All but the kitchen sink….

It’s no mystery that I love to cook. I also love finding new recipes, gardening, farmers markets and even grocery shopping. What I don’t love is leftovers. Who wants to eat re-heated food that will inevitably pale in comparison to last night’s dinner? I applaud my husband’s effort to save money by taking said leftovers to work with him for lunch, on his bicycle and all, but lately the Harvest Moon Grille food truck has been calling his name. Can’t hardly blame him.

So… when the leftovers begin to pile up in your fridge (like they have been lately in mine), try out a few of my favorite go-to meals, which I think make leftover night a wee-bit more exciting. Throw in anything you got, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

1. Kitchen Sink Quesadillas: Saute any chopped raw veggies, then wipe out pan. Combine sauteed veggies, with any leftover cooked veggies you’d like to include. Layer shredded cheese, veggies, any meats and beans you have leftover in between two tortillas. Spray saute pan with cooking spray, then cook quesadillas one by one in saute pan 3-4 min. per side or until cheese melts through. (To give you an idea, last night’s version was leftover london broil with sauteed onions and rosemary, mushrooms, canned green chilies and brie cheese.)

2. Kitchen Sink Pizza: Using purchased pizza crust (or your own homemade recipe!), top crust with leftover pasta sauce (tomato, alfredo, pesto), olive oil, or barbecue sauce. Top with raw or leftover cooked veggies, cooked meats, and then cheese and fresh herbs. Bake according to crust directions or recipe. When done, you can top the pizza with fresh arugula or spinach if you have any on hand.

3. Kitchen Sink Soup: Saute raw veggies in olive oil over medium heat until soft, add in any already cooked meats and veggies, beans and any seasonings you may like to add (I often will use either curry, cumin or thyme), along with a dash of salt. Stir in desired stock or undrained can(s) of tomatoes. Bring to boil and reduce to slow simmer. Toss in any cooked pastas or rice, and warm until heated through. To thicken soup, feel free to add leftover mashed potatoes (for soups with a stock base), cream or half and half, or tomato sauce/paste.