Cooking web notes

Are you one of those people who 'think' that ice cube trays are just for making ice? What I have learned over the years is...those plastic trays are much more valuable if you use them for other things.

Here are some ideas that I would like to share with you.

1. Fudge - Mix up your favorite fudge recipe. While it's still hot (but not boiling), pour mixture into ice cube trays. Refrigerate until firm. If you find sticking a problem, run a butter knife under hot tap water, then around each fudge square to loosen them.

2. Fruit Flavored Ice Cubes - Pour your favorite fruit flavored drink into the tray. Freeze until firm. Use the flavored cubes in your favorite beverages. Example: I freeze lemonade in ice cube trays and then use in our ice tea.

3. Popsicles - Purchase popsicle sticks and cut them in half. Pour your favorite fruit juice into the ice cube trays. Place in freezer for 30 minutes. Remove and insert sticks; place back into the freezer until firm.

4. Chocolate Lollipops - Purchase some chocolate squares. Follow package directions for melting the squares in the microwave. Pour into trays. Insert lollipop sticks when chocolate is semi-firm. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes until firm.

5. Gelatin Jigglers - Make your favorite gelatin (jello) jigglers recipe. Pour gelatin into trays and refrigerate until firm. To loosen squares from tray, run a butter knife under hot tap water.

6. Freezer Pudding Pops - Make your favorite box of instant pudding. Pour into trays, refrigerate for 30-45 minutes until semi-firm. Remove from refrigerator and insert popsicle or lollipop sticks. Place in freezer for 2 hours until firm.

7. Broth Cubes - Freeze your left-over chicken or beef broth in your ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop them out and place into zipper closure bags. Label the bags and freeze. When you need broth for your recipes, easily remove the amount of broth cubes that you need.

8. Gravy Blocks - Freeze left-over gravy. Once firm, remove from the trays and place in a zipper closure bag. When you need gravy for your recipes, thaw just what you need.

9. Cereal Snacks - Make your favorite snack bar recipe that uses cereal. Lightly coat the trays with non-stick cooking spray. Press the cereal mixture into the cavities. Once firm, remove the cubes from the tray for the perfect little snacking blocks.

10. Iced Coffee Cubes - Do you like drinking iced coffees but hate the watery taste when you use conventional ice? Freeze some left-over coffee in your trays. When you are ready for an iced coffee, pop out 2-3 cubes.

This article is copyright 2009 by Shelly Hill, all rights reserved. This article can not be reprinted without Shelly's permission.