Ice cube trays can be one of the most useful cooking tools in your kitchen. Don't believe us? That's probably because you have a bunch of trays just holding water in your freezer as we speak. The truth is that freezing other common ingredients in your ice cube tray will save you time, money and can even add a flavor punch to your everyday drinks.
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Find out 9 creative and smart ways to use your ice cube trays at home. Don't worry. You can thank us later!
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Fresh herbs
Basil, cilantro and rosemary are all amazing herbs, but their lifespan in the fridge is always limited. Instead of going for the dry herbs, just freeze the fresh stuff in ice cube trays and add water or olive oil. It will keep for triple the amount of time and save you plenty of the other green stuff.
Coconut water
This healthy fruit juice is refreshing on its own, but freezing it into ice cubes can give an extra burst of flavor to your plain sparkling water or spiked drink. Mixing coconut water ice cubes into a fruit smoothie will also enhance the flavor and nutrients since coconut water is rich in electrolytes.
Frozen fruit
Berries, pineapple or mango are all great fruits to freeze in ice cube trays. You can blend until smooth with water and pour in the molds, leave smaller fruits whole or sprinkle the finely chopped fruit in with water. Either option will taste delicious.
Sangria
Hate when your sangria gets watered down? Freeze a batch of the good stuff into ice cube trays and pop out during your next happy hour. Your friends will thank you for it.
Chicken stock
The next time you want to make a sopa de pollo, make an extra batch of fresh homemade chicken stock and freeze the leftovers into ice cube trays. It will keep for months and come in handy during the cold winter months when soup is on the menu often. The frozen chicken stock cubes will also be healthier and fresher than the store bought options.
Coffee cubes
This is a coffee lover’s dream! Freeze your favorite coffee blend or espresso in ice cube trays and pop into your morning brew or milk for a pick-me-up worth savoring.
Sofrito
Making the flavorful sauce takes time and labor. Don’t let the goodness go to waste! Pouring sofrito into ice cube trays and freezing will expand the lifespan of the sauce. You’ll always be ready for a fresh batch of beans that has the real, fresh tasty stuff.
Tomato paste
We have all been there. You buy a can of tomato paste, stick the reminder in a baggie and then it goes bad in just a few days. Pour the tomato paste in the ice cube tray and pop them out the next time you are making a tomato sauce or soup base.
Baby food
From a pea puree to mashed up fruit for your baby, you can freeze it all and be prepared to beat their lunchtime cravings in a matter of minutes.
