Leftover Recipes - How To Save Time, Money And The Planet With Food Leftovers
Knowing some good leftover recipes is more and more important these days. Knowing a good leftovers recipe or two and using leftovers means saving time and money, and not wasting precious food resources. As my wife says, "I feel quite virtuous re-using leftover food!" and she often makes up her own leftover recipe based on what she has.When you think about it, throwing away perfectly edible food has other consequences. Decomposing food in landfill gives off greenhouse gases. A huge amount of resources also goes into the processing, packaging and transport of food. Wouldn't it be better if you could find ways to use all the food you buy every week? Sure, you could try to buy less each time, but personally I'd rather not risk going a little hungry. This is where knowing how to use leftovers is important. In this section I'll show you lots of different ways of using leftovers, as well as some good leftover recipes, of course. Before we talk about cooking with leftovers, here are some tips for storing and using leftovers: - If the meat you used was initially frozen before it was cooked, then don't re-freeze the leftovers - just keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. I had a bad experience with refrozen chicken leftovers…
- Use good quality plastic containers with tight fitting lids for storing leftovers. It's also good if they are microwave-proof.
- Try to put leftovers in as small a container as possible. This saves space and allows the food to cool more quickly.
- Put a sticker on each container with the date on it (and what the food is!). Use within 4 days if stored in the fridge.
- Allow the food to cool before putting them in the fridge or freezer. Otherwise the food around it may warm up or partially defrost.
- Foods like casseroles actually taste better when they are reheated. Try to make double amounts and freeze half for the times you don't want to cook.
- Wherever possible, allow the food to defrost before heating it.
- Use a microwave when reheating leftovers for best results. Ensure the container is covered loosely with the lid, or cover with plastic wrap and stick a few holes in it. You need to allow a little steam and heat to escape. Heat on HIGH for 90 seconds at a time, and stir everything around before continuing to reheat. This ensures even reheating.
- You can use a regular oven to heat leftovers, but you'll need to place the food in an oven-proof dish. Don't heat it in the plastic container! Use a temperature of 180° Celsius / 350° Fahrenheit / Gas Mark 4 / Moderate oven. Heat until the food is piping hot.
- Soups and casseroles can also be reheated in a saucepan on the stovetop. Use a medium heat, and once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes. Stir frequently to stop food sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Don't use a slow cooker to reheat leftovers - they don't get to a high enough temperature.
Now, on to the leftover recipes.
Leftover Chicken Recipes - Some Great Ideas For Chicken Leftovers
If you need some leftover chicken recipes or other ideas for using chicken leftovers, there's some great ones here.
Leftover Lamb Recipes - Don't Let That Leftover Lamb Go To Waste
Try some of these leftover lamb recipes and ideas the next time you have some leftover lamb.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes - Find Some Uses For Those Leftover Potatoes
Leftover mashed potatoes are very versatile. You can have them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Find some great leftover mashed potato recipes here.
Leftover Meatloaf - Try These Simple Leftover Meatloaf Recipes
Leftover meatloaf can make an easy dinner or a simple sandwich for lunch. Have a look at these leftover meatloaf recipes and ideas.
Leftover Roast Beef Recipes - What To Do With Your Roast Beef Leftovers
Leftover roast beef recipes are very popular. People often have leftover roast beef after and barbecue, so here are some leftover recipes and ideas for using it.
Leftover Steak Recipes - Some Great Ideas For Leftover Steak
Here are some leftover steak recipes for when you have some leftover steak (either cooked or uncooked).
Turkey Leftover Recipes - Find A Fast And Easy Leftover Turkey Recipe Here
Turkey leftover recipes are really useful around Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you're after some recipes for leftover turkey, then look no further! You'll find something here for all your turkey leftovers.
Leftover Ham Recipes - Give Your Christmas Ham A New Look!
Leftover ham recipes are ideal for finishing off that uneaten ham at Christmas time. Here are some tasty uses for your ham leftovers, including a delicious leftover ham casserole recipe.
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