I try my darndest not to waste things. I use things up as leftovers or as something new. Once in a while it gets a bit 'creative' to say the least. I don't mind - as I like new things and well, in my humble opinion - it all goes to the same place!!!!!!! I have never been one of those that mind if my food is touching or mixed. I think that is why I like casseroles and soup a lot.
I mentioned I had been using all the bits and bobs left in some way. One dish was one of the tastiest I had made in a while and it was lots of bits!!!!!!!
YES - USE IT - DON'T WASTE IT!
****************
CONFETTI DIP
1 - 12 oz. can whole kernel corn - drained (or use about 2 cups of your fresh)
1 - 15 oz. can black beans - drained (I have used kidney beans too - about 2 cups)
1/3 C Italian dressing
1 - 16 oz. jar of your favorite salsa (I use home canned)
Mix it all together and chill. Serve with tortilla chips. You can also warm a tortilla up and fill with about a 1/4 cup for a yummy burrito. Maybe toss some onto your favorite salad.
It is a good source of protein and it is very tasty. Super easy to make and uses what you have.
ZUCCHINI (FAUX) CRAB CAKES
2 C grated zucchini (drain liquid)
1 C seasoned breadcrumbs
2 Tbs. grated onion
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 eggs
2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
In a bowl mix everything together and shape into little cakes or patties. Fry in a little oil until browned on both sides! Serves about 6 cakes.
How fun and great use of using that zucchini and a great veggie dish!!!!
So that is today's version of use it up!!!!!!
Use what you have and get creative. There are no hard and set rules in cooking - I think that is why I like it so much. Experiment and maybe come up with a new family favorite.
USE THE FOOD!!!!!!!! ENJOY!
You prepared some yummy meals from bits and bobs! Your zucchini relish looks yummy. Corned beef is good prepared lots of ways. I've never understood the appeal of some of the expensive restaurants who put a small amount of food in the middle of the plate, drizzle some sort of sauce (?) around it and proudly serve it. I guess you can take the girl out of the country but can't take the country out of the girl. ha!
ReplyDeleteWe are headed for a Costco run and will go in Walmart to pick up something. Needs to be a short trip as I need to can beets when I get back. Found a recipe for canning that calls for the beets to be roasted first. That is how I prepare beets as the roasting brings out the sweetness. Think there is enough for seven pints.
It certainly is a beautiful day. Hate to see the heat return but it surely can't be long-lived. If we didn't kvetch about the heat, it would be the cold weather when it arrives. When I complain I think of what the Father did to the Israelites when they complained in the desert.
Donna, that's why we're sticks in the mud when it comes to restaurants. I don't "do" minimal food at maximum prices. LOL!
DeleteAs for complaining, we all do it. I had an experience on Monday that (literally) tied into the old saying, "I complained that I had no shoes until I saw a man with no feet." In this case it was an elderly woman, all alone, waiting for a van ride as we walked into the Outpatient Pavilion for my sonogram. I actually said out loud, "Message received, Lord. I got it!" --Elise
So true, Miss Elise! I don't do noisy restaurants either.
DeleteDonna - same way about restaurants. Years ago we went to a fancy (very) restaurant as sorta required by my job. Fancy little plates of hardly nothing. When we left we stopped at McD's on the way home - we were starved!!!!!! They paid a fortune for that meal - and we all left hungry.
DeleteHave fun working on the beets - they will be yummy.
I agree about corned beef - I look forward to all the 'other' meals I cake with it.
It sure is lovely today!!!!! Enjoy every moment.
I will certainly be praying in the morning for you Elise. God sure works in mysterious ways doesn't He?
DeleteI saw the spaghetti pie recipe and that sounds very good! One of my great aunts married to my Italian great uncle made a pasta cake type of thing, one way was savory in a bundt pan with eggs, black pepper and Italian cheese. The other way is sweet, like a rice pudding.
Those look great, but I'm so non creative when it comes to food. Probably cuz I've always hated cooking!! None of this would ever occur to me. I can use up leftovers, but they always go 8nto something predictable. I have taco rice and ground beef in the freezer right now. Inevitably, those will become a burrito bowl.
