The Flavorful Hack That Utilizes That Empty Egg Carton You Were About To Throw Out
How many times have you wondered what to do with your bacon grease once you are done cooking the meat? Probably every time you fried some up for breakfast or dinner. And what are you really doing with that empty egg carton you have sitting around after you've used all of your eggs? Most likely just tossing it in the trash. Instead of wasting these items, you can utilize them both for a flavorful hack that is as easy as it is delicious.
For this trick, all you have to do is pour the bacon grease into the pods of the egg carton and store it for later use, making some flavor bombs that take your recipes to the next level. This is better than pouring that grease out or (worse) down the kitchen sink, and the egg carton is a better option than using plastic storage bowls, which can become warped or stained form the grease.
Properly storing your bacon grease
To make this little trick work for you, let the bacon grease cool, then pour it into the egg carton. Then, freeze it. The great thing about the egg carton bacon grease pods is that they will be fairly measured out so that you can see how much grease you are adding to your recipes. You should only use foam or plastic egg cartons for freezing grease, though, because they are more durable. The grease can soak into the paper or cardboard cartons, causing them to become soggy and potentially leaking through the bottom or sides. Always make sure the egg carton is clean, free of egg residue, and shell pieces.
Once your bacon grease has frozen solid, you should break the individual pods apart and store them in an airtight container, like a freezer bag or a bowl with a lid. You can then store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for about six months, or put them back in the freezer, where they can last pretty much indefinitely. Be sure to label the container with the date the grease was frozen so that you can keep track of how long it's been stored.
Using bacon grease to bring flavor to your recipes
The bacon grease should be able to slide right out of the pod when you are ready to use it. If it doesn't, you may need to let it thaw a few minutes on the counter. Once it has melted a little, it can be removed in a perfectly measured portion, ready to add a punch of flavor to your meals. Throw the carton away after you have released the grease from it. It should not be reused because of the risk of cross-contamination.
Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can be used in place of oil or butter in a wide range of dishes, from frying eggs to making country gravy, sautéing vegetables to whipping up a tasty Cajun-style dirty rice. It adds a delicious, slightly salty, smoky flavor to any dish. You can also use the grease in baking recipes, like biscuits, cornbread, and even pie crusts to add a rich, savory flavor. Bacon grease can be used as a seasoning or marinade, too.