They aren't finished yet
Because we only cook a huge Christmas feast once a year, we are often left with a whole bunch of kitchen tools and cooking ingredients we don't really need. Are they destined for the trash can or a cabinet until next year? Not anymore. We found ways to use five Christmas necessities year-round.
Condensed milk
Don't you dare throw away that condensed milk! Condensed milk is a great ingredient for a variety of treats — everything from salad dressing to frosting. If you're looking for a little New Year's treat for your guests after Christmas, use condensed milk to make these delicious German chocolate bars— they are sure to be a hit.
Meat baster
You would be surprised at how many things you can do with a baster — so don't let it collect dust just yet. Aside from basting turkey and other meats throughout the year, you can use it for fun. Basters are perfect ways to infuse fruit with either rum or vodka and even more fun to make pancakes with in the morning! Imagine all the fun shapes your little ones could make. Get creative!
Cranberries
Some of us only have this antioxident-rich fruit once a year for Christmas. Ahem, that's a crime. This delicious fruit can be used in a variety of healthy and tasty ways. You can use fresh cranberries to make a variety of occasion-appropriate desserts and drinks, like this cranberry cobbler cocktail. Not ready for the thought of packing on more calories? Cranberries are also a huge pleasure for your skin. Try our DIY anti-aging face mask to give your skin a little pick-me-up before any more holiday gatherings.
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Brown sugar
Brown sugarThe unfortunate truth is many of us only use brown sugar on Christmas to sweeten up potatoes and desserts — why not use it year-round? Not only is it healthier than the typical white stuff , it's healthier than many artificial sweeteners we now use today. Brown sugar is also known as "raw" sugar, substantially less refined than the normal stuff. Add brown sugar to your toast and oatmeal. Don't forget it's grainy and natural skin benefits; if you're feeling stressed whip together our brown sugar scrub for your skin.
Kitchen twine
Don't reserve your kitchen twine for the Christmas meat only. You can use that giant roll of twine year-round to create tastier and more moist meat — think chicken, beef and beyond. Heck, you can use twine to enhance the flavor of your soups . Challenge yourself to use twine in cooking meals once a week, and your kitchen flavors will undeniably get better. To use it in other places besides the kitchen, use it to tie up birthday presents, wrap napkins with it as a rustic touch or string it across your yard to use as a clothesline.
More ways to use these ingredients
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How to boil cinnamon sticks
Tonight's Dinner: Brown sugar steak