Keep or toss? You make this decision many times each week with a wide variety of items. Clearly, you can’t and shouldn’t save everything simply because it can be reused sometime later. A handful of bread bag twist-ties neatly contained with an intended purpose? Good. Dozens of plastic milk jugs shoved in the garage and saved without any specific purpose? A fine hoarding mess.

It can be helpful to both your wallet and the environment to reduce waste. For example, during the holiday season, you probably bake and cook more with eggs. How often have you simply thrown away the eggshells? While some people add the shells to their compost, others will discard them without a second thought. Save some and put them to good use around your home.
Here are a few eggs-cellent ways to use them:

Clarify stock:

You save leftover meat, poultry and vegetables to make soup; why not save eggshells for your stock, too? Visit www.soupsong.com/bstock.html for instructions.

In the garden:

Crushed eggshells are great to add to compost, but they also deter snails and slugs when scattered onto the soil. One reader, Carol from Pennsylvania, shares: “My neighbor used to soak the eggshells in a jar of water for three weeks and then use it to water her plants. She had all kinds of beautiful, huge plants everywhere in her house.” You can plant seeds in eggshells, too. You’ll have to carefully crack the eggs near the top to reuse the shells. Use a spoon to fill the eggshell with soil, then add seeds. Keep the shells upright in an egg carton, and when you’re ready to plant your seedlings, you can plant them eggshell and all. Use eggshells to grow small houseplants, such as tiny succulents or mini African violets, too.

Eggshell chalk:

The only ingredients you need are ground eggshells (you can crush them with a rock or spoon, or by using a mortar and pestle), flour, hot water and a paper towel. Add tempera paint or food coloring if you want colored chalk. For instructions, visit www.k12.wa.us/reading/pubdocs/Functional3rdEggshellChalk3-2010.pdf.

Eggshell candles:

You can make candles with hollowed-out eggshells. Place a birthday candle upright inside the eggshell, then fill with wax beads or sand until the candle doesn’t lean. Place the eggshell candle in an egg cup to keep it upright. Visit lightlyenchanted.blogspot.com/2011/03/egg-shell-candles.html for complete instructions.

For animals:

Eggshells are a wonderful calcium supplement for animals. Dry eggshells in the oven at 250 F for 30 minutes. Crush the shells and add to pet food. Another reader, Donna from California, shares: “One cheap way of adding calcium to backyard chickens’ diet is to save their eggshells and then boil them, crush them and add them back into the birds’ diet.” You can add it to their feed or offer it separately.

photo by fancycwabs

Candy canes are popular during the Christmas season. But once the holiday is over, these festively striped candy leftovers tend to get thrown away or sit untouched. With candy canes now being made available in a wide variety of flavors, rather than pitching them in the trash, put them to good use throughout the winter season.
Here are a few suggestions:

Baked goods:

Crush them and simply toss them into your favorite cookie doughs. One reader, C.H. from Kansas, shares: “I threw mine into a batch of sugar cookies. Yummy! I didn’t change the recipe or time at all. Break the canes up into smaller, chocolate chip-size chunks. The candy will melt, so use a Silpat or baking paper on your cookie sheet. They freeze well, too.” Or sprinkle them onto brownies, cakes, Rice Krispies treats, cupcakes or biscotti.
Here are two recipes. Pretty, fragrant and tasty to boot!

Candy cane biscotti
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 eggs
1 cup finely crushed peppermint candies (divided)
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
4 ounces white chocolate, melted
Preparation: Leave butter out to soften. Crush candy canes. Toast almonds (350 F oven for 8-10 minutes). Preheat oven to 350 F.
Instructions: Line cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; set aside. Cream together butter and sugar in large bowl. Beat in water, peppermint extract and eggs. Add flour mixture, 1/2 cup crushed candies and almonds. Mix until just blended. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a 10-by-3-inch log on prepared cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes. Let cool 15-20 minutes.
Using a serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place on cookie sheets and bake 15 minutes; turn and bake 15 minutes or until edges are browned. Remove and cool on wire racks. Dip each cookie partially in melted chocolate. Before chocolate sets, dip ends into remaining crushed candies. Serving size: 40 cookies.

