Cool uses for ice trays you may not have thought of

An ice cube tray might seem ordinary enough, but there are a number of cool things you can do with one. Not only are they great for portion control, they are also a handy storage device.

There are so many creative things you can do with an ice cube tray, you will be kicking yourself that you didn’t think of some of these earlier.

Storing herb oil 

If you have a healthy herb garden, it can sometimes become a bit overwhelming trying to use up all the lovely herbs you produce. If you’ve got no neighbours or friends to share with, rather than pruning back your plants and tossing the cuttings in the compost, freeze them for the winter in a set of ice cube trays.

Simply place the herbs into the empty trays and top them up with olive oil. Put them in the freezer and crack them out whenever you need to use them for a recipe. 

Coffee cubes for an iced coffee

If you are a coffee junkie, this is a great tip. Use your tray to store coffee ice cubes to make an easy iced coffee.

Simply brew up some coffee, pour it into the tray and freeze it. You can pop out a few cubes and add them to some cold milk for a delicious pick-me-up.

Moulds for homemade chocolates

Ice cube trays with small containers make a good mould for homemade chocolates. You can make all sorts of combinations – to give the grandkids a treat, melt together some milk chocolate and white chocolate.

Stir until combined and then add in some popping candy. Pour the popping candy chocolates into the moulds and store them in the freezer until the next time they visit. Maybe even save a few for yourself!

Chocolate strawberries

Another great chocolate idea is to create mini chocolate fondues. Simply melt down some chocolate and fill each ice cube tray compartment halfway. Push a strawberry or another piece of your favourite fruit into the chocolate and store in the fridge. Enjoy these yummy little snacks all week long.

Store vegetable stock cubes

Nothing is more annoying than having a heap of stock leftover from a recipe and having to pour it down the sink. But you can save the stock for a raining day by freezing it an ice cube tray.

Pour your leftover stock into the tray and place it in the freezer. The next time you need to use some stock, pop out a few of the cubes and melt them down until you have the right amount.

Fruity ice cubes

If you find you can’t get through all the fruit in your fridge, chop it up and make some fruity ice cubes. Simply place small pieces of the chopped fruit into the ice cube compartments and cover with water. Freeze and use in drinks – lemon or lime gives your water a tangy twist.

Alcoholic cubes

Add a bit extra to your beverage by mixing in some alcoholic ice cubes. You can freeze wine, spirits, and even rum, then add to your mixer for a cool, slow-release adult drink.

Do you use your ice cube trays for anything unique? What do you think of these tips?

With Facebook removing news sites from your feeds we ask that you sign up for Starts at 60’s emailers here. And to keep us on your wall, join some of our new Facebook groups and clubs:

News Junkies Club – Australia
News Junkies Club – USA 

See news on the change and links to all our other clubs and groups here.