How to reuse scallop shells: 5 ideas
Scallops are considered fine molluscs, rich in mineral salts and Omega 3, with a delicate taste, to be brought to the table on various occasions. Usually they are cooked au gratin in the oven or cooked in a pan, but there are also many other ways.
Don’t throw away the shells! We reveal how to reuse scallop shells in an original and creative way; 5 ideas that have only one watchword in common: recycling .
How to reuse scallop shells
1. As containers in the kitchen
Scallop shells are made largely of calcium carbonate and have a distinctive fan shape . They can be used, for example, to serve a risotto based on this seafood, so as to bring something beautiful to look at as well as delicious to the table, to contain appetizers or mini-portions of fish for a buffet, or to be used as “small plates” to be cooked in the oven for single courses. To do this you need to wash the shells properly with hot water and soap to remove any residue left attached.
2. How to reuse scallop shells on a picture frame
The shells can be transformed into marine-themed decorative elements. Take an old mirror and attach (after cleaning them) scallop shells, other flat shells of various sizes, sticks, calcified starfish… using hot glue to the frame . You can do the same on any photo frame or painting to display on the walls. Perfect idea for a beach house .
3. As molds
How about reusing scallop shells as molds? To pour chocolate, sugar paste or to make biscuits with your children. Once removed from the oven, the biscuits will have a scenographic and inviting appearance.
4. As an object holder
Scallop shells can become nice ashtrays to leave in the garden or on the terrace, soap holders in the bathroom, olive stone holders during an aperitif and even jewelery holders in the bedroom; a pretty object to place on the bedside table in which to place earrings , necklaces, rings, rubber bands, lipstick or even sweets.
5. As furnishing elements
To make decorative candles : simply pour the wax into the shell and insert a wick.
Another idea is to place the shells in glass glasses and place them on the furniture in the living room. The shells can also become place cards at the table or be used as a Christmas decoration : to be placed on top of a little angel to simulate a little skirt.
Finally, you can reuse scallop shells to build a dream catcher : make a small hole in the shell with a drill and tie the shells together with string. Hang the dream catcher inside your home near the window or outside and let it move with the wind.
