What to do with Leftovers

Christmas Leftovers.

Every year its the same, why oh why do I buy too much food! I say this every time and then a couple of days after Christmas when I am fed up with the rich food and chocolates and waiting to get on to that diet (again) even before the New Year resolution!

I look in the refrigerator I can't believe what is left, really it is my own fault there was only the two of us this year but I always shop for an army. I know the children won't drop by, why? they are in Canada and I am in France.

I guess I have done it for so many years I am on auto pilot. Well I guess I have to get my thinking cap on and save what I can fortunately a lot of it can be cooked one way or another and frozen so here goes.

Sausage meat, Turkey, Ham, Cheese, Vegetables, Oranges, Bananas, Apples, Pears. that will do to start.

Sausage Meat:

Make up your usual herb stuffing mix and when cool stir in your sausage meat, once completely mixed place in a baking tray, 

Cook for approximately 30-40 mins in the oven temperature 190c/375f/Gas5

When coolcut into squares and put on baking tray in the freezer for approx. 40 minutes and place into zip bag, keep frozen and take out when required. To reheat put it in the bottom of the oven the same time as your roast potatoes.

Turkey:

The legs are ideal for a curry being a dark meat, usually I make the curry first then freeze as the flavour is much better after the spices have soaked in.

If you don't have time that's fine just put in containers or zip bag and take from the freezer when ready.

'If' there is any breast left over this can be frozen flat and used later for a sandwich with pickle.

Ham & Cheese:

These two together make an ideal Quiche, and yes make it without pastry. You will need (depending on how many you are making) round foil pie dishe(s)

Preheat your oven 180c/350f/gas4

Break up your ham, cheese, mushrooms (optional) grated onions, place in foil pie dish. In a separate bowl beat 3 eggs, 1/2 tsp mixed herbs, pepper and salt, pour egg mixture over the ingredients. Sprinkle the top with a little more cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes (if making a crust bake 40/50minutes) until set.

Once it is cool place in a freezer bag and freeze. Another quick meal.

Vegetables:

My favourites way with this is soup, it is so easy whatever vegetables you have just chop up and put in a large pan, with a stock cube and bring to the boil, then simmer until the vegetables are cooked.

There is no right or wrong way for this just use up what vegetables you have, and don't forget the soup when cold can be frozen in suitable containers to use another day.

For the beginner have a look at this link I am sure it will help.

Red and Green Peppers:

These I just de-seed and either slice or cube and place straight into freezer bags, take them out for stir frys, soups, salads etc whatever you use them for, These do need to be cooked once frozen as the skin tends to be a little tough for salads but perfectly okay if you don't mind.

Next time I will talk about what to do with your fruit.

Happy freezing.