Growing up, we affectionately called it “Leftover Surprise!” What, you ask, is Leftover Surprise? Well, alright, but remember: YOU ASKED!
Leftover Surprise is literally anything (and I mean A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G) leftover with cream of mushroom soup poured over it and microwaved (after all, THAT was our fancy new modern cooking tool). ZAP! – and you’re done!
And despite it being a rather random assortment of ingredients, Leftover Surprise was usually quite yummy (for a dish that combined random ingredients and cream of mushroom soup, that is).
Well, except for this one day when my mother, a zealot for not wasting anything, combined leftover mac and cheese, spaghetti AND peas for a hearty bowl of Leftover Surprise. Bleck!
A modern take on Leftover Surprise
From my colorful culinary history with leftovers, I share with you my version of Leftover Surprise! Don’t worry – the surprise isn’t at all eew yuck, but a squeal of delight at how easy it is to prepare the base ingredients for multiple weekday meals.
#1: Start with a staple ingredient – Usually a protein like chicken or beef, prepared simply. A family favorite is chicken brushed with olive oil and herbs and grilled on the barbecue.
#2: The Not-So Simple Sandwich – Take your leftover chicken or beef and layer on the fixings – cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, sprouts, avocado…whatever tickles your fancy.
#3: Soup in Seconds – Get your soup stock boiling, add noodles and a few fresh vegetables and diced up leftovers and voila – soup without all the hassle.
#4: Salad in a Whirl – Break out your salad spinner and give the romaine lettuce a whirl. Add your favorite salad sidekicks and sliced leftover chicken or beef for a fast salad lunch!
#5: Add to a Recipe – Think of this as a way to get a jump-start on cooking. Instead of cooking the chicken to add the vegetables to bake in the pie, skip ahead to assembling the pie.
Got a fabulous favorite way to use up leftovers? Share them in the comments below. The BEST ideas will be published in an upcoming edition of MOMeo Kitchen!
[podcast]https://www.terrarenewables.ca/audio/Dinner-Dash-April-12-2010.mp3[/podcast]
Listen to “The Story Behind the Story” – Carla Young’s inspiration for her Leftover Surprise article.
1 Comment
LOL! Boy does that bring back memories! We had a similar 'surprise' at our house when we were kids, but it usually involved tuna!