Food on the Table

With Independence Day around the corner, prepping for all the Fourth of July festivities to come is the main focus for many. This often means checking local sales, planning the menu for an afternoon of grilling and making a grocery list with all the necessities. Yet most don’t think ahead to the end of the big day, when the grill has died down, the fireworks have gone off and the only thing left at the party is leftover food. But these holiday remains don’t have to equal holiday waste. Taking a few of the right steps will ensure that your family enjoys tasty dishes from a day of celebration days after the party is over.

1. Store

The sooner you cool and store it, the better. Leaving leftovers out in the heat leads to unwanted bacteria. If you plan on reusing the extras in the next few days, tightly seal in a container or bag and store in the fridge. If you’ve got enough to last longer, wrap in aluminum foil, place in a plastic bag and freeze instead. The frozen leftovers can last up to several months.

2. Reheat

When the time comes to enjoy the food the second (or third or fourth) time around, reheat thoroughly to avoid bacteria. If you’re working with grilled meats, use the oven, microwave or smoker. The same rule that applied when you originally made the meat still applies now: low and slow is key. Grilled veggies, on the other hand, can be enjoyed warm or cold.

3. Reinvent

Whether you use sliced chicken as taco filling, chopped beef as pizza topping or extra hot dogs to create pigs and a blanket, there is no limit to the amount of meal ideas available to your extras. In the vast world of leftovers, veggies can become pastas, sandwiches, salads or toppings. Simply take a look at the ingredients available to you, look up a few recipes ideas and whip up a number of meals that will make your family forget they’re eating leftovers at all.

This post is linked to Frugal Fridays at Life as Mom.

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