10 uses for a waterless ice cube tray

In a perfect world, ice cube trays would all be the same size. The four in my freezer are each a different size, but each slot generally holds about 1 ounce, which works out to 2 tablespoons per cube. Four cubes equal about 1/2 cup. To determine the exact volume of your ice cube tray, fill it with water, then pour the water into a measuring cup. You can then adjust the recipes below to fit your specific tray size.

Here are 10 ways to put your ice cube trays to good use.

Caramelized onions

After spending 45 minutes in the stove to obtain a pan with golden goodness, keep this long-cooked flavor on hand to add to any quick dish of the week without any problem. A single cube of frozen caramelized onions makes a flavorful addition to sautéed vegetables, while three or four cubes add substance to a soup or stew.

Ginger shots

For an easy, budget-friendly homemade shot, blend three (1-inch) pieces of ginger root and the juice of one lemon and one orange until smooth, about 60 seconds. Pass through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing the ginger with the back of a spoon to release all the juice possible. (Incorporate enough water to make a total of 12 ounces of liquid volume.) Pour into a ice cube tray and freeze. Thaw individual cubes in a glass in the refrigerator or add them to a mug and pour boiling water for a comforting drink to treat a summer cold. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, mint leaves or a piece of turmeric root for variety.

Leftover broth

Once opened, the broth stays fresh in the refrigerator for just a few days. Before it expires, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use it in stir-fries, add it to a pot of rice while cooking, or toss one to the dog for a refreshing treat.

Smoothie bombs

Mix yogurt and fruit of your choice, pour into the ice cube tray and freeze. Throw a few in the blender in the morning with your favorite add-ins. Blend until smooth.

Iced coffee and tea

Pour coffee or tea into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add cubes to a cup of cold tea or coffee for an iced drink with maximum caffeine intake.

Chocolate Bites

Melt 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons coconut oil in small bursts in a microwave or over low heat on the stove, stirring until smooth. Add 1/3 cup chopped nuts, broken pretzel sticks, and/or dried fruit to an ice cube tray. Pour the chocolate over the filling and stir with a toothpick to make sure the chocolate reaches the bottom of the cube. Freeze until solid. Thaw briefly before serving.

Herbs

Divide the chopped herbs between the sections of an ice cube tray and cover with olive oil. Freeze until solid. Add to hot pan when sautéing vegetables, sauces, soups and stews. Do you have basil? Mix the parmesan, olive oil and pine nuts for the pesto, then pour into a ice cube tray and freeze.

Diced canned tomatoes

Never waste leftovers in the box again. Divide them into an ice cube tray and freeze them. Use it generously in pots of soup, stews, vegetables and more. This too works with chopped fresh tomatoes and tomato paste.

Coconut milk

Do you have a recipe that only calls for one serving from a can of coconut milk? Pour the rest of the milk into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add to soups and smoothies.

The buzzer splashes

Divide about 1 cup mixed chopped fresh fruit into the slots of an ice cube tray. Garnish with white wine and freeze. Once frozen, add it to a glass and top with cold seltzer for a refreshing wine spritzer.

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