How long are you giving them on the heat before you check? Honestly, @shanegibson has a point with the foil wrap, that steam really helps. I used to boil mine for a bit before putting them on the grill, which felt wrong but made them fall apart tender. Maybe try mixing methods, like a slow cook then a tight foil wrap with some liquid. Chewy ribs are the worst, but once you get them soft it's a total game changer.

That hard light layer tip is a game changer. My friend Mark was fighting with flat highlights for weeks until he tried @the_felix's method.

So the tip is to just ask instead of assuming? That's nice and all, but let's not act like it's some life-changing advice. Sometimes you ask and it's just a weird noise, or you end up in a conversation you regret. Not every garage hides a go-kart, sometimes it's just a broken washing machine. Cool it worked out for you, but I wouldn't go telling everyone to start questioning their neighbors. Most people mind their own business for a reason. I've had my share of awkward chats that led nowhere good.

Does this make me a tech hoarder for wanting to save every old capacitor?