leftovers

Best Money Tips: 15 Foods That Are Better as Leftovers

Amy Lu — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:00:08 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on food that are always better as leftovers, ways to do big life events cheaply, and budget destinations to check out for your next vacation.

11 Ways to Turn Leftover Sweet Potatoes and Other Starchy Foods Into Something Special

Marla Walters — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 08:30:15 +0000

You may be feeling less than inspired about those leftover tortillas, mashed potatoes, or that garlic bread. I am also guilty of overbuying "pick of the season" corn. Those sweet potatoes, which seemed like good idea at the time, need to be used up. Here are 11 fun ways to use up leftover starchy foods. Your refrigerator will thank you for making the space, too.

1. Sweet potato haupia pie

This sweet potato pie recipe uses Okinawan sweet potatoes, which are naturally sweet, so you can cut back a little on the sugar if you'd like. The Okinawan potatoes also make the bars a pretty purple color, so it's a showy, yet homey, dessert. When you chill the bars, the haupia "sets" into a firm layer so these pie slices can be easily cut.

2. Mashed potato cinnamon rolls

Adding mashed potatoes to rolled dough results in super soft, tender rolls with more body. While that's one great use, imagine what happens when you add leftover mashed potatoes to cinnamon rolls. They are completely irresistible.

3. Brown rice salad

Always on the lookout for work lunch ideas, this brown rice salad with avocado made me stop in my tracks. It's worth your time to cook extra rice just so you can make this. I like to drizzle the tiniest bit of sesame oil into it. As the recipe mentions, you can add in a leftover protein, too.

4. White rice balls

These arancini (rice balls) with marinara are totally delicious, and you probably won't be able to eat just one. They are very easy to make, which is probably a bad thing, because they are so good. Toss a side salad, and dinner will be ready.

5. Salted caramel bread pudding

Salted caramel anything is pretty good ... but have you tried it with leftover bread, to make bread pudding? This recipe utilizes brioche, but as that wasn't available to me, I used French bread cubes and it was still mouthwatering.

6. Garlic bread croutons

Ever buy that garlic bread that's all ready to pop into the oven? If you have leftover pieces, just wrap them up. The next day, cut into small chunks and toast over low heat in a skillet. Toss into a salad for extra-flavorful croutons.

7. Mexican lasagna with tortillas

We all love comfort food, and here it is, in the form of a Mexican lasagna. It matters not if your tortillas are slightly stale — they will work just fine. Substituting ground turkey or chicken is a great option, too.

8. Migas with tortilla chips

Tortilla chips are so cheap and delicious, until they go stale. Ugh. So what do we do with them now? Try making Migas, which are scrambled eggs with tortilla chips, onion, tomatoes, cheese, and other delicious goodies. I like to build mine like a power bowl, adding avocado and some plain Greek yogurt on the side.

9. Mexican street corn salad

A decision of overbuying fresh corn sent me to the internet. While I love Mexican street corn, I find it's a little messy to eat it straight off the cob. That problem is resolved with this Mexican street corn salad. This is great with barbecued chicken or grilled shrimp.

10. Lentil salad

Any recipe that suggests combining bacon, shallots, goat cheese, and Dijon is bound to be delightful, am I right? This warm bacon-Dijon lentil salad is absolutely great and I think it works well in any season. My husband is not a huge goat cheese fan, so I substitute a little feta.

11. Black bean dip

This black bean dip has great flavor and goes together quickly. I like cilantro on top, but not everyone is a cilantro fan, feel free to skip it altogether. It's also vegan.

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Recipes That'll Clean Out the Fridge

Marla Walters — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:30:14 +0000

"Mom, there's nothing to eat!"

Ah, the cry of the hungry child. But there is plenty of food in the fridge, even if it looks like a collection of mismatched ingredients. Maybe instead of hitting the grocery store, you need to get into frugal mode and whip up something delicious and easy with those leftovers. Handy items to have around that can bring any assortment of ingredients together are whole-wheat tortillas, spring roll (rice paper) wrappers, biscuits, panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), and eggs. Here are eight easy meals that'll clean out the fridge. (See also: 10 Cheap and Easy Meals That Make Even Better Leftovers)

1. Fried rice patties

Got fried rice? Make crispy fritters. Stir an egg or two (start with one, and see if that is enough to bind the rice). Add some chopped onion, a tablespoon or two of panko breadcrumbs, and a little garlic. Heat up some oil, add the patties, and fry on each side until crispy. This will be delicious with a fried egg on top or some peanut sauce.

2. Fried chicken salad

Lucky you, if you have fried chicken leftovers. Dice the chicken up, toss it onto a bed of lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers, and pour over some buttermilk salad dressing. It's such a good salad, you may find that you prefer the leftovers to the original dinner. (See also: 9 Ways to Use Up Leftover Buttermilk)

3. Roasted veggies and quinoa

Toss together your remaining quinoa with any other veggies in your fridge — leftover roasted vegetables are great, or sauteed mushrooms — and toss with a lemony vinaigrette. Top with some nuts and you will have a delicious power bowl ready to take to work.

4. Cheesy baked potatoes

Leftover baked potatoes are so versatile that I just bake extras on purpose. Slice cold potatoes in half and scoop out the center. Mix the potato with any leftover vegetables. If you have any frozen broccoli or spinach, use them up! Add some cheese and heat in the microwave. (See also: 11 Meals That Make Terrific Leftovers)

5. Rotisserie chicken lettuce wraps

Costco has wonderfully low-priced rotisserie chickens, and at $5 a chicken, these are pretty much a constant in our refrigerator. Use any chicken you have left over in these delicious lettuce wraps.

7. Stuffed biscuits

Refrigerated biscuits are so versatile that I keep a can of the Pillsbury rolls around at all times. You can put pretty much anything in a flattened biscuit, fold it in half, and bake. I especially like leftover sausages, tomato sauce, peppers, and mozzarella.

8. Tamale pie

Bet you have some Jiffy cornbread mix in your pantry. It's all of 59 cents, so you should. Put your leftover chili into a casserole dish. Prepare cornbread as directed and spread over the top. Add some grated cheddar cheese. Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes and you have a sort-of tamale pie.

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

50+ Uses for Citrus Peels

Carrie Kirby — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 10:31:30 +0000

After years of drought, it's raining in California, and that means backyard citrus trees are springing to life, delivering green, yellow, and orange packets of deliciousness. But after you make your key lime pie, your lemonade, and your fresh juices, pause before throwing out those peels.

Far from being garbage, citrus rinds or peels may actually be more valuable than the fruit inside. For one thing, the peel is the source of oil that is used as a solvent in many products, such as citrus-based cleaners, and is also a natural pesticide. For another, it's nutritious — an orange peel contains more fiber than the orange itself, plus antioxidants, protein, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

But eating an orange, lemon, grapefruit, or lime peel doesn't sound appetizing to most of us. Here are 52 more appealing ways to get the value out of those citrus peels. Unwaxed fruit works best for these recipes.

Household Uses

Those leftover citrus peels can become the key to a clean and fresh home.

1. Eco-Friendly Cleaner

This has been my go-to use for the peels from our lemon and lime trees for years. It cuts grease, disinfects, and smells great. Simply submerge the peels (or juiced whole fruits) in vinegar, let them steep two weeks or longer, then mix the resulting liquid 50/50 with water for a great counter spray, bathroom cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner.

I buy a gallon of vinegar, pour some out, and then replace the liquid with peels as I use them. Make sure that the peels are completely submerged in vinegar to prevent mold.

An alternative recipe, called an enzyme cleaner, uses brown sugar and water, but no vinegar, with citrus peels. This one takes a long time to make because it's fermented.

2. Essential Oil

Another way to harness the cleaning power and aroma of citrus is to distill it into an essential oil, which you can then add to homemade cleaners or use for deodorizing everything from your trash can to laundry that's been sitting in the washer too long. You can use vodka and a food processor to draw the oil out of citrus peels and create essential oil in your kitchen.

3. Furniture Polish

Infuse any kind of furniture friendly oil with citrus rinds to make a nontoxic treatment for wood furniture.

4. Garbage Disposal Cleaner

This has to be the laziest way to "use" citrus peels — just throw them in the disposal. But if you want to get fancier about it, you can freeze the peels in ice cube trays with water or vinegar, so you have a cube available any time the disposal starts to stink.

5. Frugal Sponge

If you juiced a lemon or orange while cooking, wipe that sucker all over the place before discarding it: cutting board, counter, sink.

6. Dishwasher Booster

After you've squeezed the juice out of the lemon, just throw the remains right into the dishwasher. It may get the dishes cleaner, and it will freshen the machine at the same time.

7. Mineral Deposit Remover

Decalcify the inside of a tea kettle by boiling peels inside it, then letting it sit for an hour. Or soak cloudy glassware in a sinkful of hot water and citrus rinds.

8. Microwave Cleaner

Zap a bowl of rinds and water for five minutes, and any caked-on gunk inside the microwave should wipe away easily.

9. Metal Polish

For a chrome faucet, a once-over with a squeezed-out lemon wedge should do the trick. For copper, brass, or stainless steel pots, you can dip the wedge in baking soda or salt before rubbing.

10. Indoor Pest Deterrent

Rub a lemon peel along a windowsill where ants have been coming in, or spray insects with a lemon/vinegar infusion to kill them.

11. Natural Air Freshener

Boil citrus rinds along with anything else that smells good to you. I like to throw in cinnamon sticks that have already been used to stir cups of apple cider. Not only does it make your house smell great, but it doubles as a humidifier.

12. Potpourri

Dry out strips of orange peel, and combine them with other dehydrated ingredients such as cinnamon sticks or flower petals to make sweet-smelling sachets to keep in a drawer or around the house.

13. Brown Sugar Softener

Put a piece of any citrus rind into a container of brown sugar to keep the sugar from getting hard.

14. Fridge Deodorant

A super-easy use for squeezed out lemons after a lemonade stand: Stick them in the fridge, as is, and let them soak up odors.

15. Fire Starter

Believe it or not, dried-out citrus peels can be used as fire starters for your grill, fireplace, or campfire. Bonus: If you're using them indoors, the room will smell great. You can use the peels alone, or incorporate them into a fire starter made of rolled newspaper or pine cones.

16. Oil Lamp

You can turn a half-orange peel into an oil lamp with a natural wick if you prepare it carefully. I love this idea, especially as a centerpiece, floating in a bowl of water. Does your yard have both a citrus tree and a swimming pool? A pool full of flaming orange or grapefruit halves would look amazing for an evening patio party.

17. Candle

A hollowed-out citrus half can serve both as mold and fragrant holder for a candle. You can use a drop of the essential oil you made to make the smell even stronger.

18. Egg Pan

On your next camping trip, try cooking an egg over the campfire with an empty orange half.

19. Scouring Powder

This recipe calls for dried-out grapefruit rinds ground into powder, borax, and baking soda, to make a wonderful-smelling cleaner for your kitchen sink or toilet. Seems to me other citrus rinds would work just as well. The same ingredients mixed in different proportions make a carpet freshener.

20. Cannabis Keeper

Now that weed is legal in some states, users might like to know that a fresh orange peel or two can add moisture to dried-out weed or keep it moist in a sealed container.

21. Soil Enricher

Stir powdered citrus rinds into your garden to add sulfur, magnesium, and calcium to the soil.

22. Natural Pesticide

Soak orange peels in boiling water, strain, add a few drops of soap, and spray on plants to discourage soft-bodied pests such as slugs. This can also kill ants and roaches if you spray it directly on them. Some folks strengthen the spray with garlic, cayenne, and other smelly stuff.

23. Cat Repellent

Want to keep a neighborhood cat out of your garden? Spread around lots of citrus peels; felines hate the smell.

24. Mosquito Repellent

As weird as it sounds, you can rub an unpeeled orange right on your skin to get some mosquito-repelling orange oil on you — which would be a good emergency measure if you forget bug spray on a picnic. You can even use a strip of peel to replace the insert of a plug-in mosquito repelling device.

25. Bird Feeder

This DIY project involves filling an empty half peel with bird seed and hanging it from a tree.

26. Homemade Goo Gone

Citrus oil's solvent properties are useful for dissolving sticky stuff, like tar on the bottom of a shoe or the sticky residue left behind by tape. You can try rubbing a fruit peel right on the goo, or combine citrus essential oil with baking soda and oil to make a homemade version of the commercial product.

Culinary Uses

Wash peels well before using them for edibles, and scrape or cut the bitter white pith off the peels. Some people use only organic peels for edible concoctions.

27. Infused Liquor

You can use your citrus rinds to create bottles of flavored spirits or liqueur that make excellent gifts. I was surprised to learn how easy this is: You only have to infuse the peels in the alcohol for a few days to make flavored liquor. If you want a sweet liqueur such as limoncello or triple sec, just add sugar syrup.

28. Garnish

When it's time to make cocktails with that infused vodka, cut a strip of citrus peel and simply curl it into a spiral with your fingers or wrap it around a pencil. It will stay curled like magic. You could also garnish food with these whimsical curls, if you have any peels left over after getting through all that infused vodka.

29. Citrus Extract

A lot of recipes call for lemon extract, and a few call for other citrus extracts as well. Making it at home is just like making a vodka infusion, but with more rinds, less vodka, and a longer soaking time. This recipe calls for soaking the rinds of six lemons in one cup of vodka for up to six weeks before decanting into a bottle and adding to your spice cupboard.

30. Lemon Oil

This takes longer than creating infused liquor, but you can make lemon-flavored coconut oil or olive oil in a few weeks, and it's pretty easy. If you're in a hurry, you can use a hot process to speed things up to just a few hours. Use it in salad dressings or any way that you'd use the unflavored oil.

31. Infused Vinegar

To make an easy gift that looks very fancy, soak dried citrus peels in good vinegar, then strain and simmer the vinegar, then reunite it with the peels and put it all in a pretty bottle.

32. Lemon Butter

Combine lemon zest, butter, and herbs to make a concoction to flavor your Thanksgiving turkey or spread on bread.

33. Frozen Zest Stash

Many recipes, both baking and cooking, call for a teaspoon or so of lemon zest. What's more, you can throw it into all kinds of dishes, such as pastas and salads, just to brighten them up.

You don't need to go out and buy a lemon every time you want to make one of these recipes. Simply zest the fruit with a microplane before peeling or juicing, and store the grated bits in a freezer bag or in ice cube trays in your freezer. You can keep it for six months and don't need to defrost it before throwing it into a dish.

34. Dried Zest

I recently bought a small jar of dried lemon zest, causing my husband to laugh at me since we have a tree right outside our front door that's producing more lemons than we know what to do with. I didn't realize that making a jar of this stuff, which is useful for baking and marinades, is as simple as zesting the fruit and leaving that zest out to dry overnight. Now that I know, I think a jar of this would make a great holiday gift.

35. Lemon Sugar

Great for frosting the rim of a cocktail or sprinkling on pancakes, lemon sugar is so easy to make that the compliments I get upon serving it make me feel like a fraud. You can throw some rinds in the food processor with sugar and pulse, or even just seal an intact rind in a bag with sugar for a month or so. Boom. Lemon sugar.

36. Candied Peels

In a fancy restaurant on our anniversary last year, my husband and I pressed the waitress for the secret of the bursts of flavor in a dish. "Candied lemon peel," we were told. Revelation!

Turns out this delicacy, also known as citron, is easy to make: Just boil your peels with sugar syrup and store them in the fridge for up to a month. Candied citrus peels can be dipped in chocolate to make the French treat known as orangettes, used to garnish a lemon pie or a cocktail, sprinkled on ice cream, or simply gobbled up by those of us who love candy but want to feel sophisticated while eating it.

37. Recipe Ingredients

Some recipes call for not just a teaspoon of zest but whole chunks of citrus peels. Store whole rinds in your freezer and you'll be ready to make Sichuan tangerine beef, orange chicken, or orange peel chutney at a moment's notice.

38. Citrus Powder

To make a powder that stores well and is handy for adding to recipes (as well as cleaners or cosmetics), dehydrate citrus peels and then reduce them to dust in a food processor. One easy way to use the powder is adding it to club soda to make a refreshing, sugar-free beverage.

39. Lemon Pepper

Delicious on fish and chicken, lemon pepper is a pantry staple that is just slightly more complicated to make than lemon sugar. This recipe calls for dehydrating the zest with crushed peppercorns in the oven, then grinding it together. If you don't have a spice grinder, you can try crushing it with the back of a spoon or in a food processor.

40. Lemon Pickle

Simmer lemon peel with salt, then mix with lemon juice and olive oil to make preserved lemon peel or lemon pickle, which you can then use as a condiment or seasoning.

41. Citrus Salt

Just as with pepper, this is just a matter of mixing zest with salt, baking it dry, and grinding if a smoother texture is desired. A sprinkling of lemon salt is a nice finishing touch on a dish. If you use fancy salt in a pretty jar, this would make a good gift.

42. Orange Vapor

This could be considered a household use, but one recipe I found from super-fancy Chicago chef Grant Achatz, recommends orange vapor as part of a scallops recipe. According to the chef, you are supposed to put an orange rind in a bowl in front of each guest, and pour boiling water on it, creating a vapor that they can inhale while they eat. I told you he was fancy.

43. Juice or Smoothie Additive

I've never heard of juice made of just the citrus peel, and it doesn't sound good. But you can certainly include the peel when putting citrus fruits in a powerful juicer, to increase the nutritional value of the juice. Throw as much peel as you want into a smoothie as well, and let the other fruits balance out any bitterness.

44. Marmalade or Jam

This is a little more challenging than many of the other recipes here, but avid jam makers should be able to handle making jam from lemon rinds and squeezed-out pulp.

45. Tea

Add dried citrus rinds to your cup of tea, or include them in a homemade herbal tea mix.

Cosmetic Uses

Because it's nontoxic and fragrant, the sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to adding powdered, grated, dried, or infused citrus peels to homemade personal care products. A little more care is required if you're using the essential oil derived from citrus peels, because the oil is powerful and could irritate some people's skin.

46. Body Scrub

Mix the lemon-infused oil described above with sea salt or sugar to make a refreshing body scrub.

47. Skin Lightener

Cover an age spot with a lemon peel and attach it with a bandage for an hour.

48. Soap Additive

You can throw just about anything into homemade soap to add fragrance and texture, so why not little strips of citrus peels? This recipe lays out when in the soap-making process to add the citrus rinds.

49. Body Spray

This recipe for orange-vanilla body spray makes for another easy gift.

50. Simple Soak

If you don't have time to make a preparation with citrus peels, just throw some in a tub of hot water for an instant infusion, and soak.

51. Facial Mask

Dry and powder your citrus peels, then combine with ingredients such as oatmeal, milk, or sandalwood, depending on your goals for your skin.

52. Feet Treat

There are lots of recipes using citrus rinds for foot baths, including this one with lime zest, peppermint, and sugar. Citrus brings a great fragrance as well as helping to exfoliate feet.

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Eat Better and Save Money With These Easy Two-Night Meals

Andrea Cannon — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 09:30:29 +0000

Planning your meals every week can save you a huge amount of time and money. The average American spent more than $7,000 on food in 2015, with $4,000 of that coming from the supermarket. By repurposing leftovers, you can save money at the grocery store and still enjoy fresh, healthy meals every night. Enjoy a delicious, affordable meat dinner on the first night, and save half for the second night, to be repurposed into a completely new meal.

Cooking a big batch of food and freezing the leftovers can save you money and prep time, but it can get boring pretty quickly. That's why we've found some of the best two-night meals to shake up the week's menu. Consider also using an online meal planner to help you get organized and save you even more time. (See also: Save Money and Eat Better With These 6 Online Meal Planners)

1. Chili

Night 1: Chili with Cornbread

Night 2: Tacos or Chili Cheese Dogs or Spaghetti Bolognese or Fritos Chili Pie

Make a large pot of chili using leftover ground beef or ground turkey. It freezes well, is inexpensive, can be customized to suit your tastes, and the leftovers can be used in several different ways. Many chefs also agree that chili is actually better on the second night.

For the first meal, you can doll up the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime, onions, cilantro, and tortilla chips. For the second night, you can use the chili to make tacos by simply filling each taco shell with 1/4 cup of chili, plus lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. You can also top a hot dog with leftover chili and shredded cheese for a quick chili cheese dog.

You can also use it in a traditional spaghetti sauce to make a quick spaghetti Bolognese. You can either top the cooked pasta with chili or combined the leftover chili with a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for a more traditional Bolognese sauce. Fritos chili pie is another quick and satisfying meal that is an especially big hit with teens and kids.

2. Rotisserie Chicken

Night 1: Rotisserie Chicken with Baked Potatoes or Oven Fries

Night 2: Chicken Tacos, Chicken Soup, or Chicken Pot Pie

Rotisserie chicken is extremely affordable and once you pick off all the meat, you can use it in virtually endless ways. You can repurpose it into shredded chicken sandwiches by mixing it with barbecue or teriyaki sauce. You can also make chicken salads, casseroles, burritos, nachos, stir-fries, and so much more. You can also use the leftover bones to make chicken stock, which you can later use with the leftover chicken to make chicken noodle soup or chicken tortilla soup. (See also: Get a Week's Worth of Dinners Out of One Chicken)

Buying a whole chicken typically costs less than $1 per pound, whereas buying pre-cut chicken pieces will cost you much more and won't go as far. If you need to save even more time, you can always purchase a precooked rotisserie chicken from your grocery store, but you won't save quite as much money as you would by just cooking it yourself.

3. Pork Tenderloin

Night 1: Pork Tenderloin with Steamed Seasonal Vegetables or Mashed Potatoes

Night 2: Pulled Pork Sandwiches or Burritos

Enjoy grilled pork tenderloin on night one. On night two, heat the leftover tenderloin in the crockpot with barbecue sauce for perfect pulled pork sandwiches. The pulled pork can also be used to make things like burritos or nachos. You can also make crock pot pulled pork the first night and then use it in endless ways throughout the week.

4. Steak

Night 1: Steak with Lemony Mashed Potatoes and Corn on the Cob

Night 2: Steak Sandwiches, Steak Salad, or Philly Cheese Steaks

Grilled flank steak is one of the most affordable ways to have a satisfying steak dinner at home. It is also one of the easiest cuts to cook correctly, so even beginners can master it. Sirloin steak is also affordable, healthy, and easy to use in a million different ways. For the second night, use the sliced steak in a steak sandwich, steak salad, burritos, or nachos.

5. Roasted Turkey

Night 1: Turkey Dinner with Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, and Steamed Green Beans

Night 2: Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Pot Pies, or Turkey Reubens

Turkey is a satisfying meal around the holidays, but it can result in endless leftovers. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to use the leftover turkey that you slaved over. Turkey sandwiches are the easiest way to use up the turkey and any stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and/or mashed potatoes that you may have left over. It can also be used in enchiladas, casseroles, pasta dishes, and so much more. You can also make endless second-night meals with turkey breast and turkey tenderloin, so you don't have to buy and cook the whole bird.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Use Up Leftover Buttermilk

Marla Walters — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:00:05 +0000

My favorite salad dressing recipe calls for a cup of buttermilk. The smallest size that I can buy at the supermarket is a quart, which leaves me with three cups of buttermilk. What the heck do you do with three cups of buttermilk? Turns out there are a lot of possibilities. Being a person who hates food waste, I discovered nine delicious ways to use it up.