ReplyDeleteI just remembered that I have a can of corned beef in the pantry. I love that with fried potatoes in a burrito. My grandma made that for my grandpa's lunch. So good! Like a hash and she would sometimes toss in a fried egg. Mmmm. I'd make that for dinner, but hubs is eating at church tonight. Rats. I think I'll plan on it for dinner tomorrow. Thanks!
I hate wasting food so I'm very careful about rotating it. In fact, I spotted a large container of strawberry yogurt in the back of the fridge. It's about a week past the use by date. So long as it smells good, I'll freeze blobs of it on parchment paper and freeze them in a baggy for smoothies.
Noisy blue jay squawking up a storm tight now. Bossy little dudes lol!
Debby, do you have a cake mix handy? White or yellow works best, but it even works with chocolate. Reduce you water by 1/2 and add that container of strawberry yogurt for cake or muffins. It works!
Delete--Elise
Haha, Elise!! I would never keep cake mix in my house. Not because of the cake per se, but I'm a frosting fiend. If I made frosting, I'd eat it until I got a stomach ache lol. And cake without frosting? Pointless lol. The cake is merely a delivery system. But thanks for the suggestion!
Delete:-D Well, I often make Bundt cakes with past-sell-by yogurt and instead of frosting, use fresh fruit. But I get it!! --Elise
DeleteTotally agree, Debby: Cake is just a delivery vehicle for frosting. Cookie
DeleteFried potatoes and corned beef - yum. Reuban sandwiches - yum. Corned beef hash - yum. With cabbage - yum! See where I am going?
DeleteYou could take your taco rice and meat add some beans (refried) and make burritos. You could add to other things in soup. A bowl sounds good too!
I am a NO frosting kind of gal. Frosting almost makes me yak - just too sweet. I like cake and very little icing if any. Now I do love me a pineapple upside cake - but that isn't frosting. LOL
Debby and Cookie I agree! And I discovered my little grandson agrees! My daughter on the other hand doesn't like frosting.
DeleteMy daughter went to a Christmas party where her boss had purchased a big, frosted sheet cake. A little while into the party her boss asked outloud who left this plate of frosting? My daughter admitted it was her. Her boss lamented such a waste of frosting.
Please tell me why people who don't like frosting always get served the pieces with the most frosting and the big frosting rose????
~margaret
Margaret it does seem that way!! My niece has a cookie business and she ices the cookies. Her cookies are fantastic - but oh my gosh that icing is jaw locking sweet. I have a hard time with them, though I do love the cookies. There is a lot on them too.
DeleteThere must be icing lovers galore out there, cause she is selling lots of them and for big money!
Good morning, I love your use it up meals! The confetti dip looks like a keeper.
ReplyDeleteWell, we got our beef yesterday, boy those 10 days that they hang it went fast we weren't ready! So I did some moving around of things got all the meat in the freezer. But I am ashamed to say we had to buy a small freezer; 7 cu ft to put in my excess freezer food. Boy I need to do better on cooking meals.I seem to just put leftover stuff in the freezer and forget about it. So if there is another lock down, like people are saying we will be pretty good on the food front.
I did get started on some canning though, I have been out of cranberry sauce for a few months so I made some yesterday.
Sending my good wishes, prayers and hugs to Elise this morning for her surgery.
Thank you, Laurie. 7:30 tomorrow morning. And actually, I'm doing alright. God knew I needed to see the woman w/o feet on Monday. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeleteI always think Wed is Thursday, LOL. Hubby always has many appt and I just can't keep track of the days somehow. They all seem to roll into one.
DeleteEasy to do, Laurie. I've been getting calls from the hospital every day, it seems. One thing or another. Yesterday it was to tell me my $992 copay is due when I check in. It's a blessing and a luxury to be able to cover that, but I think I'll wait for surgery on the less-bad foot until I'm eligible for Medicare. Unless Hubs gets the job offer and insurance is better. That's what I meant last week when mentioning Grandma Griff's motto of "everything in moderation."
