Too Much of a Good Thing

It is highly likely that in the coming weeks your refrigerator will be just as over-stuffed as the bellies gathered around your table.  So many leftovers!  All good!  Someone will surely eat them, if they can find them in the jungle of the fridge.  And, let's face it, sometimes leftovers really are too much of a good thing.  Well-meaning guests often leave the remains of a dish to you the host as a gesture of kindness or in an effort to reduce the calories they'll have at home.  Either way, your fridge gets stuffed.  Here are some simple ideas for enjoying the food, but also getting some breathing room back in your refrigerator. 

• Start by making some choices.  Which leftovers will your family enjoy eating right away? Put them in the smallest container possible and label the outside so people know what's inside.

• Instead of running for some fast food, have an extra "cafeteria night" at home.  (See blog)

• Do you have a large amount of one item that could make for a dinner entree?  Put it in the smallest freezer container possible and freeze it for another day.  Remember to label it so that you can find it later.

• Do you have one item that could be combined with a few other ingredients to make something different and delicious?  I've done this with taco meat and made Taco Soup (See blog).  Leftover meat can become beef dip sandwiches, a ham and corn chowder or other soup, veggies can become a a quiche, or turn mashed potatoes into a shepherd's pie.  Be creative!

• Desserts should also be considered.  Keep only the ones your family loves and ones which you find worth the calories.  At the holidays, most people are on dessert-overload, so if you have too much to eat, freeze it for another day.   Having frozen desserts can be a lifesaver for unexpected gatherings at your house.

Now that you've whittled down the food supply, make yourself a menu for the week using the items already in your fridge or those that you'll quickly re-create into a new dish.  Using your leftovers will speed up your meal preparation and put them to good use!  Happy cooking!

P.S.  I'll post the corn chowder recipe tomorrow.  Watch for it!