A few years ago, I found a great article on all the things you can do with a ramekin dish. This information was inspiring, so much so that I suggest that the next time you're scanning a store’s clearance aisle for deals, or the glass and dishware shelves of your local thrift store, you keep your eyes open for those 3- to 6-ounce ramekins.

While they typically hold crème brule, turns out they're indispensable for lots more than that. For instance:

They make handy serving bowls. When your smallest serving dish is too large, turn to a ramekin. They are perfect for holding dipping sauces, herbed butter, lemon and lime wedges, pesto, mini servings of fruit, and kosher salt, to name just a few ideas. After the meal, use them to store tiny portions of leftovers.

They provide portion control for snacks. Serve yourself little nibbles in ramekins and you have the advantage of built-in portion control. Try them for holding chips, nuts, goldfish crackers, dried fruit, trail mix, guacamole, nachos, and so on. (Only thing—no going back to refill the dish!)

They make good finger food servers for baby and toddler meals. Use ramekins to hold rice cereal, veggie purees, and finger foods. Remember, though, ramekins are breakable, so ensure your kids use them only at the table and with supervision.

They keep pepper grinder use tidy. Pop your pepper grinder into a ramekin to contain those annoying stray peppercorn particles.

They are excellent candle holders. Ramekins make elegant and safe bases for small pillar candles, tea lights, or clusters of tapers (tied together with raffia or a pretty ribbon).

They provide efficient odds and ends storage. Whether it’s paper clips, rings, earrings, rubber bands, plastic bag twist ties, loose change, etc., ramekins work! Talk about terrific (and inexpensive) mess-minimizers.

They make lovely dining table place markers. When planning a dinner party, arrange fresh flowers in ramekins for impressive yet informally pretty place markers.

They make lovely gift “baskets.” Just tie a ribbon around one and use it to gift small items.

They make superb personal finger bowls. Water-filled finger bowls are a thoughtful touch (and truly necessary) at each place setting when you’re having ribs or fried chicken (or any gooey or messy food that’s eaten with your hands). Everyone really appreciates this accommodation and the ramekin is perfect for the job.

They are perfect food dishes for tiny pets. Ramekins make ideal food bowls for little pets (kittens, toy dogs, and hamsters). They cost much less than food bowls sold at pet stores, too.

They hold salt conveniently. A ramekin is the perfect open salt dish for your stove top.

They shape food perfectly. As any good foodie knows, ramekins can be used to create gorgeously presented food. Spray the inside with non-stick spray or line with plastic wrap, pack with food, then gently flip food out upside down when you're ready to serve. Excellent for garlic butter and jelled foods, or try them for sophisticated individual risotto servings.

Lastly, as you likely already know, they are the BEST for baking. Although crème brulé springs immediately to mind, anything goes! They are excellent for baking miniature casseroles or quiches, extra-large muffins, or individual desserts. For example, try making mini flans, mini fruit cobblers, or fruit crisps, souffles, or even personal monkey bread.

Now, how would YOU use a ramekin?