Delete--Elise
Ack!! Another call today. Wherever you are, from AZ to the UK, if you hear a loud scream that will be ME, because one more medical person felt the need to warn me about the pain I can expect. Sheesh! The doc said my leg will be numb for 24-48 hours and now I'm determined to prove them all wrong for the after. --Elise
DeleteLaurie so happy you got your meat. WOW on having to get another freezer- at least it is a small one. You have a lot of goodies to use now. Sounds like you will be about set.
DeleteWell, just remember mandates are NOT law. I am not worrying about any of it.
I bet your cranberry sauce will be yummy. Get cracking kiddo and start using that food!!!!
BIG smile on my face as I read today's post, Cheryl. You like to play with your food as much as I do!! Like the Sloppy Joe Shepherd's Pie a few days ago using leftover Sloppy Joe mixture, leftover mashed potatoes and shredded cheese.
ReplyDeleteI've made that Confetti Dip many times. Often I'll throw in some avocado and tomato bits. Sometimes I throw in leftover (diced) chicken. It's really good with tortillas or flatbread spread with cream cheese, then the dip, as a rolled up sandwich.
Skillet and soup meals are my favorites as they use up leftovers easily. Spaghetti Pie was a favorite with my sons. Toss the cold pasta with a beaten egg or two and some shredded mozzarella cheese; spread that in a skillet prepared with a bit of olive oil, top with the sauce, cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or simply heat over low on your stove top (covered) until the egg has set up and it's heated through. There'll be a crusty bottom that can then be sliced like a pie.
Fall produce will be in stores soon. There's so much you can do with apples, onion, cabbage and potatoes! My family's favorite skillet meal uses all of those + sliced sausage. Or throw the chopped up produce into a crock pot over pork or corned beef with a little liquid for a treat. If you don't eat meat, just sauté the chopped produce in a skillet with a little oil and once browned, add a can of drained, rinsed white beans (navy, Cannellini, etc.).
Yup. This is my way to cook! :-D
--Elise
Yes, I love playing with my food!!! I am still going to make that shepherd's pie of sorts - I made mashed potatoes today and have leftovers. Hmmmmm
DeleteI love baked spaghetti - that is my favorite way to eat it. Sometimes I just start out making it that way. Glen loved it too - said it was easier to eat than messy spaghetti!!!! LOL
I have cabbage in the crisper now. I love it in the fall.
Have been praying for you girl. Hoping all goes well - will look forward to your return when you feel up to it! Don't rush things - stay calm, get rest and you'll be good in no time!!!!
My SIL gave me a zucchini from their garden. I couldn't find my chopper so ended up grating it by hand! After I squeezed some of the water out, I used it to make a zucchini loaf with walnuts and cinnamon. It is sooo good, I'm having a hard time not cutting another slice. :)
ReplyDeleteI bet it was yummy! Eat another slice - heck. It isn't like you make it every day - ENJOY!
DeletePapa Jay's Vegetable Soup - Adapted
ReplyDeleteA funny, TRUE story. When we were newlyweds, I went to my folks' house one evening after work. My Pop was storming out the front door carrying only his electric razor, the cord dangling. I asked what was going on.
"It's your Momma! No one can live with that woman!" He got into his car and peeled out onto the road.
I walked into the kitchen and my mother was huffing, puffing and slamming kitchen cabinets. I asked her what happened?
"He made vegetable soup again!!" Slam.
I was puzzled. "Okay... and?"
She looked at me, furious. "He always makes enough to feed the San Jose rescue Mission!!"
So, I started laughing. She said it *wasn't* funny, but it was. I told her he could come to my apartment and make soup anytime.
I still make his vegetable soup to this day, but adapted to be easier and less voluminous. In my version, it starts with leftover ground beef spaghetti sauce. I put that in a pot with the following:
-about 2 stalks thin sliced celery
-1/2 of a medium onion, chopped
-chopped bell pepper if I have any (optional)
-1 lb. frozen mixed vegetables
-15 oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained
-15 oz. can of beans, drained and rinsed
-4-6 cups broth, homemade or store bought (I use homemade)
-a little extra water if needed
--salt, pepper and 1 T. dry Italian herbs
Bring all of that to a boil over medium heat in a good sized pot on the stove; reduce heat to low and simmer about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. I put a lid on the pot as it simmers.
