We all look for ways to save time when cooking. Using leftovers is one of those ways. But leftovers are not always appreciated or enjoyed and that is a true shame. I’ve listed below 3 ways to ensure you can make sure your leftovers are something to look forward to, and not to groan about.
3 Ways to Enjoy Leftovers
- Like it First: Only save leftovers from meals you enjoy in the first place. It is hard for me to eat what I do not care for. Some people can eat anything anytime. I am not one of those people. Leftovers can have such a negative connotation, and that is unfortunate. Are you being wasteful if you do not reuse what you do not like? I guess that depends on how badly you don’t like something. If I don’t like something but can handle it, I look for ways to doctor it up… but I’m getting ahead of myself…
- Think Servings, Not People: Always make extra serving amounts when cooking meals you do like. This piggy backs off #1. It goes back to cooking what you like. Think of the time (and money) you will save by grabbing a container of leftovers, rather than having to prepare a lunch or spending the money to buy one. How much longer does it take to cook 6 chicken breasts instead of 4? How much longer does it take to make soup for 8 servings rather than 4? Get my point?
- Recycle: Consider ways to use your leftovers as “part” of another meal. Here is a perfect example. This week we had chicken cacciatore, and I used a whole chicken. Naturally, we had a few pieces left over. Instead of using the chicken again as the main dish, thus just repeating the dinner, we made some nice pasta and toasted some fresh ciabatta bread with olive oil. The whole meal was wonderful, and it didn’t feel like a “leftover” because I recycled the dish with something new. It was a wonderful meal and took me no time to whip up. I really think I’ve become a fan of leftovers!
I’d love to hear your own leftover ideas and tips so feel free to share!
Mangia!
Liz
www.simpleitaliancooking.com
Easy Chicken Recipes
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