Ramekin Re-Use

Ramekins aren't just for creme brulee; they can be used for a host of fare.  For example:

• Use it to portion munchies:  a 4-oz ramekin holds exactly one 1/2 cup serving of ice cream or fill it halfway full with almonds and cranberries for a 150 calorie snack.  And, an even better aspect to using a ramekin in this way - studies have shown that using a smaller dish can trick your brain into being satisfied with fewer calories.
• Build mini meals:  make individual serving pot pies, mac and cheese, lasagna, cookie sundaes, etc using ramekins.  You can often freeze the mini meal in the ramekin, then just take it directly from the freezer to the oven to the table.  Perfect for those days you just need a single serving or two.
• Use a colorful ramekin as a salt cellar on the table.
• Ramekins also make excellent storage vessels in other rooms of the house - use to store paperclips in the desk drawer, as a catchall for bobby pins, rings or earrings, even as a tealight holder.

Mmm...tasty!