I really want to do an educational post today, which means we’ll gloss over the fact my alternate title was How To Make Leftovers Your Bitch.
Right, where were we? Me, bringing a teaching moment to the table, which feels all kinds of weird for me too, especially since I’m probably the last person you should reach out to for advice, not that it would ever stop me from giving it. In fact, I’m an advice giving machine, especially when you don’t want to hear it. It’s a talent of mine, and I usually realize people are looking for sympathy rather than an actual solution about five seconds after I’ve put in my two cents. Um, awkward much.
With all that being said, I want to share my knowledge and maybe even a pearl of wisdom, hopefully without the uncomfortable silence which generally follows my unwanted and unsolicited opinion. Plus, it’s a topic where I shockingly know what I’m talking about, which is more than I can say for the remaining 64.69% of the time (of course my percentage was deliberate).
Let’s talk about ways to make your life easier in the kitchen, and I don’t mean meal prepping either. Sounds good, really good. Am I right?
I’m talking about LEFTOVERS!!
Wait, wait come back. Hear me out. Please stop wailing, and I’d also appreciate it if you’d unwrinkle your nose; seriously it will age you faster than a speeding bullet, so you might as well lose the puss face and see what I have to say.
Help me. Help you. Hey; it worked for Jerry Maguire.
I love to cook. On weekends. When I’ve got lots of free time. When I’m able to sleep in past 5 a.m.. When I haven’t already put in eight hours at the office. Sounds familiar, right? Toss a kid or two into the mix and spending hours in the kitchen after all the aforementioned stuff can sometimes be a bit of a quandary, well unless your kids are old enough to become little sous chefs who can alphabetize your spice rack for you.
Let’s play the ABC game today, Dick or Jane (I grew up reading these books, which in hindsight explains a lot). A is for Apple Pie Spice, B for Berbere, C for Cayenne. D for Dill. E is for…er well, I guess there is no letter E honey.
Now that we’ve identified my wonderful parenting skills and why cooking in the middle of the week isn’t always a party, let’s talk about how we still need to eat. Since we’re picky little buggers (just me?), we’d also like that same food to be satisfying, scrumptious, and nutrient dense. I don’t think I’m asking too much, although I have been known to be a little bit demanding, but only by a smidge (cough, cough).
Don’t want to cook; got to eat. Therein lies the rub.
I have a solution though. Hence the whole education part of this post. See, it all comes full circle.
My solution is simple: Cook in Mass Quantities, specifically so you can have leftovers because those babies are the bomb.com. I’m not suggesting you just reheat last night’s main course either because that would be a post entitled How To Read Your Microwave Directions. I’m talking about taking those same leftovers, shaking things up, ♫ do a little dance, make a little noise and get down tonight. ♫
Allow me to explain a little more clearly and without the disco vibe.
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Our story begins on a cold dark night, where a simple bowl of Stuffed Artichoke Soup with Brown Rice and Asiago Cheese was all our heroine wanted or needed. Thankfully, her above average intelligence, coupled with ninja skills and a strong ability to read weather.com allowed her to forecast this need. Being the planner she is, she went ahead and made epic proportions of brown rice, which had nothing to do with her forgetfulness rice triples in size when cooked.
Faced with mountains of rice, our heroine turned on her creative force field, which might have looked something like a glass of white wine and an old quesadilla maker that had been hiding in the basement for years. She grabbed some tortilla wraps, opened a can of black beans, shredded some cheese, and presto chango, she had a Brown Rice and Bean Quesadilla for dinner.
Yet, still some rice remained. It was the rough and tumble rice, the rice every family has, usually a distant relative, the one who meets a bad egg and gets in with the wrong crowd. Yep that rice went out and got totally fried.
Veggie Fried Rice and all our protagonist had to do was toast the already cooked rice, scramble some eggs, toss in some veggies (optional) and eat.
With our heroine’s help, the last of the brown rice ran into some unattached and eager to please plates of sautéed veggies. The rice climbed up under those same veggies, never to be seen again.
I will grant you the sautéed veggies required some work, all that chopping, dicing and cooking, but our conqueror was able to switch things up and repurpose those bad boys too. They resurfaced, as an unusual, yet appealing pizza sauce, when mixed with some olive oil, and topped with cheese.
Our heroine also recommends taking some of those leftover sautéed veggies and tossing them into a baked potato for an instant flavor party in your mouth.
Editor’s Note: While the photo below is not of those same veggies, our femme fatale simply wants to impress upon you the idea. She is not up to any shenanigans, at least not where leftovers are concerned.
The very last of the sautéed veggies eventually met up with another egg (those eggs are trouble) and made their way into a delicious cheese filled omelet, leaving our leading lady all alone once more.
Thankfully, our heroine is a resourceful woman with many talents, so I suspect she will come out on top, perhaps literally, where she will live happily ever after.
Are you a fan of leftovers? What are some of the ways you repurpose leftovers? If you’ve got any good posts on a similar topic, please feel free to link them up in the comments section below.
