Warm bread is a side-dish favorite,
and the leftovers can be turned
into croutons for salads.

What to Do with Leftovers

Leftovers can be useful when planning subsequent meals. Soups, stews, and casseroles are great served for lunch the next day or frozen for a heat-and-serve meal later in the month. Add leftovers from a roast to a salad, or use them in a sandwich. For details on storing and reheating specific foods, refer to the inside front cover.

Turn leftover ingredients into delicious new dishes. Here are a few ideas.

• Dry bread: Cut into cubes; cook and stir in seasoned butter for croutons.
• Dry tortillas: To make tortilla chips, cut tortillas into wedges, brush with butter, and toast in the oven.
• Broken cookies: Crumble and stir into ice cream.
• Cooked rice: Use for rice puddings, casseroles, soups, or stuffings; or freeze until needed.
• Cooked pasta: Toss with cut-up vegetables, cubed cheese, and Italian dressing for a quick salad.
• Overripe strawberries: Whirl in the blender with orange juice, a pinch of sugar, and ice for a fruit drink. This also works with sliced peaches and bananas.