Candy cane drop cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup coarsely crushed candy canes, divided

Instructions: Preheat oven to 325 F. In large bowl of electric mixer, beat butter and 1 cup sugar until creamy; beat in vanilla. In another bowl, stir together flour, oats and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, blending thoroughly. Add 1/4 cup crushed candy canes and mix until well combined. Roll dough into 3/4-inch balls, then roll in remaining sugar to coat. Place balls 2 inches apart on greased/floured baking sheets. Flatten cookies with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern with the tines. Sprinkle each cookie with approximately 1/2 teaspoon crushed candy canes. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Serving size: Approximately four dozen. — Donna, California

For hot beverages:

Use candy canes to stir and add flavor to hot cocoa, tea or coffee. If you love chocolate, dip part of the canes in melted chocolate and let the chocolate harden before using as a flavored stir stick. Or crush them and dip marshmallows or a plastic spoon in melted chocolate and roll them in the crushed candy canes. Let them harden and add them to your hot beverage, or simply eat as a sweet treat.

Soothers:

Save a couple in your cabinet or purse to soothe a sore throat or mild tummy upset, or to simply freshen your breath.

Valentine’s Day treat:

Glue two candy canes together to form a heart. Add a little ribbon and give as Valentine’s Day goodies.

photo by shutterbugchef

Lean toward buying products that offer alternate and multiple purposes. A few examples include vinegar, rubbing alcohol, witch hazel, baking soda and Fels-Naptha. This mindset can help you consider other household items that have alternative uses, so you can save money and be less wasteful.
The first three reader tips share ideas for another multi-use product:

Glad Press’n Seal nonfood use:

My dad is recovering from knee replacement surgery and can’t get his knee wet in the bath. My mom says she has been wrapping it with the Glad Press’n Seal and it works like a charm. I thought it was a pretty neat idea and can see how it would be easier to do than using plastic and rubber bands, which is probably what I would have tried. — Jacqueline, West Virginia

I used it to draw my jack-o’-lantern face, stuck it to my pumpkin and cut through it. You can also use it to draw designs and stick to fabric for quilting and sewing. — S.B., Pennsylvania

I use it to make homemade Lunchables for my kids. I save an old Lunchables container (OK, I’ll admit, it’s the cheapie ALDI one, but still), fill it, then use the Press’n Seal on it. Just cut to size and trim as needed. The kids think it’s great to be able to ask for Lunchables any time they want without a lecture on cost! — B.L., Wisconsin

Pizza cutter:

I use mine to cut pancakes, bananas and grilled sandwiches for my kids. — Julie, Florida

Soap slivers:

I always end up with tiny slivers of bar soap and I don’t want to just toss them out. I had a bunch of tulle circles leftover from my wedding, so I used two, dropped the sliver of soap in the middle and used a small rubber band to secure the top. I use it as a mini-scrubby and add soap slivers as they appear. — Beth, Missouri

Cut fudge:

Score fudge into squares while it’s still warm. Let the fudge cool to room temperature. When it’s firm, cut it with a dough scraper. — Pauline, Texas

Used envelopes:

Many people use them for grocery lists. Use them again by cutting off the corners to create bookmarks. Just slide the corner you snipped onto your page. — Kaitlyn G., Indiana

Leftover lemon zest:

I keep a wide-mouthed plastic bottle in which I put the lemon zests I sometimes have left over from a recipe. I chop them up roughly and add straight white vinegar. After a week or two, it smells delicious. I use it for cleaning windows or as a softener for laundry. I find the smell is stronger and nicer than using essential oils, not to mention it much cheaper. — Faune, Belgium

photo by citymama

D
ear Sara:

What are your thoughts on giving secondhand gifts? I see many things my friends and family would like at thrift stores and I’m tempted to give some as gifts, but I’m afraid I’ll appear tacky or cheap. — Paula H., New York

Dear Paula:

It depends on what you’re giving and the person to whom you’re giving the gift. I give secondhand gifts to my immediate family because I know they will enjoy them just the same as brand-new gifts. Sometimes, I couple a secondhand gift with something new. You have to have the same thoughtful consideration when giving gifts, whether they’re secondhand, discounted or expensive. Ask your friends and family their thoughts on it or suggest a secondhand gift exchange.

It’s also helpful to know if they collect anything. Collectors and hobbyists tend to appreciate older items. If you’re buying an older item from a thrift store, estate sale, flea market or antique shop, how would anyone know from which place you actually bought the gift or for what price? And if the item is purchased at a secondhand store, but it’s new and still packaged, they wouldn’t know at all. Keep their hobbies, interests, needs or wants in mind, no matter where you shop.