Today’s post is being shared with She Eats Fresh Food Wednesdays, Anyonita Nibbles Tasty Tuesday’s, Hun… What’s for Dinner’s Simply Supper Tuesday’s, Buns in my Oven What’s Cookin’ Wednesday and The Novice Gardener’s Fiesta Friday.
Awesome post!
How long do you think cooked veggies stay fresh for in the fridge? I never know…
Pip {Cherries & Chisme} recently posted…{Reflections} ‘Buenos Airesisms’
I let them go longer than I probably should. 🙂 I’ll use rice up to a week and half later and I’ll give sautéed veggies at least a week. I store them in a Tupperware with a lid, and I always give them a sniff test first. If it’s all good, I’m going in.
I’m the queen of make ahead and leftovers! In fact I plan my weekly menu around both 🙂
jill conyers recently posted…12 Hour Relay: Relentless Forward Progress
We could be the King and Queen of leftovers.
See now this is something I need to get better at — using leftovers creatively. I like leftovers, but I usually just eat them the same way I originally made them… and usually cold. I keep meaning to put a little more time and effort into my meals, but ugh… just feel too mentally drained these days with all the other things that require my attention. I think I’m going to take you up on that third floor room offer 😉
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. would you rather .
The third floor room is yours for the taking. Although I might make you scramble an egg to go along with our sautéed veggies and/or roasted potatoes. 🙂 I promise to feed you something sweet after all that savory-ness too. See, I’m a great hostess. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…How To Make The Most Out Of Leftovers
I love pre-cooking for the week! I get my salad stuff washed/chopped, make a bunch of beans, bake off a giant batch of granola or muffins and then I know I’ve got easy eats for the week 🙂 I love all the beautiful veggie filled photos here, though I have to admit I think the original title was better!!
Sarah Pie recently posted…Dairy Free Berry “Ice Cream”
I don’t think I’ve ever cursed in the actual post title before so I was hesitant. Me hesitant; shocking I know.
I think getting the greens ready ahead of time is huge. It ensures I’ll eat them a lot more. You’ve got a good system there.
Well, I think we should now dub you as “Queen of Leftovers”. Your ideas are not only brilliant, but they look so delicious and healthy. It doesn’t get any better than this for all of us who don’t have time to cook during the week! Thanks so much for bringing you wisdom and wit to Fiesta Friday this week! 🙂
Julianna recently posted…Halibut with Spicy Pineapple Broth and Pineapple Cucumber Relish: Fiesta Friday #21
If you give me a crown, you can call me the Queen of whatever you’d like. 🙂
Thanks for hosting the party; I’m so glad I was able to make it to the party this week. It’s been far too long.
I love this post! What great, efficient ways to use leftovers, and you clearly did not skimp on taste just because you used leftovers. I love having leftovers. I just made a huge pot of soup this past week which lasted us two meals, and still have some leftover noodles for a noodle salad. The only time I’ve posted about using leftovers is here: http://ngansequitur.com/2014/04/29/making-maki-with-leftovers-and-panko-breaded-shrimp. I used leftover chicken and teriyaki sauce from two previous meals to make little sushi rolls. I need to remember to post more about using leftovers. You’ve inspired me! Have a great weekend!
Skimping is for the birds. 🙂
Leftover soup is one of my favorite things because I usually get a second meal for the week plus something for my freezer.
Thanks for sharing this link. This is quite the creative use of leftovers as well. I’m impressed.
Meghan recently posted…How To Make The Most Out Of Leftovers
I love leftovers – and it is usually chicken from a roast. I simmer the bones for stock, use the left over meat for salads, risottos, pasta, noodles, soup…always with lots of veggies! Thanks for sharing – Happy Fiesta Friday!
Selma @ Selma’s Table recently posted…Broad Bean, Pea and Ricotta Crostini with Mint
That’s a great use of leftovers as well. Plus your way, nothing really goes unused.
The veggies are my favorite part.
I LOVE leftovers! They are my favorite! What better way to have a real, home cooked meal midday? Mine usually find their way into a rice bowl, egg dish or salad (leftover cold rice on salad? Yum!) Fried rice is another favorite in this house and is best made with day old rice (in my opinion).
You should use day old rice for fried rice. All the info I read suggested the same, so you are right on the money. Not that I’m surprised.
Meghan recently posted…Thinking Out Loud and All Over The Place
I love it! Leftovers are what gets me through the week most of the time. I try to make our dinners homemade and our lunches too. It’s so much easier to grab something ready made when time is scarce! Happy Friday!
Leftovers are my weekly salvation as well. 🙂 Some days I’m just too tired to even think about cooking a meal.
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello.
Meghan recently posted…How To Make The Most Out Of Leftovers
Dear Lord this use of leftovers tickles my fancy SO hard. I love love love leftovers, and love using ALL THE FOOD. WASTE NOT!
Brittany recently posted…Pineapple Cashew Quinoa Salad
Well I’m happy to be the tickler to your fancy. 🙂
All I have to say is that your photography has improved about 890 percent and your pictures are gorgeous. The end.
Abby recently posted…Robyn from Hollow Tree Ventures Has Issues
Thanks Abby; I really appreciate it. The funny part is those are all iPhone photos. Ha!
