Considering it has the world "muffin" in the name, a muffin tin is a pretty specific piece of kitchen equipment.
However, finding new purposes for old things is a great strategy for saving money and getting organized — and something many DIY-ers are quite skilled at!
Not only does repurposing, or "upcycling," keep old items out of the landfill — like this old knife block that became an adorable art supply holder — it's also a way to create a one-of-a-kind item that meets your needs perfectly.
We've featured lots of great repurposed DIY projects over the years, but we recently decided to put muffin tins to the test. It turns out that there are lots of ways to reuse and repurpose muffin tins all around your house.
If you've got a tin that's starting to get worn out, don't just toss it!
Scroll through the images below for lots of unexpected uses for this common baking accessory!
Thumbnail source: Flickr / Jill
1.
Green smoothies are a great way to add healthy veggies to your diet.
Make it even easier by blending and freezing green veggies in a muffin tin beforehand. This is a great way to preserve fresh greens before they go bad.
2.
Planning a birthday party? Portion ice cream into a lined muffin tin before guests arrive and place back in the freezer.
Then, when it's time to cut the cake, your ice cream is already portioned and ready to serve.
3.
I love eating stuffed peppers, but hate making them because they always fall over in the pan.
Using a muffin tin is a brilliant solution to this vexing problem!
4.
Keep all those condiment bottles off the picnic table by portioning toppings and dressings into a muffin tin and serving with spoons!
5.
Turn your old muffin tin into an adorable planter for tiny succulents with this easy project from Ann-Marie Loves.
6.
Keep your vegetables all evenly spaced by using an inverted muffin tin to create the outline of where you'll plant your garden seeds!
7.
Perfectly “boil” eggs every time by placing them in a muffin tin and popping in the oven for 30 minutes. No more cracks!
8.
Tired of ice cubes melting as soon as they hit the pitcher?
Use your muffin tin to create giant cubes that last much longer.
9.
Who says muffin tins only belong in the kitchen?
Use one in your desk drawer to keep all those tiny office supplies at your finger tips.
10.
Planning some surf and turf?
Ice chips in a muffin tin makes the perfect serving tray for raw oysters.
11.
Do miss cooking with fresh herbs in the fall and winter?
This trick from Little Green Dot shows how to preserve them in muffin tins with a little olive oil.
Then, just pop out of the freezer and into a hot pan!
12.
You can even use a clean muffin tin to serve little ones a fun and well-rounded personal buffet!
Have you ever repurposed a muffin tin for something other than baking? Tell us about it in the comments.
Please SHARE so others will be inspired to repurpose their worn-out stuff!
