Green Leftovers
No matter how many people we have at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner there is always tons of food left. Why let that food go to waste? Take a look at the few tips below to ensure that your leftovers are safe and green…
- Save your containers NOW! Start saving all of your plastic containers (sour cream containers, whipped topping, margarine, etc.). Then bring these containers with you to your next Holiday meal. At the end of dinner put a few left overs for your family in your own containers. This saves you from having to use paper plates and plastic wrap…which will inevitably spill in the car anyway.
- Bring along a lunch box! By bringing an insulated lunch box or bag along with a few ice packs you can keep leftovers cold for the ride home.
- Remember the 2 HOUR RULE! From the moment food comes out of the oven and is placed on the counter you have a 2 hour window in which to eat the food or put it in the fridge. Any food that is left as room temperature for more than 2 hours is subject to contamination and could potentially be harmful to you or your family. So, as soon as everyone is done eating, put the food away!
- Yummy leftovers:
- BBQ Turkey Sandwiches: Shred any leftover turkey, place in a sauce pan with a little butter and your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve bread or rolls for sandwiches the next day.
- Ham & Eggs: Use any left over ham, heat in a pan over low heat. Scramble a few eggs to go along side and you have a great breakfast to start your day!
- Mashed potatoes: Make potatoe cakes. Add a little milk to your potatoes. Heat to medium 1 TB of oil in a large pan and fry up your potatoes! Yummy serve with ketchup.
- Simple salad: I always make sure I have lettuce available after heavy Holiday meals. Throw any left over meat you want on them for quick, light lunches and dinners.