Who do you think you are calling yourself a heroine?
Kidding, but those veggies on the pizza…oh man I’m craving some burnt cauliflower right about now (funk soul brother). I can’t believe you even stated that the veggies were optional…they are mandatory.
I don’t really do leftovers per se- but I bulk cook for mond-fri lunches but often get creative when I have leftover ground beef or celery. Always those two!
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…Healthy No Bake Salted Caramel Slice
You’re right. The veggies really aren’t optional. 🙂
I had some of the greatest cauliflower last night: General Tso Cauliflower. So much goodness.
You are quite the resourceful one, my friend! I love leftovers, especially as it makes meal prep a thousand times easier. I guess the perks of cooking for 1 is that leftovers are almost inevitable 🙂
Khushboo recently posted…Loco over coco
I get a secret kick out of opening the fridge and seeing so many leftovers. It’s like options galore. 🙂
Ah…hahahahaha!! You had me laughing through this whole post. Making leftovers your bitch… priceless. Lol. Awesome, awesome post. …And now I’m heading to the kitchen to make mountains of rice, so I can make these awesome meals. 🙂 Love this!
Prudy | butter, basil, and breadcrumbs recently posted…100th Post Celebration with Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream Sodas!!
If you were laughing while reading and now you want to go make mass quantities of rice, then I’d say Mission Accomplished. High praise indeed, which is no shockingly, some of my favorite kind.
Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Feel free to come back sometime; I’ll be here all week.
Meghan,
This is a terrific post–I loved reading it and love how you repurpose your leftovers and make ’em your bitch. You rock!
My friend Miho taught me to wrap up little patties of cooked rice and freeze them–a quick nuke and they are ready to go–and my family gets used to raiding the freezer for a little bit of rice to add to a meal. And gets cranky when there’s none left. My rice cooker only holds 3 cups, and I’m eyeing a 5 cup one at the thrift shop since every once in a while the 3 cups is insufficient. [I burn rice on the stove]
Thanks!
Kirsten recently posted…Beef and Broccoli Pizza (Pizza Night!)
You should go for it and buy the 5 cup rice cooker. Live it up baby, live it up.
I’ve frozen rice before but never in little patties, which makes so much more sense than 4 cups at a time. Look at that, you teach me things even in your innocent comments. Thanks my dear.
Leftovers? What are those?? LOL!
GiGi Eats recently posted…The Three Amigos Are A Delicious Meal
You might have a consumption problem, not that there’s anything wrong with that. 😉
Meghan recently posted…Urban Farming with Little Ol’ Me
Awesome tips, it’s always good to have a plan for using left overs. And thanks for sharing your ideas with Fiesta Friday!
saucy gander recently posted…One egg, two recipes: lemon curd and fabulous macaroons
Thanks for having me at the fiesta. I always have a good time. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Urban Farming with Little Ol’ Me
leftovers make me giddy! and i never use them in the same way, i recreate. It’s like feeling resourceful yet still martha stewart (ish)
lindsay recently posted…Two Gut Health Supplements and Raspberry Probiotic Gelatin
Yes, repurposed leftovers turn out to be some of my greatest meals. Move over Martha; here comes Lindsay and Meghan.
Meghan recently posted…Urban Farming with Little Ol’ Me
Oh girl, you have to know I loved EVERYTHING about this post! The title change-up, the storytelling, plays on Shakespeare, and omg, the classic Meg humor! “It was the rough and tumble rice, the rice every family has, usually a distant relative, the one who meets a bad egg and gets in with the wrong crowd. Yep that rice went out and got totally fried.” <- Yup, totally lost my shit over this one! LMAO
I am all about the leftovers since I actually feel guilt upon the mere thought of throwing anything away. No food goes to waste!! While I haven't been doing much in the kitchen myself lately, I've been having my way with restaurant leftovers! After taking my dad out for his (belated) Father's Day dinner on Saturday, I came home with not one, but TWO to-go boxes full of food. While I did manage to enlist a "friend" 😉 to help in the conquering of such foodscapades, I still ended up getting two solid meals out of it by jazzing things up a bit…fyi, leftover steak and veggies make for excellent tacos…or fajitas…or whatever, it's in my belly! 😉 Also, I still stand behind mine and Arman's belief that leftovers taste better straight up outta the fridge!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli recently posted…If There Were More Time…
You crazy kids and your cold leftovers, although I will grant you cold pizza is wonderful.
I had a blast writing this post, and I’m so glad you noticed. It makes my day. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Thinking Out Loud and All Over The Place
This post is awesome! The writing, the story the concept and c’mon…the leftovers! I almost always make too much rice and usually turn the leftovers into fried rice of some sort. I love your idea of adding it to a quesadilla. Smarty pants!
Alisha @ Alisha’s Appetite recently posted…Almond Lime Sauce {Spring Roll Sauce and Cold Veggie Noodle Sauce}
I just discovered fried rice these past few months and my world will be forever changed. I can’t believe how easy it is, and also how healthy it can be, despite the whole fried thing.
I think I need to try some of your Almond Lime Sauce. It would go perfectly with some quesadillas.