Waste not, Want not...

As you probably know by now, I like to save money. Along those lines, I really, really, really hate to waste money! So today, I thought I'd share with you some of my ideas for saving money in the kitchen.

I use my freezer to avoid wasting food and one of the best tools for saving money is ice cube trays. Yes, seriously. I bought some ice cube trays at a thrift store a few years ago (.25 for a nice set of two) and I'm going to buy some more next time I'm out "thrifting".

I freeze "leftover" liquids (or liquids I get for a great deal/free) for future use. I freeze the liquid in ice cube trays and then pop them out and store them in freezer bags, which are marked with sharpie marker. Then, I've always got the "perfect" amount when I need it. HINT: An average ice cube from one of the standard trays is about 2 to 2.5 tablespoons, so 2 or 3 ice cubes is 1/4 cup.

Here's how to put them to great use :

• I make my own chicken broth by boiling/simmering the chicken bones after I've used the meat for meals. This saves money and is MUCH better for you, as most store-bought broths are filled with sodium, preservatives and even wheat/gluten fillers. I'll use the "broth cubes" for soups, chili, or even in place of water when making rice (much better flavor!). Bonus: it's better for the environment (less processing, packaging, and transporting).
• Wine - I've been known to drink a little in my time - if I have a bottle of wine open that won't be finished before it "goes bad" (please note - this doesn't happen very often!), I pour the leftovers into the ice cube trays for future use in stews, crock pot dinners or to ice down Sangria. This is also a great use for wine that doesn't taste so great, but you hate to waste it...it will taste great in a beef stew! Wine doesn't freeze completely solid, but freezing in cubes first does make them keep some sort of "shape" in the baggie. Add some water first if you want 100% frozen wine cubes.
• Veggie broth - I don't make my own vegetable broth, but, as I mentioned, I hate to waste money. So whenever I open a can of vegetables (usually unsalted green beans or corn) I drain the "juice" into the ice cube trays instead of down the sink. This makes a nutritious starter for soups or use it along with water when boiling pasta for a little added flavor.
• Fruit "broth" - Same as above (usually pineapple juice from a can of pineapple rings or unsweetened peaches). Mix with other juices for homemade popsicles or to use in place of water in cake or muffin recipes.
• Fresh Fruit "juice" - If you happen upon some free or cheap fruit - this is a great use for it. For example - my Dad and his wife live in FLA and have a lemon tree in their yard. While we were there for Thanksgiving, they gave us a HUGE bag full of fresh lemons. I used what I could and then juiced the rest and froze the juice. There are TONS of recipes that call for lemon juice and now I always have some on hand. When I make a pitcher of ice tea, I'll throw a few "cubes" in for a fresh lemon taste.

This method may not make you rich, but you know what I say "Pennies make dollars and Dollars make house payment!"....

Have any more "freezing" ideas? Post a comment and share!