Using Surplus to Make Great Meals

Midweek - here we are again.  It is a lovely morning here.  Looks to be another nice day.

Today's chat is more about using what you already have and the gifts of fall as well.  Whether you grow food, are gifted surplus goodies (I am seeing that a lot), or finding produce deals - let's have fun and eat those goodies up.  There are so many ways to fix things - there should be no boredom in meals.  Do some new things and you may find a new family favorite.

Right now many have an abundance of various things.  Winter squash, cabbage, potatoes, beets, greens, you name it.  USE IT!

When it comes to all fall veggies - roasting is a favorite for me.  Cube, slice, do whatever you like and roast them with some oil and seasonings and yum!  

You can roast individually or several types together.  Love me some roasted Brussel sprouts - or halved and sauteed in a bit of bacon grease - Mmmmmm good.

POTATOES

Think about all the many ways you can fix.  Fried, hash browns, scalloped, Au Gratin, fries, baked, boiled, in soups, in roasts w/other veggies, potato soup.............  Great for breakfast, lunch and dinner

CABBAGE

Can be fried, boiled, roasted, added to stir fry and soups.  Cut cabbage steaks and broil or roast or grill.  Make sauerkraut or slaw.  Again many uses

TOMATOES

Red or green - both have uses.  Use in your salads or just slice for a side (or a snack).  Make sauces of all kinds.  Add to pasta salads.  Green can be breaded and fried (a fav of mine).  You can make pickle relish with them.  A green tomato pie is fabulous.  Add to any meal.  I have even diced and added to veggie soup for a little different taste.

OTHERS 

Add to soups, have as sides, add to casseroles.  Add veggies to things like tuna noodle casserole or to mac n cheese to raise the level a bit.  Fresh veggies in pasta salads.  Mix together and make a new taste sensation.

What I call mixed veggie hash!  Green beans, potatoes, carrots, and ground beef all simmered (fried) together.  So good and filling.  Kind of a meal in itself.  I am a huge fan of one pot meals.  I think that would be handy for moms with kiddos and a busy schedule.

Just about all veggies can be fried.  Sure, we all make fries with regular and sweet potatoes - but other things can be fried too.  Green beans fries are a treat!  Bread and fry and you will be amazed.  Of course there is zucchini, green tomatoes, okra, carrot strips, just about anything.  I have even made fried cucumbers and pickles.  Have fun and try new things.  I also sauté corn, peppers, onions, green beans, cabbage, carrots, radish, turnips, just about any veggie.

MEAT - well use what you have or find cheaply.  Poultry and pork are decently priced right now most places.  Make up small meatballs when you can - they can be used in sauces and soups or use in kabobs with those veggies.  Chop or slice a chicken breast or a couple pork chops to use in stir fry or fried rice or soup - sure makes the meat go farther.

Think about making wraps instead of sandwiches.  Lighter calories and super easy to handle.  You can use tortillas as wraps, for burritos, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, all sorts of things.  You can buy them cheaply or they are super easy to make.

Think about making biscuits - great as a bread for a meal, can make super breakfast sandwiches, good for a quick snack, they can be a topping to a dessert or casserole, and easy and cheap to make.

Here is a fun version of cornbread!  I love fried cornbread.  I have even eaten with butter and syrup with a side of eggs for a meal.  Cornbread is another easy and yummy bread to make.  You can eat as a side, you can put over a zesty mix-up (like chili or taco meats) and bake into a casserole.  My daddy was a fan of cornbread and milk.  I even remember my siblings talking about that being breakfast or lunch some days when times were tough.  Makes great polenta as well - I love fried slices of polenta.

BREADS of all sorts can be used in many ways.  You can use for sandwiches - I am still a big bread slices over buns kind of person.  You can make bread pudding - this can be so easy and you can add about anything you want to fun it up.  

Make your own croutons, breadcrumbs, or dressing/stuffing bread.  Stale bread is great for many of the forementioned ideas.  Think about French toast or cinnamon toast.  Covered with gravy.  many, many options. 

If you aren't a meat eater - think about adding lentils or beans to dishes to hearty them up.  It will give you protein and add that hearty feeling and taste of meat.  You can use lentils in about anything - stews, chili, soups, tacos, etc.  They are super cheap too!  Would stretch those meat dollars.

Now when you add in all the normal things we keep on hand - baking supplies, rice, dried beans, pastas, etc. - you can make just an enormous amount of meals.

NEVER turn down 'gifted' produce.  Take it - use what you can, preserve some if you are of that mindset or share with others.  Just NEVER say NO.  I had a wise elderly gentleman tell me once - whether you can use it or not - take it if offered.  One day you will need something, and if you say no enough times, you may not be considered!!  True words.

So enjoy those end of garden goodies, those last of the season farm markets, store clearances, surplus stores, etc. and get you some cheap goodies.  Hopefully you have friends and family offering fresh goodies as well.

Get creative and make GOOD EATING!  Try new things and USE WHAT YOU HAVE.  It really does help to SAVE some $$$$$.

One of my favorite meals of the summer ALWAYS!  Don't even need the meat.  I just love all the veggies and fruits I can enjoy.

Eat the COLOR and eat HEALTHY.

Have a super day!!!