I like items that have a dual purpose.
Apples are the best when used in a pie, but they are also a great tool for softening up hardened brown sugar.
What about aspirin? A little bit gets rid of aches and pains…and helps cut flowers last longer.
Dishwashing soap cleans my dishes, but even better, it keeps the aphids off my tomato plants. Take that you little suckers! Oh, and fabric softener sheets that stop static cling are also effective at repelling mosquitoes.
Ever run out of shaving cream? Try butter. Yep. It’s awesome.
Then, of course, there’s baking soda. The multitasker of all items known to man – freshen up a sponge, remove coffee stains from china, get rid of grease stains on stovetops, deodorize your garbage can, remove musty odors from books, treat minor burns – the list goes on and on. I swear you could probably build a rocket ship with it. No doubt it is MacGyver’s best friend.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s just add wonton wrappers to my list. Sure, they hold potsticker and eggroll filling. But apparently these little squares also make a wonderful canvas for sugar, nuts, and fruit.
I absolutely love these. I love them so much that I will make certain I always have a batch on hand, occupying permanent shelf space in my pantry. And that’s saying a lot, considering the small area and highly coveted real estate for snack items.
Print this recipe (adapted from Everyday Food)
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Natasha – I always have left-over wonton wrappers, too. This is a great way to make sure they don’t get wasted.
Alisa – Thanks Alisa! Glad to hear it, and so happy you stopped by.
Love this post. This inspires me to try different fruit combinations with my leftover wonton wrappers.
Scrumptious sweet wontons! Great idea, this is what I’m going to make for dessert today with my leftover wonton skins!
Dani and Lora – regarding the fabric softener sheets…save used ones and pin (or tie) one (or two) to your clothing when you go outside. I don’t know why it works, but it does. Something in them (probably some nasty chemical that isn’t good for us either!) repels the mosquitoes. Bring along some new ones for the camping trip in case the used ones aren’t effective enough.
Also, Lora – Ants don’t like chalk either, fyi.
Yeah, I was wondering about the mosquitos too, as we will be camping soon. Rub bounce on your arms? Seriously? They are so light and packable, could it be true? Here’s another one (you probably know about)… ants hate cinnamon. Add some to wherever the ants seem to have found an entrance and they will go the other way. Thanks for the delicious and always informative insights, Heloise.
Your dad had me rolling on the floor laughing again! I love this post, Amy! I knew some, but certainly no where near all, of your wonderful tips. For the fabric softener sheets to repel the mosquitos ~ do you have to capture the mosquitos and throw them in the dryer or do you rub the fabric softener sheets on your arms? I love the additional use for the wonton wrappers. Wonton soup, potstickers and crab puffs {actually cream cheese puffs if you’re judging by the taste} are three of my all-time favorite foods. I’m thinking cream cheese or a cream cheese/yogurt mix might be good, too. Thanks for all of the tips, sweetheart. I think I’ll send you a quick email to find out about the fabric softener sheets. Take care. *BIG hugs*
Greg – Hey, it’s probably no different than people who bathe in milk, right? Leaves your skin silky smooth. Ya, I’d rather have a plate of these, too.
butter instead of shaving cream? I’d rather be scruffy and sit down to a plate of this! GREG
Dad – You’re sharp in the early hours. It’s a gift. Anyway, if you take a slice of apple and place it in a zip lock bag with the hardened brown sugar, seal it and leave it for about 2 days, the sugar will be soft again. Who knows WHY it works, but it does.
Lisa – Exactly!
Joanne – You and your peanut butter! Lol. I suspect you’ll be buried with a case of it. Or your tombstone will mention something about your love/obsession. But hey, ain’t nothing wrong with that…I suspect mine will have the word “pie” somewhere in there.
Yes things with dual roles are always a plus. I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking. Even when it comes to food. I love that these are almost like pita chips! The Stacy’s cinnamon sugar ones are my favorite…but I have a feeling these might top ‘em. I personally think peanut butter is the best multi-use item in my life. Peanut sauce. PB+Js. Peanut butter pie. Peanut butter banana bread. Peanut butter cupcakes. Should I go on…
What a great alternative to greasy chips and crackers. And with all the fresh summer fruit available right now, the combinations are plenty. Can’t wait to try these.
I had so many interruptions this morning that I used fabric softener for shaving, butter to get rid of my aphids, and put baking soda on as a deodorant. Now, my arms are foaming, my face is cling free, and my aphids all died from clogged teeny arteries. I also added wonton wrappers to your list, and now I can’t see my computer monitor.
Btw, do you pound the brown sugar with the apples? I don’t understand how that works.
P.S. I think you should have your own TV show and take over for Heloise.
Astrid – I love pumpkin, too. I always have the canned pureed kind in my pantry, which I use in muffins and pancakes.
Mike – Yes! They are essentially wonton crackers. And an excellent substitute for Ritz or fried chips. More importantly…those s’mores brownies? You are one lucky man if those are in your near future.
Mom – These have your name all over them. So easy and lite. And you can make them ahead of time…just have the fruit/honey/yogurt ready.
Jen – Ha! Yes, I’m full of useless (or useful!) tips. We’ll talk…
I have to admit, although the recipe looks very yummy, I was more intrigued with the dish washing soap/aphids and the baking soda/sponge/range top grease (I can never get my sponge completely stinky free after “x” number of uses (so it gets thrown out) or my range clean enough). With that said, these do look like a perfect little snack to put out before dinner/brunch/some other meal. :o)
I love this recipe and can’t wait to try it. So simple and versatile that it will be easy to experiment with various toppings.
So, does the wonton wrapper become a wonton cracker when used as a “canvas for sugar, nuts and fruit?”
BTW, my wife has your recipe for s’more brownies on the fridge. I think it’s gonna be treat time in our household soon!
What a delicious idea. I love foods that serve many purposes. Pumpkin is that way for me. It is great in anything from mac and cheese, to sandwiches, to desserts, to oatmeal. I have been meaning to pick up a package of wonton wrappers and see what I can come up with! Thanks for the inspiration.
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