My mom has a dozen old ice cube trays in a drawer labeled 'slow cooker supples' what on earth could these be for?

Aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs form the foundation of many slow cooker recipes. Pre-chop and sauté these ingredients, then freeze them in ice cube trays for easy use. Each cube can hold about a tablespoon of chopped aromatics, making them convenient for adding a burst of flavor to your slow cooker meals.

This technique not only saves time but also ensures that your aromatics are evenly distributed throughout the dish. By preparing these cubes in advance, you can skip the chopping and sautéing step on busy nights, making meal prep a breeze.

Imagine coming home after a long day and having dinner practically ready to go. By preparing sauce bases in advance and freezing them in ice cube trays, you can streamline your weeknight dinners. From marinara to curry sauce, these cubes can be added directly to your slow cooker along with your choice of protein and vegetables.

This not only reduces the prep time but also allows you to experiment with new flavors and cuisines without the hassle of making sauces from scratch every time. With a variety of sauce cubes at your disposal, you can keep your meals exciting and diverse.

Gravy and roux are essential for thickening soups, stews, and sauces, but making them from scratch can be time-consuming. By preparing these components in advance and freezing them in ice cube trays, you can easily thicken your slow cooker meals as needed.

Simply add a frozen cube or two to your dish towards the end of the cooking time, and watch as your sauce thickens to perfection. This method ensures that you always have a smooth and lump-free thickener on hand, ready to enhance the texture of your meals.

Tomato paste is a powerful ingredient used to add depth and richness to slow cooker dishes, but recipes often call for only a small amount. Instead of letting the rest of the can go to waste, freeze the leftover paste in 1-tablespoon portions using ice cube trays.

This way, you can easily add a concentrated dose of tomato flavor to your slow cooker recipes without opening a new can each time. Similarly, you can freeze other purees like pumpkin or butternut squash for convenient use in soups and stews.

Ice cube trays are not just for dinner prep; they can also simplify your breakfast routine. Prepare oatmeal with your favorite mix-ins like nuts and dried fruits, then freeze it in portions for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Simply heat the cubes in the slow cooker or microwave when you're ready to eat.

You can also freeze beaten eggs with herbs and vegetables for a quick omelet or scramble. For smoothie lovers, blend your favorite fruits and freeze the puree in ice cube trays. These cubes can be blended with milk or yogurt for a quick and healthy breakfast on the go.

Enhance the flavor of your slow cooker dishes with concentrated flavor bombs made from bouillon, soy sauce, or marinades. Freeze these liquids in ice cube trays for easy portioning and use.

By having these cubes on hand, you can quickly add a punch of flavor to your dishes without measuring out each ingredient every time. Whether you're making a savory broth or a tangy marinade, these pre-measured cubes make meal prep effortless.