Hubs calls it "Stoup", because it's thick and hearty. I've substituted leftover veggies on hand. I've thrown in a handful of dry macaroni to cook up at the end. I've used fresh herbs. It's very versatile. While it still makes a big pot, it's not outrageous and you can play with the amounts to scale it back.
In his honor, Elise
That sounds exactly like the soup I always make. We love it here.
DeleteThat sounds good, Elise! And I love the story lol. My mom would've fainted if my dad had cooked anything.
DeleteOn a funny note, they constantly argued over painting the inside of the house. My dad always painted it Antique White. Carpet always brown. My mom HATED it so plain. It was due for a painting when my mom and I went off to visit family for 2 weeks. When we came home, we walked in to that paint smell. Yup, while we were gone, my dad painted it all AW. I guess my dad expected to be praised for all his hard work, and my mom just hmphed. Unable to leave it alone, my dad pointed it out. "Doesn't it look so clean and fresh?". My mom blurts out, "I hate that effin antique white" and she really said THE word. We all gaped as she took her suitcase down the hall. Later, they divorced (not over the paint lol) and my dad remarried a younger chickie. I couldn't believe it when I walked into the house (our former house) and there was pink carpet, pink walls, and pink drapes. No antique white! After we left, I swore hubs to silence. I told him that if my mom knew that he let the new Mrs. paint in pink, she might turn murderous!!!! She died never knowing lol.
I can soooo relate to your story, Elise. My dad was a cook in the army and when he cooked, he COOKED. If there was every any organization holding a pancake breakfast, spaghetti suppoer or salisbury steak dinner as a fundraiser, we'd always find my dad working the grill or somewhere in kitchen! Good memories, thank you for sharing. :-)
DeleteDebby, I laughed out loud when I read that. Pink???!! Oh, my.
DeleteBIL hasn't painted his house yet, but chose the color; Antique White. His new carpet will be installed next week; brown. Maybe it's a guy thing? His wood floors are actually a gray color, so that should be... interesting. At least it isn't pink. LOL!
The soup is delicious and a great way to use up bits and bobs of leftover veggies. You can also just use a can/bottle of no-meat spaghetti sauce + 2-3 cans water for the base. Nice during Lent. Which, btw, I wanted to let you know our youngest son has signed up for RCIA at his local parish. It's a small Catholic church in his area, and he's the only student for fall so far. I'll attend Mass with him at the bigger church here (which has a school, etc.) as soon as I can. Saw a fellow there with a knee scooter last month. Not all churches are set up for folks with ambulatory issues. --Elise
Lori, I don't think my mom ever realized how blessed she was that Pop cooked. Most of the cooking in our house was done by him or me. But he cooked HUGE, so that's how I learned. When we returned from our honeymoon, I made spaghetti (homemade sauce) that we ate for a week!! LOL!
Delete--Elise
Elise, not just any pink. PEPTO BISMOL PINK. It was horrid. I felt like I was sitting in a film set where porno movies were made.
DeleteElise that sounds like how I make my stoup as well!!!!!! Sort of soup and sort of stew and lots of everything - and I can't make a little!!!!!!
DeleteDEBBY that story is hilarious. No I don't think momma should have known either!
Sometimes the best meals come from using up all the bits and bobs together in a recipe that you couldn't recreate if you tried. When I do that, my husband often comments how good it is, and I tell him not to expect exactly the same thing ever again! (Ha) I know someone who won't use leftovers, says her husband doesn't like them, even roast beef. What is not to like about leftover roast beef? Cold or hot roast beef sandwiches, shepherd's pie, midnight snack - bring on those leftovers. Elise, praying all goes well tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wanita. I've got about 3 weeks' worth of precooked meats and some sides in the freezer. Bought instant rice (which I normally never buy) to be easier for Hubs. Plenty of canned and frozen veggies. And I so agree!! One package in the freezer is thin sliced roast beef for cold sandwiches with mayo and thick slices of tomato. Easy and SO tasty!! --Elise
DeleteWanita - Glen was the same way - He would say 'you need to make this again' - and I would be thinking - well huh, can I even remember what I did? LOL
DeleteRoast beef - let me count the ways. I do not understand, not eating leftovers at all - most things are actually better the next day.
