We have to agree that despite the challenging times being experienced due to the declining dollar, many of us are able to eat heartily. If we should check the various refrigerators in several homes, one would observe quite a number of left-overs. Sadly, most of this is discarded at the end of the week when grocery shopping is done. Isn't it ironic that we dump so much leftovers that are perfectly good foods, and then millions or billions are hungry? Householders could save a few dollars just by being creative with these leftovers. Moreover, it would save some time that we are all desperately trying to secure each day.

Leftovers are really cooked foods from previous meals. These meals can be transformed into delicious and enticing new dishes that will have everyone returning for seconds. Some of the ideas householders could practice in order to use leftover food to stop waste are as follows:

GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

The previous night's meal consisting of garlic mashed potatoes could be turned in a delightful afternoon snack of crusty potato balls. Add beaten eggs, diced green onions or celery and a little bread crumbs. Gently fold in these ingredients and pan fry balls in heated canola oil. Drain on paper towel. Serve this with a smudge of sour cream along with a piece of smoked salmon.

STEAMED RICE

Leftover rice could become a hearty sauage and vegetable fried rice. Brown a few links of Italian sauages, cut in bite sizes and set aside. Grab hold of some frozen vegetables and thaw in microwave and then drain. In your skillet, add leftover rice to few teaspoon heated oil, along with finely chopped onions, if desired. Add beaten egg with soy sauce. Proceed to to add sauages and drained vegetables. Turn up heat and stir-fry until entire dish becomes brown to your preference. Serve warm with green salad. This dish should provide family with essential nutrients for the body.

ROAST CHICKEN

If you are feeling under the weather, perhaps a pot of chicken soup could be what your body requires. Chop up onions until they become translucent. Add diced carrots, celery and other root vegetables. Then, add chicken broth or water along with thyme to taste, and then simmer. About fifteen or twenty minutes to the end of cooking time, add diced chicken from the leftovers of the roast chicken. One will certainly reap enormous amounts of antioxidants from this quick and easy roasted chicken soup.

TOAST

The toast from breakfast could be cut into bite sized pieces. Drizzle a little olive oil and season with house seasoning to taste. Toast this for a few minutes in heated oven until crispy brown. Cool and toss into a bed of garden salad.

STRAWBERRY/CRANBERRY DRINK

The leftover fruit drink could be a fun, healthy and cool snack on a summer's day for your kids. The ice tray is a handy gadget for this purpose. Pour drink into tray/s. Half-way into setting, place small skewer sticks into center of cubes. When fully frozen, serve as an afternoon snack for kids and grown-ups. Everyone will reap a full dose of vitamins and minerals from the fruits.

Leftovers, no problem. With a little improvision and creativity, one can avoid waste in a huge manner; thus adding a few dollars to one's balance sheet.

Learn more about this author, Betty Blake.
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