Did you know that leftover food actually has a definition? A Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet defines them as "cooked foods that you or your family do not eat within two hours after they are cooked." Here are some ideas for turning dreaded leftovers into delightful meals:
1. Leftovers for breakfast. You either love it or you hate it, but it makes breakfast simple and the meals should already contain what you are looking for to start your day—a whole grain, lean protein, healthy fat and fruit or vegetable.This could be a great solution for people who don't like traditional "breakfast" foods.
2. Change it up with fruits, veggies, herbs or spices. Add brown rice or grilled chicken to the next day's salad, sandwich or wrap. Make a stir-fry the next day - just get the veggies and add the leftovers. Add pineapple, mango, salsa, fresh basil, and cilantro to create a new taste.
3. Make a stew. If you have leftover vegetables, turkey, chicken or pasta, try making a pot-pie, stew or soup.
4. Have homemade chips. For leftover tortillas or pita: cut into wedges, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with basil, oregano, cilantro, or cinnamon for homemade chips.
5. Throw together a salad. Use leftover rice for soups, stuffing, casseroles or rice pudding. Use cut-up vegetables (a lot of them!), some cubed cheese, and light Balsamic or Italian dressing with last night's pasta for pasta salad.
6. Blend a smoothie. If you have overripe too much fruit: Freeze them and make them into a smoothie.
7. Dress up your turkey. With leftover deli turkey from a party, try a variation the next day like fresh basil, sliced mozzarella, rolled in a turkey slice. It adds a new twist and taste.
And here are some reminders on how to safely keep your leftovers:
- All cooked foods should be reheated to 165º F, refrigerated, or frozen within two hours after cooking. The time may be cut in half with hot weather.
- Keep your refrigerator set to 30-40º F and your freezer below 0º F.
- For a safe bet, never keep refrigerated leftovers more than four days. Date the container you are using to store the leftover food. Eat frozen leftovers within a reasonable amount of time.
- Don't taste questionable leftovers! Just toss them out.
- Use containers less than three inches in height. The shallow storage will help to ensure even cooling. In bigger containers, the food in the middle cools slower, creating an increased risk for bacteria growth.
- Always wash your hands and use clean utensils when handling food. Store leftovers in clean containers, and be sure it does not go into the same container that was used before cooked.
- Be sure to reheat the food thoroughly to a temperature of 165 degrees or until hot and steaming. Soups and gravies should be brought to a roaring boil.