Cooking
on a budget for the family, here are some tips for leftover.
Cooked
Oatmeal
Add your leftover cooked oatmeal to your meatloaf recipe instead of bread
crumbs.
Date
It
How old is that container of leftovers in the back of the refrigerator?
You´ll always know if you write the contents and date on a piece of masking
tape and stick it to the top.
Use indelible markers -- the humidity of the refrigerator smears everything
else.
Leftover Gravy
Put leftover gravy in a baking dish. Add mixed vegetables, (these could be
leftovers also), and a can of tuna. Bake until bubbly. You could top this with
refrigerator biscuits and pop back in the oven until browned
Leftover Ham
Ham is great leftover. You can cut it up and mix it with scrambled eggs, or
scalloped potatoes. Or grind it up, add some pickle relish and mayo. What a
great sandwich spread.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes
When you have leftover mashed potatoes, use them as a pie crust for a meat
casserole. Grease the pie plate first, then add your casserole and cover with
the potatoes before you bake.
Leftover
Noodles, Rice or Potatoes
If you have leftover noodles, rice, or potatoes, just add them to soup. You´ll
have a hearty meal.
Leftover Pancakes/Waffle
I make large batches of pancakes and waffles. That way when I have leftovers, I
put a piece of aluminum foil between them, place in a freezer bag, then freeze.
For a quick breakfast, remove what you want from the bag, microwave for 1-2
minutes. No more buying the expensive frozen pancakes and waffles!
Leftover Rice
Don´t throw away your leftover rice. You can freeze it in a covered freezer
container for up to six months.
Leftover Roast
Dice up leftover roast (food processor works well, but don´t over process). Add
diced onions, peppers, hardboiled eggs, mayo, and seasonings to taste. Makes for
a delicious sandwich spread.
Making
Extra
Make more than what you can eat at one meal. Leftovers are great for a second
meal.
Leftover Stew
Put leftover stew in a casserole dish. Top with refrigerator biscuits, then bake
until biscuits are golden brown.
Veggie Stock
Store vegetable scraps and cuttings (even peels work) in the freezer until you
have enough to make a pot of vegetable stock.
