Food New Uses for Kitchen Things Here's What to Do With All Those Leftover Takeout Chopsticks Repurpose your surplus—these hacks will be helpful long after the takeout arrives. By Brandi Broxson Brandi Broxson Instagram Twitter Website Brandi is an editor and writer with more than 15 years in the magazine and newspaper world. She was with Real Simple for nearly seven years and oversaw personal finance, pets, product testing, and career content. She ideated the magazine's first money issue in 2019 and created two virtual money summits which drew thousands of attendees. Brandi was a longtime editor of Real Simple's popular Clever Items franchise and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of products during her time at the brand. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on January 29, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Ordering in? Don't throw out those complimentary wooden utensils. Repurpose the set with these hacks and make your life a little easier whether you're toasting bread, portioning meat, or drying a silicone bag. 01 of 04 Toaster Tongs Corey Olsen Pluck bagels or toast with a quick pinch and save your fingers from being singed. Wood doesn't conduct electricity, so chopsticks (as long as they aren't wet) are safer than metal utensils. 02 of 04 Trivet Corey Olsen When your buffet has more casseroles than your kitchen has hot pads, place a pan on three chopsticks spaced two inches apart. 03 of 04 Hamburger Helper Corey Olsen Before freezing ground beef, flatten it in a ziplock bag and carve out portions with a chopstick. Rather than defrosting all of it, just break off what you need. 04 of 04 Bag-Drying Rack Corey Olsen Drape a just-washed plastic or silicone bag over two crisscrossed chopsticks in a cup. No more fused-shut or permanently soggy snack bags! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit