Just Give Me All of The Leftovers

Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Mother Day's…yes, they are occasions to celebrate and share with those we love. But they are also an excuse to concoct a delicious meal that you are too busy to make at any other time of the year.

However, there’s something even better than those delightful suppers. Something just plain heavenly and that most don’t want to miss.

Everybody, pay attention; it’s leftovers season. Prepare your forks!

Let it rest

No, it’s not just your imagination. Science has spoken! Food truly tastes better the next day, especially if you used a variety of herbs or if it includes something that had to be browned or roasted.

Hello, reheated meatball soup and roasted chicken sandwiches…I had missed you so much.

Also, have you noticed how the spaghetti you cooked yesterday, once it has had the time to absorb all of the goodness in the sauce, makes you wish you had made just a little bit more?

Maybe we should start preparing all of our meals the day before, so we can forever enjoy the benefits.

It’s not for everybody, I know

Okay, I’ll admit this technique wouldn’t benefit every single kind of food, at least not in their original presentation. For example, it’s better to eat a steak once it’s done to your taste. Also, you really need to know how to reheat fried chicken so you can bring it back to its former glory — P.S. your oven will be your best friend.

But other than that, as long as you store food properly, you can enjoy a quick, tasty meal. Just say thank you to yesterday-you!

Besides, how glorious it is to have a buffet-style meal once 2 or 3 days of cooking have gone by and you have enough to feed your whole family with a variety of dishes?

*chef kiss*

Step away from your microwave s-l-o-w-l-y

There is, however, one capital sin some people commit with some dishes. A despicable act that needs to stop ASAP.

They nuke everything.

People, please, realize some foods are not made for the microwave. In fact, there are very few dishes that can survive through the whole process and keep their deliciousness rate intact.

I mean, pizza? Just eat it cold or heat it on the stove, please. I promise you; it will taste better. Pasta? It might work with very small portions but, if you are heating up food for several people, it will cook unevenly. It might be better to put it in a pan on the stove, with some butter and a hint of water or broth.

You will need to practice so, through a trial and error process, you learn which foods can survive your microwave’s nefarious effect on food’s yummy factor. In the meantime, whenever possible, reheat leftovers on the stove.

Leftovers can evolve

Let’s not forget that what used to be a steak can transform into cold cuts for tomorrow’s sandwich. Some leftover bbq pork can make taco stuffing. You didn’t use all of the sauce you made for your pasta? Well, well, add veggies and some chunks of beef, and we can get a stew going.

Leftovers are generous. They want to give us more, so much more. Let us listen to their wisdom and use up everything we have in our fridge in new, creative ways. If we do it correctly, this season of joy can last all year long.

Wouldn’t that be nice?

Originally published by me on Kitchen Tales.