Dear Sara:

I want to place a mat under the cat litter box, but the ones from the pet shop are too expensive! Do you have any suggestions? — Linda V., email

Dear Linda:

You can use the lid from a box of printer paper. Used car mats or a boot mat will work, too. Another option is using a hooded litter box. Rather than buy one that can run upwards of $30, you can wait for a sale, buy a plastic tote and cut a door entry into it with a utility blade.

Dear Sara:

The good news? We are finally moving out of our fifth wheel trailer. The bad news? We have very little furniture. We have a queen-size mattress (no bed frame) and some odds and ends such as a desk, folding table and lawn chairs. Do you have any cheap or free furniture ideas? — Dawn, forums

Dear Dawn:

Craigslist and Freecycle can be great for furniture, so keep checking them for deals. Don’t overlook your local newspaper’s classified ads, Kijiji.com, FreeSharing.org, SharingIsGiving.org, ReUseItNetwork.org, garage sales, estate sales and thrift stores, too. For example, last week, I found a commercial-grade computer desk for my kids (it offers enough space for both a desktop computer and a laptop) at the thrift store for $25. It would retail for at least $300.

If you’re handy, search online or at the library for furniture plans in books and on DVD. Lowe’s has a platform bed plan available online at
lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/Platform_Bed_0908.aspx.

You can also look for furniture that serves two purposes, such as a futon or a sleeper sofa. Be sure to put out the word to friends and family, too.

photo by Orin Zebest

Egg cartons are sturdy containers. If you’re used to throwing them away, save one or two and put them to use in your home, use them for gifts or donate them.
Here’s how:

Gift:

Money can be placed in an empty egg carton (you can reuse plastic Easter eggs, too). You can use an egg carton to wrap other gifts, such as soft headbands or hair ties. One reader, Denise from Illinois, shares: “Give a year of socks to kids!
January: White socks for starting the year fresh
February: Valentine’s or red socks
March: St. Patty’s or green socks
April: Easter or spring pastel socks
May: Flowered socks
June: Any summery color
July: Red, white & blue or starred socks
August: Low cuff crew socks (ankle)
September: Find socks with buses, apples or rulers/pencils or sew a school-themed button to the cuffs
October: Halloween socks
November: Thanksgiving socks or plain brown socks
December: Holiday socks
Roll up each pair tightly and stuff into a section of the empty egg carton “gift box” to make a perfect dozen. Buy the socks on clearance after each holiday and then give the gift the following year.”

Fire starters:

With some dryer lint, leftover candle wax and an egg carton, you can make fire starters. B.C. from North Carolina shares: “I have a paper egg carton where I keep dryer lint balls and a couple of cotton plugs from over-the-counter medication bottles. I melt wax and pour it over the lint or cotton. These make great fire starters for home or when camping.” You can add candle fragrances found at craft stores, too.

Craft paints:

Use an egg carton to hold a palette of paint colors for kids.

Organizer:

Use egg cartons to organize small items such as golf balls, jewelry, craft supplies, baby socks, seeds, rubber bands, small pushpins or paper clips, nuts and bolts, screws, etc. Stack cartons on a shelf or slide one into a drawer. Use them to hold small game pieces and toys such as dice, Legos or Barbie accessories, too. To make a homemade mancala game, visit: www.sinasohn.com/crafts/mancala.htm. Or add an egg carton to the laundry room to hold loose change found in pockets.

Molds:

Egg cartons make great molds for homemade chalk or crayons. Another reader, Carolyn from Georgia, shares: “Homemade egg-shaped sidewalk chalk is fun and easy to make. Begin by separating the halves of a plastic egg. Liberally coat the insides with petroleum jelly, adding extra near the seam, and then set both halves upright in an empty egg carton. In a disposable cup, use a plastic spoon to mix together 1/4 cup of plaster of Paris, 2 tablespoons of cold water and about 2 tablespoons of powdered tempera paint. Spoon the plaster into the egg halves, filling them both almost to the top, and let them set for a few minutes until the mixture reaches a mud-like consistency. Then snap the plastic egg back together and briskly shake it to combine the mixture. Repeat for each color of chalk. Let the chalk eggs set overnight before removing them from the molds, wedging the tip of a table knife between the chalk and the plastic (a parent’s job) to help loosen it, if needed. The chalk eggs can be stored in an egg carton or clean plastic eggs.” For photos and instructions on how to make recycled crayons and their own take on making chalk, visit www.homemadesimple.com/en-US/Crafts/Pages/diy-egg-shaped-chalk-and-crayons.aspx.

photo by lovelihood

D
ear Sara:

How do you store your baking pans and cookie sheets? — Karen, Texas

Dear Karen:

I have a double wall oven with a deep drawer underneath it. I place some in there and I keep others in the lower oven that I don’t use daily. If you don’t have a deep drawer, you can use a tension rod as a divider. Place it front-to-back in the cabinet, and tuck baking pans between the rod and the wall of the cabinet. Or place them vertically (2 per divided section) and slide baking sheets (on their sides) in between each set of tension rods. There are 4-sort dividers available at places such as The Container Store, too.

