Making the Most of Leftovers

Recycled Recipes

Leftovers don't always get the respect they deserve. Their very name indicates that no one wants them. But not anymore! Rather than pushing them to the back of the fridge, elevate leftovers to a new level. With a little forethought and some creative cooking, leftovers are the perfect starting point for easy and delicious dishes.

The Pastabilities are Endless
Pasta and leftovers go hand in hand. First off, pasta is prime for planning ahead. Why boil enough for just one meal, when it's just as convenient to make enough for two? Simply cool extra pasta under cold running water and toss it with a small amount of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Stored in an airtight container it will keep for days. Also, pasta is the perfect medium to show off your last night's meal. Try The Gentleman's Cheesy Mac next time you need a quick and easy solution for dinner.

Fill 'em Up
Raviolis, pierogies and calzones are delicious, but also labor intensive. However, if you have a few well cooked leftovers and some store bought wonton wraps or prepared bread dough, these are a snap. Grind up braised meats like pork shoulder or brisket in a food processor and place it between sheets of wonton wrappers or combine with pasta sauce and wrap in prepared dough. Use them right away or freeze them for a quick dinner or after school snack.

It's a Wrap
Tortillas are no longer created to house rice and beans alone. Wraps have come a long way in the past decade or so. Use them to your advantage. Choose a wrap that works with your leftovers, whether it's healthy whole grain filled with tofu salad, sun dried tomatoes with grilled lamb or old fashioned corn with chipotle pork. Think out of the box when it comes to your filling of the week, and you'll have a hit in no time. Looking for a simple mealtime solution? Try a Turkey Wrap.

Go Green
We often think of salads as a combo of uncooked veggies topped with bottled dressing served on the side. That doesn't have to be the case. Consider all of the elements including taste, texture, color and temperature and your leftover salad just may become the most requested meal of the week. Next time you have leftover pork tenderloin try Ginger Pork Salad.

Make stock of your Fridge
There's nothing like a pot of simmering soup. Diced meats, cooked pastas, beans, vegetables and grains work their magic in a simple pot of chicken broth. Hold on to vegetable scraps, bones and twiggy herbs for stocks. Not sure if you'll have time this week? Just freeze them all together in an airtight container and toss them into a pot of boiling water when you're ready. Don't know what to do with your left over ham after the holidays? Try Potato and Ham Soup for a delicious, easy meal.