Unexpected Uses For Your Kitchen Tools

Years ago, for a wedding present my husband and I received a $100 William Sonoma gift card. I was so excited to go to their store and pick out all sorts of kitchen gadgets. I don't remember everything I bought, but I do remember buying a garlic press. Why, I don't know, because I had never bought a clove of garlic in my life. I don't know why I thought I needed a garlic press.

We all have those kitchen tools that look great in the store, but we hardly ever use. They seem to just take up space in the drawers. You start to wonder why you even have the tools around. Before you toss them, check out these unexpected uses for your kitchen tools.

Waffle Maker

The waffle maker is no longer a one-time use appliance. You can make egg omelets, brownies, and cinnamon rolls. The waffle maker can make just about any food a little more portable. My family's favorite thing to make in the waffle iron is a twist on a waffle, the street waffle. It's so easy to make and delicious.

Ice Cube Trays

I love using ice cube trays for things other than ice cubes. My favorite is freezing gravy. It works great for those little bits of leftover gravy. You can also use it to freeze aloe vera gel for cooling sunburns. Check out a few of my favorite tips for ice cube trays here.

Stand Mixer

That heavy and bulky stand mixer isn't just for making bread. You can make whipped cream, butter, and even shred chicken in your stand mixer. Put it to work making all kinds of things to really get your money's worth from it.

Pizza Cutter

I think I use my pizza cutter on most things except pizza. I use them to cut up quesadillas, garlic bread, and sandwiches. I even use it to cut up basil for pesto. I love the fact that it is much easier and quicker than using a knife. Plus, it's harder to cut yourself using a pizza cutter so it's great for kids!

Coffee Grinder

If you don't have a food processor your coffee grinder can often double as a food processor. You can use it to grind flour from grain, grind oatmeal, fresh spices, bread crumbs, and chopped nuts. It really is a great little tool to have around.

Rice Cooker 

I was a failure at cooking rice until I bought a rice cooker. Not only does a rice cooker save you from overpriced bag rice, you can use it for other things too. You can steam meats and vegetables in the rice cooker, make pasta and mac and cheese, and even use it to make beans. It's a great tool to have to cook all kinds of foods.

So dust off those rarely used appliances and find a new way to use them! What unusual ways do you have of using your appliances?