Original Purpose: Scooping ice cream.
Aha! Use: Portion control. The typical scoop holds 1/4 cup, so use one to dish out two scoops (or 1/2 cup, the standard portion size) of your favorite foods, including mashed potatoes, pasta, vegetables, rice, and cereal. Test your scoop by filling it with water and pouring it into a glass measuring cup.
Reward: All the efficiency of a junior-high-cafeteria lunch lady, with none of the surliness — and no hair net required.