure ingredients.
Rotisserie chicken hack
If you need shredded chicken for taco night, pick up a rotisserie and follow McLaughlin Peterson's instructions for easy, fork-free deboning.
Stand mixer hack
Baking sans stand mixer can be a workout. Fortunately, McLaughlin Peterson found a clever workaround that delivers the same results.
French toast hack
While McLaughlin Peterson has plenty of healthy dishes in her repertoire, she's not afraid to embrace a luxurious approach to breakfast. Her two-ingredient French toast is the special-occasion treat of your dreams.
Cutting board hack
Are you using your cutting board to its full potential? This helpful video might change your chopping routine.
Fast defrost hack
If you still need to defrost your ground beef for dinner, watch this easy tutorial first. You'll never do it the same way again.
No mess honey hack
Measuring honey for baking is always a bit of a mess. McLaughlin Peterson found the ultimate solution.
Easy open hack
McLaughlin Peterson even has a trick to make opening cans less of a pain.
Hands-free straining hack
Plus, this video introduces the ultimate tool that will help you strain solids from a can.
Heating pad melting pot
Last but not least, McLaughlin Peterson will teach you how to put your heating pad to work in the kitchen.
