These cheesy Quick Chili Rellenos are great for a weeknight and a good way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
Leftovers
Got leftovers and don’t know what to do with them? Your search ends here. We’ve got your leftovers covered!
Pi Day Quiche – 3/14 – Ham and Leek Quiche
Pi Day Quiche, presenting for your pleasure, Ham and Leek Quiche for National Pi Day. Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi). Pi Day is observed on March 14 (3/14 in the month/day format) since 3, 1, and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives supported the designation of Pi Day.
This happens to be my favorite quiche combination. It is so simple to make, you can have it on a work night, then have leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s great with a salad.
Broccoli Cheese Mashed Potato Soup
Glorious use of leftover mashed potatoes and broccoli come together quickly – Broccoli Cheese Mashed Potato Soup with Pimento Cheese Toasts
White Pizza with Sausage and Sliced Garlic
White Pizza with Sausage and Sliced Garlic
When I made the Pizza with Red Sauce and Tomatoes, I had another ball of dough leftover that I wanted to use right away. I had a half a pound of Italian sausage in the freezer, fresh mushrooms, and leftover grated cheese. When I went to the cupboard to get supplies, however, I found that I had a) no tomato sauce to make red sauce and b) no onions because sausage, mushroom, and onion is my favorite combination. It turned out that was a really good thing. I left my comfort zone and tried something new – shallot scented béchamel white sauce and sliced garlic. It was by far the best pizza I have ever had – bar none.
Pizza with Red Sauce and Tomatoes
Pizza with Red Sauce and Tomatoes
I came home from work and I really wanted pizza. I don’t really like commercial pizza because it has so much salt, and it’s relatively expensive when you compare it to what you can make at home.
It’s easy to make at home. The dough comes together in about 10 minutes, and then you can sit and relax for an hour while it rises. I preheat the oven to about 450 and get all the ingredients for my pizza and have them at hand. I had some leftover pieces of cheese, leftover canned whole tomatoes, leftover pizza sauce, and some leftover garlic butter. All that stuff went into my pizza. The juice from the tomatoes became the best Bloody Mary I have ever had in my life.
I like to make my own red sauce, and I like fresh tomatoes on my pizza. I used to use fresh plum tomatoes, but now I discovered that I like the whole canned San Marzano tomatoes much better.
Meatloaf Stuffed Potato Balls with Dragon Sauce
Meatloaf Stuffed Potato Balls with Dragon Sauce
One of my favorite things is to go to Porto’s in Glendale and get Papas Rellenas (Cuban Potato Balls). They are very tasty and make for a quick bite. One day, I had leftover meatloaf, and leftover mashed potatoes, so I decided to try my hand at making them. It’s pretty simple, and a good way to use up your leftovers. You could use other stuffing, I just happen to really like my Three Pepper Spicy Meatloaf.
A few words about mashed potatoes
Please use real ones, not the ones in the box, or the ones that are already made. Take a little time to make mashed potatoes. I usually use one medium-sized potato per person, unless I want extra for something like this, and then I add an extra potato. For this recipe, you will need to peel the potatoes. Unpeeled potatoes are great, but the peels would get in the way when trying to keep them shaped correctly. I cut my potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. I keep the cut, peeled potatoes in cold water until they have all been prepped, this keeps them from turning brown. Rinse the potatoes and put them in clean, salted water. Always use a good amount of salt in the water, about a half a teaspoon per potato. Bring the water to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Check the potatoes at about 15 minutes. They are done when you can easily stick a fork or tip of a knife in them. Don’t let them get overcooked, or you will have a soggy mess. Drain them in a sturdy colander immediately so they will stop cooking. I like to add butter at this point and mash them with a masher so the butter really gets in there, then I add milk and depending on how fluffy I want them, I either whip them by hand or use a stand mixer.
Meatloaf – It’s all up to you!
To make this you will need about 2 cups of left over mashed and a few slices of left over meatloaf. You can use your favorite meatloaf recipe, you are not tied to mine. You can even use – gads! – store-bought meatloaf if you like it.
The Dragon Sauce
You don’t have to have a dip for these, they’re good plain. But, if you like an extra zip, please try this Dragon Sauce. If you don’t like spicy foods, then you could always use Ranch or onion dip if you wanted. This is one of those recipes that’s really up to you. Use what you enjoy!
Bread Salad – A Delicious Way to Use up Stale Bread
Bread salad is a great way to use up leftover, day-old bread. You can use any kind you want. If you are gluten-intolerant, then gluten-free bread is for you. Vegan? Substitute vegan cheese.
Turkey Tetrazzini
This is something that I really love, and when I don’t have leftover turkey, I have been known to go to the store and get the frozen one – you know which one I mean. But, this dish is really best fresh, made from the leftover turkey at your feast.
I have found other recipes that called for peas, no sherry, white wine, etc. Well, it’s just not the same thing! This is the Turkey Tetrazzini you have been looking for, that you remember, that you crave, the one with celery, mushrooms and sherry cream sauce. You can make a lot of this, put it into individual serving trays and freeze it for some night when you don’t want to cook, but you want something comforting.
Jalapeno Stuffed Peppers for 2
What’s on Your Plate
Jalapeno Stuffed Peppers are a practical leftover recipe that uses already cooked rice and pickled jalapeños from a pizza order to make a quick vegetarian dinner. The peppers cook gently in a covered roaster, the filling stays creamy and balanced, and the dish adapts easily to what you already have.
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Fudge for Valentines
Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Fudge is a great treat at any time of year. You may find yourself with extra candy canes at Christmas or be looking for a fun gift for Valentine’s Day. Look no further!