Dear Sara:

I have an old king-size comforter from my smoking days that I have washed many times but I can still smell cigarette smoke on it. I’ve even aired it outside on occasion, to no avail. The main reason I still have it is in case someone stays over. Should I just toss it, since I can’t seem to get the smell completely out? — Shoiji, New Jersey

Dear Shoiji:

If the only reason you keep it is for guests, then let it go. You could keep it in the trunk of your car for emergencies or donate it. Comforters go on sale often, so you won’t have a hard time replacing it. Smoke smells are very tough to get rid of. At home, you can try a white vinegar and hot water soak before a regular washing. If you really are attached to it, you can have a professional dry cleaner remove the odor with an ozone treatment.

Dear Sara:

Do you have a good cardamom substitute? — Marsha S., Wyoming

Dear Marsha:

There isn’t really a great substitute for it. You can find it cheaper at ethnic stores than at specialty stores. Be sure you know whether you need green, white or black cardamom, too. Green and white are typically used in baked goods, and black is typically used for savory dishes. Some people substitute equal parts ground nutmeg and cinnamon or equal parts ground cloves and cinnamon or nutmeg or cinnamon, but in some recipes, I’d either not make it at all until I bought cardamom or omit the cardamom, rather than trying to make substitutes that will impact the overall taste.

Dear Sara:

I’d like to wash my plastic shower curtain liner without putting it in the washing machine. Any suggestions? — Tina, Ohio

Dear Tina:

You can put it in the tub and hand-scrub and rinse it. You can use a bit of laundry detergent, vinegar and baking soda or a weak bleach and water solution. It works out nicely because your tub gets cleaned at the same time.

photo by NancyHugoCKD

Drawers are a common catch-all area. Even though they’re hidden from view when shut, they can be extremely frustrating when you need to access anything inside them. Stores sell all types of solutions, but you can get creative and reuse what you already have on hand rather than spend money.
Here are a few suggestions:

Egg cartons and ice cube trays:

Use them to organize small items such as golf balls, jewelry, craft supplies, baby socks, seeds, rubber bands, loose change, garden seeds, etc. These fit nicely in drawers and the items won’t slide around and become a jumbled mess anymore.

Boxes:

Food boxes like those for butter, tea and pasta can be cut down and covered with contact paper to organize a drawer. One reader, Libby from Canada, shares: “I store shopping bags in empty tissue boxes in a drawer or cabinet. One box can hold a lot of bags, and it’s easy to pull one out through the opening as needed.”

Shoe boxes:

These sturdy boxes can fit in a deep drawer. They are easy to label and they come in a variety of sizes. Reuse them to hold items such as mail, first-aid materials, manicure supplies, CDs, spare adapters, art and craft supplies, greeting cards, scarves, coupons, small toys, school and office supplies, photos or socks and pantyhose. The list goes on and on.

Tubs:

Plastic containers like the ones ice cream, baby wipes, sour cream, yogurt and cottage cheese are sold in can fit nicely in drawers to help you organize.

Baby-food jars:

Use in furniture, cabinet or refrigerator drawers. Taller jars can hold cotton swabs, cotton balls, tweezers, floss, small barrettes, bobby pins and jewelry that can be tucked away or stored away in a deep vanity drawer. They’re the perfect size for storing missing parts, toothpicks, paper clips, saved seeds, safety pins and food items such as homemade compound butter blends, small amounts of homemade mixes, and herbs and spices. Prechop onions or bell peppers, or make cinnamon-sugar mix and spice blends to store in a large baby-food jar:

Taco Mix
2 teaspoons dried onion, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried red peppers, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon dried garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground

Mix all ingredients and store in a tight-lidded jar. Makes about 2 tablespoons of mix, or the equivalent of a store-bought packet.
Taco Filling: Brown 1 lb lean ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat; drain the excess grease. Add 1/2 cup water and the seasoning mix. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes filling for 8 to 10 tacos.

