5 Genius Ways To Use Your Ice Cube Trays

If you've cleaned out your freezer lately, you've probably noticed that there are a number of items in there that you really don't need. If you think your ice cube trays are one of them, think again. We've got five creative ideas for those barely-used ice cube trays:

If you've ever purchased from the for a particular dish, thinking you'll use more in the future, you've probably also opened your refrigerator to see that your herbs have started to wilt and go bad after just a few days. Give them a longer life by preserving them in olive oil, then freezing them in your ice cube trays. Next time your recipe calls for both olive oil and herbs, you're all set.

It seems there are always a few in a carton you won't be able to use before they go bad. If yours are approaching the end of their life, crack them into and freeze them for future use. The texture of the eggs will be slightly different once they've thawed but they're still ok to use.

Whenever I make I always end up eating them all in one sitting. So, rather than bake them all at once, I like to bake half the batch and freeze the rest of the dough. Popping the into an ice cube tray is a good way to freeze just enough for one cookie at a time.

Instead of buying a new pint of frozen every time you're in the mood for a different flavor, make your own by portioning out regular yogurt into your ice cube trays and freezing it. When you're ready to eat it, pop a few of your frozen yogurt cubes into a food processor and blend until creamy: all the enjoyment of yogurt without the use of an ice cream maker or a trip to the store!

Just because you eat a lot of , doesn't mean you've mastered the skill of making your own at home. Cheat the system (just a little) by pressing sushi into ice cube trays, adding the rest of the fillings, and then scooping them out. Your friends will be amazed by your culinary skills!

Originally Published on April 14, 2015