As always, THANK YOU ALL for easy and delicious recipes and ideas
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome. I am all about easy and tasty!!!
DeleteThose use them up bits and ends meals are often the most delicious. Yesterday I sat and made a jar full of peanut butter cracker sandwiches for snacks and all the broken crackers went in a jar to top a casserole later. It's the little savings that add up to big in our frugal homes. Those recipes sound yummy! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think so too Lana. I just love getting all creative with things.
DeleteThat is a smart idea. Save the broken ones, the heels of bread, the crumbs from chips - all good on top a casserole. Cookie crumbs on pudding or ice cream. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Elise, this may be my last post for the day. You take care and know you're being prayed for! Post when you can. No hurdles or clogging until you're healed. 😆
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. Hoping I can check in on Sunday for the Roundup. (((Hug))) --Elise
DeletePrayers for you for tomorrow, Elise! What a message that was, a woman with no feet. OMGoodness.
DeleteMaryB
I knew it was from God, Mary. No doubt in my mind. And it helped gain some perspective. --Elise
DeleteAnd THANK YOU. (((Hug)))
DeleteP.S. to you, Cheryl... please forgive me if I've seemed to monopolize conversations here today (and recently). It has been beyond wonderful to hang out and visit, keeping my mind off other things, but I never want to be irritating. Hope I haven't been. --Elise
ReplyDeleteI totally understand. It has kept you busy and that is good.
DeleteSMILES & HUGS
Dad was a meat and potatoes guy , so Mom rarely made casseroles... Maybe that's why I love them do w much now? It's like they're exotic 😆
ReplyDeleteNever thought of a casserole as exotic - but I get it. That is funny. We seem to always love the things we couldn't have in the past!
DeleteNot only does it go to the same place, but in the words of my grandpa, it comes out the same in the end!
ReplyDeleteIndeedy doody!!!!!!!! LOL!
DeleteOh that is funny - but so very true.
I can't make a small amount of soup even when I intend to. By the time I finish throwing in this little bit and that little bit I have a big pot full!
ReplyDeleteWill be keeping Elise in mind tomorrow with prayer.
~margaret
Margaret I am the same way. I try real hard since I am cooking for one - but I cannot. I just freeze it for another time.
DeleteThank you Margaret, and everyone! Don't think I've mentioned our drive is lined by volunteer sunflowers in abundance. A storm is moving in this evening; there's thunder in the distance. As I was enjoying the sight of those bright flowers against the gray sky, I looked up and spotted not one, but two rainbows. You can't make this stuff up.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe, delicious and FUN Labor Day weekend. --Elise
Cheryl, the recipes sound so good! Both recipes sound great in different ways, nothing like salsa and chips! And the faux "crab" cakes sound scrumptious!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using leftover chip crumbs to place as a topping. Very clever!
It's very nice seeing such a personable blog here, with such precious interaction, it's very special. And you are a very special blog author too, it's very nice the way you make sure and answer all. What a nice friend you are to all, Cheryl. A Blessing.
I hope you are doing well, it's plumb wonderful how you make such delicious and creative dishes! I have got to start trying them, I'm camping out over at your fried cornbread...I need to write it down and make it. : ) I'm going to have to make a "Cheryl" cookbook!
~Amelia
crab cakes are delish, and well if you don't eat fish - these are the next best thing!
DeleteIt is lovely how everyone comes together, and how everyone cares so much. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful group here. I am honored.
MAYBE one day I will make a Cheryl cookbook -who knows!
Yum! All of that sounds delicious! I made a very similar salad this week with beans and corn. Delicious!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Nothing better than a fun and fresh dip of sorts. Gosh, you can use it on a green salad as well.
DeleteTommy, our resident non-cooker, is great at looking at things in freezer and refrigerator and making something to eat. Usually, this is for lunch.
ReplyDeleteI think he does pretty darn good. He at least helps you prepare meals!
Delete