Pringles containers:

Use in drawers to hold cords, tongs, crochet hooks, paint brushes, plastic utensils or knitting needles. They’re wonderful for storing an open sleeve of crackers or holding pre-cut parchment paper, foil, wax paper or plastic storage baggies you plan to reuse. Another reader, S.D. from Minnesota, shares: “I rolled up my silicon baking mats and put the roll in a Pringles can for storage in a drawer. Ditto for the chopsticks.”

photo by feserc

During the cold months, your utility bills can be considerably higher. You can combat this by scheduling an energy audit through your utility company. They’ll give you tips such as insulating your water heater, attic and pipes, installing a programmable thermostat or switching to lower-wattage bulbs. Or you can do an assessment yourself. Visit energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic_170 for a checklist.

If you don’t use a winter weather window kit, add window quilts or blankets, thin Styrofoam insulation, Plexiglas inserts, insulated curtains, bubble wrap or space blankets to keep heat inside. Check weather-stripping or use a draft stopper, too.
The first reader tip has another suggestion to block cold air leaks:

Insulate outlets:

There are foam pads that can be placed behind the outlet and switch plates to help reduce heat escape. These areas on outer walls are not as well-insulated and can suck heat out of a room. — Carol, Maryland

Pasta storage:

I fill gallon-sized, restaurant supply-style glass jars with various types of pasta. Makes it easy to see how much pasta I have. — Diane, forums

Pet bed:

I use foam or egg-crate foam stacked in layers until it’s soft enough. If needed, I use rip-stop nylon to make a case to hold everything together, as sometimes I need to use more than one piece of foam to make the pad big enough. Then I slip that whole works into a contractor trash bag. Those are large and very thick, so they stand up to claws. Then the pad gets a cover, usually Cordura because that repels pet hair and is water resistant. It’s also very sturdy and dries quickly, so if a pet makes a mess on it, it’s easy to clean up by rinsing and hanging to dry. The contractor bag keeps any messes from soaking into the pad, so that never needs to be washed. — S.D., Minnesota

Check local Habitat for Humanity ReStore:

I paid just $10 for an end table that fits nicely in the corner for the sofa and love seat. Habitat For Humanity ReStore supports a great cause and helps me save money! — Debbi, New Jersey

Homemade gift ideas:

I made an earring holder by putting a mesh screen inside a nice frame. You can also make a tray out of a large picture frame by adding handles on opposite ends. It makes a good gift for people who like to entertain. — Shoiji, New Jersey

Snowman cocoa craft:

Use two half-pint canning jars with lids. Fill the bottom jar with cocoa mix and the top jar with mini marshmallows. Decorate the top jar with a felt scarf, eyes, nose, etc. Glue the jars together to make a snowman. — Lisa, New York

Parmesan cheese container:

I reuse them for shredded cheese. My kids can shake the container to put cheese on their tacos, baked potatoes, chili, salad, etc. without making a mess. Makes a great container for cinnamon-sugar mix, too, or you can fill one with baking soda for cleaning. — Ginny, Ohio

photo by clairity

D
ear Sara:

Any tips for wrapping large gift items? — Kelly, Illinois

Dear Kelly:

The dollar stores sell cheap tablecloths. I’d use that to wrap a large gift item. You could make reusable, draw-string fabric gift bags, too. If the recipient is an immediate family member, you could reuse the fabric bags year-to-year; if it’s not for immediate family, the bags can become part of the gift and the recipient can reuse them, too.

Dear Sara:

What kinds of handmade/homemade gifts do you like to receive? — Polly, Pennsylvania

Dear Polly:

I’ve always enjoyed ornaments, homemade soaps and candles, knitted or crocheted scarves, hats and mittens.

Dear Sara:

Can I use Borax in the cat litter to help deodorize? — Hannah D., Ohio

Dear Hannah:

The 20 Mule Team Borax website states that it works well on pet odors, but to keep it out of reach of pets and children. I’ve had readers mention that they put a couple of tablespoons of Borax in the litter box, but I wouldn’t want my cats to inhale it. I am diligent about cleaning the box, so I don’t feel the need to add anything extra to deodorize the litter. I suggest that you ask your veterinarian.

Dear Sara:

Do you have any uses for canned Manwich sauce? — Jill K., email

Dear Jill:

It can be used on meatball or shredded beef sandwiches, in casseroles, meatloaf, chili, dips, tacos, on chicken wings and more. Visit conagrafoods.com for some tasty recipes.

