Dairy Queen is offering free ice cream today, 3/16. At participating locations, you can get one small vanilla cone per person. YUM!

Almost two weeks have passed since Purim and there’s still a ton of candy hanging around my house (and probably yours too). Instead of throwing it away or—gasp!—passing up the clearance deals, I’ve found a few creative uses to provide treats throughout the year:

1. Freeze  –  Most candy, especially chocolate, freezes well, provided it’s wrapped securely.

2. Baking  –  Add to cakes, muffins, or brownies. This eliminates having to buy chocolate chips. Gummy type candy can be used as decoration.

3. Melt it  –  Use in sundaes, fudge, macaroons, ganache, or dipped strawberries.

4. Snacks  –  I love to use leftover chocolate to make homemade trail mix.

5. Flavored drinks  –  Make custom chocolate mochas, vodka, martinis, or milkshakes.

6. Reward  –  Have a little one that needs encouragement to do chores or for potty training? A piece of candy is perfect.

7. Craft  –  Both the candy and the wrappers can be used for crafting projects like mosaics.

8. Fondue  –  Take it all, melt it down, and call it a party. Pair with fruit, marshmallow, and cake slices for the ultimate dessert.

9. Save it  –  Buy in bulk and use for multiple holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Just remember to hide it well. I often buy extra candy at Purim to use for Passover.

10. Gift  –  Bring it to school, the office, or a food pantry. Nobody will turn it down.

How do you use up leftover candy?