New Way to Love Leftovers

A New Way To Love Your Leftovers
By: Brittany Hedrick

Ok, So I know what you are thinking, “love leftovers.. ?”
Who really LOVES leftovers? Eating the same thing over, and over, and over again. There can be some really great dinners that make excellent leftovers, but lets face it- most of the time we do not eat what we had the night before. So here is a new way to look at your leftovers and enjoy them!

These are some easy recipes that you can try with your family. Every recipe listed can be altered according to your family’s likes and dislikes. These are just to help get you thinking outside of the box. There are tons of ways to revamp a dinner recipe all you need are leftovers and a little creativity, so lets get started! 

Chicken Taco

Or Fish Taco 

 

LEFTOVERS USED: Cooked Chicken/Fish, Roasted Vegetables, Rice

NEW DISH: Fish or Chicken Tacos

EXTRAS NEEDED: Green Peppers, Beans, Tomatoes, Salt and Pepper, Pita Wraps/ Tortillas, Onions, Lime/Lemon, Cheese of choice (my preference-Mozz./Feta)..

(The extras can be anything your family enjoys-  the ingredients are yours to add-)

**Reheat cooked chicken/fish, veggies, and rice, in a skillet. Heat your wrap/tortilla on a skillet or microwave. Fill your wrap/tortilla with the heated mix anything you like: peppers, salt and pepper, onion beans, rice, cheese, tomatoes, and lime for garnish.

Easy as 1.2.3.. 

Crostini with Herbs

LEFTOVERS USED: Bread, Herbs

NEW DISH: Crostini with Herbs
EXTRAS NEEDED: Oil, Parmesan

**Mix together chopped fresh herbs and oil to cover. Season with salt and pepper brushed over old bread and bake until golden brown. Herb oil is also great on grilled or roasted vegetables and meats. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and melt.

Rice and Black Bean Burger

LEFTOVERS USED: Beans, Brown Rice
NEW DISH: Rice And Bean Burger

EXTRAS NEEDED:

2 ½ cups diced onion

1 tbsp. minced garlic

 ¾ tsp cumin

 1 tbsp tomato paste

2 ½ cups breadcrumbs

Plain Yogurt

** Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until soft. Stir in cumin, cook 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook 30 seconds. Coarsely puree with cooked beans and cooked brown rice. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in breadcrumbs and form into patties. Heat oil in a skillet and sauté until golden brown. Serve with yogurt and a slice of toasted bread.  

Mini Chicken Pot Pie

LEFTOVERS USED:  Roasted Chicken, Vegetables,

NEW DISH: Mini Chicken Pot Pies

EXTRAS NEEDED: 

1 sheet puff pastry (frozen or fresh)

2 tsp olive oil

2 tsp butter

 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

 2 cups milk

2tbsp lemon juice

Basil

Salt and pepper

1 large egg white beaten

** Preheat oven 425 degrees. Cut puff pastry in the shape of your mini dishes to cover. Set aside in fridge. Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add flour, and cook whisking constantly; bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, basil, salt and pepper, (including your shredded chicken and diced leftover veggies or even potatoes). Spoon mixture into oven proof bowls and top with pastry, pressing against the outside edge of the bowls to seal. Brush with egg whites. Bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot!! Enjoy!

Hot Rice Breakfast Drink

LEFTOVERS USED: Cooked Rice

NEW DISH: Hot Rice Breakfast Drink

EXTRAS NEEDED: Skim Milk, Honey, and Cinnamon

**Heat cooked rice and skim milk together (enough to cover rice about half an inch). Stir in honey to taste, and sprinkle with cinnamon (if desired, take some of the hot milk and whisk briskly to “foam” then pour over top).

 
You are on your own now to create more great recipes for your family to enjoy! Now it is time to go through your refrigerator and get cooking! 

With Love, Brittany Hedrick

www.lifewiththehedricks.blogspot.com