Dear Sara:

I made lemon bars yesterday and made more lemon zest than I needed. Throwing it out seemed like waste. Can lemon zest be frozen? — Valerie, Pennsylvania

Dear Valerie:

Yes, you can freeze lemon zest a few ways. Freeze it like you freeze herbs, by placing it in an ice cube tray and topping it off with water. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer storage bag. To use, thaw and pat with a paper towel. You can freeze lemon “half-shells,” too. Once frozen, remove the zest from the freezer and grate it. Use a micro plane, if you have one. Wrap small individual portions (about 1 tablespoon) in plastic wrap, place inside a freezer bag and use as needed (no need to thaw).

Dear Sara:

I want to surprise my boyfriend with a stocking for Christmas. Do you have any stocking-stuffer ideas? He’s not really into sweets. — Leslie, Illinois

Dear Leslie:

Some general suggestions would be T-shirts, gum, books, magazines, lottery tickets, book light, nail clippers, knife sharpener, razors, gift cards, fruit, gloves, hats, hand warmers, DVDs, wallet, ice scraper, water bottle, key chain or cellphone cover. For more ideas visit: budgetchristmas.com/stocking-stuffer-ideas.html. You might be able to find great last-minute deals if you wait until closer to Christmas Eve.

photo by storebukkebruse

Frugal families use their freezers to stock-up on food. While some foods don’t freeze well, such as mayonnaise, lettuce or cucumbers, there are quite a few foods that you might not think would freeze well that actually freeze wonderfully. One example is cookie dough. Visit frugalvillage.com/2009/10/04/be-thoughtful-with-secondhand-gifts/ to learn to make cookie dough logs. What foods have you frozen?
Here are a few more foods to freeze, helping you save money and avoid waste:

Milk:

If you come across a sale, buy a few gallons to freeze. To avoid breaking the container, remove some milk (1/2 cup is enough) and to create some space inside before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge and simply shake before using.

Eggs:

While eggs have a long shelf life, you might have a situation where you have far too many. You can freeze them whole, or freeze just the yolks or the whites. One reader, Dee from New York, shares: “I was sick of throwing out eggs all the time and decided to freeze some. I added one teaspoon salt to five whole eggs and mixed them together with a whisk. I did a total of 20 large eggs. When I filled my ice-cube trays, I came up with 40 cubes exactly, so two cubes equals one large egg. They wouldn’t pop out, so next time I’ll spray the ice-cube tray with cooking spray first.” For more information on freezing eggs, visit nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/eggs.html

Bananas:

You can mash and freeze them or freeze them with the peels on. Once thawed, simply cut off an end and squeeze the banana out of the peel. The peel will look terrible, but the banana inside is fine. Another reader, Joseph from North Carolina, shares: “Make mock banana ice cream. Peel a frozen banana, chop it into chunks and blend it with a splash of milk in your food processor until creamy. Next time I am adding chocolate syrup and nuts to make a sundae. I may never bother with the fat and calories of regular ice cream again.”

Celery:

You can put limp celery in ice cold water to freshen it up, but did you know you can freeze it, too? Chop the celery, flash freeze it on a baking sheet and transfer to freezer bags. Add it to soups, stews, sauces and casseroles.

Herbs:

Freeze herbs such as parsley, basil, mint and tarragon. Chop the herbs and place in an ice cube tray. Top each ice cube tray cubbie with water. Use roughly 1/4 cup water for every cup of parsley. You can process it in a food processor, too. Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to storage bags.

Apples:

Freeze whole or chopped apples and make applesauce or apple jelly later. For an apple jelly recipe visit frugalvillage.com/forums/apples/121826-using-whole-apple.html. You can freeze applesauce and apple pie filling, too. For a recipe for freezing apple pie filling, visit homesteepedhope.com/2006/09/14/freezing-apple-pie-filling/. Another reader, Stacey from Pennsylvania, adds: “I grate frozen apple peels in my blender to use in my oatmeal along with raisins, nuts and cinnamon. I also add grated peels to my oatmeal cookies. They turn out very moist with a slight apple flavor.”

Marshmallows:

Freeze them in an airtight container or a freezer storage bag. They thaw quickly and won’t stick together or go stale. If they are already stuck together, add a little powdered sugar to the bag and shake until they fall apart.

photo by wikiteresa