Double Duty with the Muffin Tin

The other day while perusing Pinterest, I came across this illustrated tutorial on double-duty kitchen items.

Source

Pretty clever, right? All this talk of dual purpose kitchenware got me thinking about my own stash of tools. Although my drawers and cabinets are overflowing with gadgets and pans I rarely use, there is one piece of equipment that wins the award for versatility: the muffin tin.

I know it might seem an unlikely choice. It’s a muffin tin—even its name is self-limiting to a single type of food item. However, I’ve discovered several unconventional ways to use it. Observe:

Oh, and occasionally I do use the muffin tin for its intended purpose.

I’ve pondered why I am so inclined to re-purpose the humble muffin tin, and I can think of three reasons:

1) I like miniature anything. Case in point: my miniature jar collection. So sue me.

2) I cook for one. Do you know how hard it is to make a 2-serving meatloaf in a standard-sized pan? Extremely. I would know, as I’ve tried several times. Muffins tins are a way better option.

3) Built-in portion control. Dividing a dish into small servings is an excellent way to visually track how much I’m eating. It’s like 100-Calorie packs for dinner…but in a good way.

Do you have a double-duty item? Or perhaps just some clever kitchen tips to share?

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10 Responses to “Double Duty with the Muffin Tin”

1. caloricandcrazy, on February 10th, 2012 at 12:15 am Said:

   Loving the pumpkin pie muffin, topped with all those seeds n stuff ^^

2. Lauren @ What Lauren Likes, on February 10th, 2012 at 7:53 am Said:

   Yum! I am loving this double duty idea! How smart

3. Louise a/k/a Mom, on February 10th, 2012 at 11:59 am Said:

   Those single servings are sooo you. As soon as I read the topic, I knew you would be showing your various entrees and I know the reason you like them is the portion control, single serve use. I always thought the extra money and extra packaging of your single-serve obsession was wasteful but this is an excellent do-it-yourself way to accomplish the same thing.

   

   BroccoliHut Reply:
   February 10th, 2012 at 12:09 pm

   Ah, yes. How many single-serve boxes of cereal did I through in high school? Too many to count.

4. Aylin @ Glow Kitchen, on February 10th, 2012 at 1:53 pm Said:

   Once I discovered the spiralizer, nothing goes unspiralized at least once.

5. Choc Chip Uru, on February 10th, 2012 at 2:43 pm Said:

   This is such a creative idea – total multi using is the best
   Fabulous work and recipes!

   Cheers
   Choc Chip Uru
   Latest: Three Layer Brownie Cheesecake

6. Brigid, on February 10th, 2012 at 3:57 pm Said:

   I have done pretty much all of the things in the illustration except pounding the meat — that sounds so dirty — since I’m a vegetarian. I’m too frugal to buy so many extra things!

7. michelle, on February 10th, 2012 at 5:28 pm Said:

   Ive done the wine bottle and colander tricks!! And muffin tins, right there with you, the best tool in the universe! Also try turning it on its head and forming wontons over the bump outs to make perfect little containers for appetizer mixes!

8. em, on February 10th, 2012 at 6:24 pm Said:

   Cute ideas! I have also used my muffin tin for mini quiches and mini meatloaves great ideas!

9. Sarah@The Flying ONION, on February 11th, 2012 at 9:09 am Said:

   I love the idea of built in portion control! That’s genius.

   And all these recipes look wonderful! Can’t wait to try them (especially the little meatless meatloaf muffins…yum!)

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