1. Buttermilk Facial

My mother was always experimenting with food that doubles as beauty products. Her favorites were beer or vinegar for a hair rinse, fresh lemons as a hair lightener, and buttermilk as a facial. Try mixing ground oatmeal with buttermilk to make a facial mask. Leave on for 30 minutes, and rinse off. Here are two more buttermilk mask ideas, for your specific skin type.

2. Buttermilk as Hair Conditioner

Sure, you can buy buttermilk hair conditioner, but why not make your own. It's easy to have luxe locks!

3. Quick Chive Rolls

I came up with these quick rolls a few years ago. Mine still turn out sort of lumpy but boy, are they good. Fluffy, tender, and cryin' out for butter.

4. Coconut Grain-Free Pancakes

Avoiding grains? No trouble! You can still enjoy these coconutty pancakes, with buttermilk. The buttermilk helps them be fluffy, not flat. Drizzle a little coconut syrup on the top for extra sweetness.

5. Fried Chicken

Warning: You are going to get very hungry after watching this video for buttermilk fried chicken. You may want to have coleslaw, potato salad, and biscuits on hand.

6. Biscuits

Whip up a batch of these easy buttermilk biscuits and watch 'em disappear. If you have any left over, they make a terrific breakfast sandwich.

7. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Here is your new favorite mashed-potato ingredient: Buttermilk. It makes the potatoes super creamy. I prefer to use yukon gold potatoes (see recipe note). Add a few chives or bacon bits on top for color. I could just eat these and skip the turkey.

8. Beet and Buttermilk Soup

It's not just pretty, though — this Polish classic ("Chlodnik") is also surprisingly hearty, flavorful, and full of good things like buttermilk (of course), cucumbers, dill, beets, and egg garnish. It looks remarkably like a dragon fruit smoothie (minus the egg, of course).

9. Just Drink It!

Yes, it's an acquired taste, but buttermilk contains some really great stuff: Calcium (284 milligrams in a cup) and protein (8.1 grams in a cup). If drinking it plain just isn't working for you, try it Indian-style, with cumin, salt, and coriander.

Need buttermilk for a recipe and can't run to the store? You can always substitute one cup of milk with either a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar stirred in. Let it stand for 10 minutes before using.

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Flashback Friday: 63 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Leftovers

Chrissa Hardy — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 10:00:12 +0000

Leftovers are usually nobody's first choice when mealtime comes around. You never want the less-fresh option when it comes to food, so if you have to, you settle for the container filled with the remains of last night's dinner. But everything old can be made new again. You just need a little inspiration. Here are 63 ways to make last night's meal as good as new.

10 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes — It's hard to make mashed potatoes in small quantities. Well, it is for me. Because once you start mashing them up, you end up with a giant pot of soft, buttery goodness that you couldn't possibly eat in one sitting. Luckily, these 10 yummy twists to mashed potatoes will make them even better the next day.

16 Ways to Use Up Leftover Champagne — Did you know you could make gravy and freshly baked bread with Champagne? So the next time you have a bottle leftover and are worried about it going flat, use it any of these 16 ways.

7 Delicious Uses for Leftover Hot Dogs — Summertime is all about chilled beverages and grilled hot dogs. So when the season starts winding down and you're stuck with dozens of dogs, what are you to do? Spice up the typical hot dog with these unique delicious toppings lose the bun altogether and add to your favorite dishes.

10 Cheap and Easy Meals That Make Even Better Leftovers — Frugal food isn't always healthy and flavorful, but you should never settle for bland budget eats. These affordable meals taste even better the second or third time around.

11 Meals That Make Terrific Leftovers — Chili, pork tenderloin, quinoa — these are just a few of the dishes that can easily be turned into delicious leftovers. So make them in large quantities and reap the benefits all week long.

9 Ways to Actually Enjoy Leftover Pizza — There is no leftover that tastes as good as next-day cold pizza. But if that isn't quite your thing, there are tons of tasty ways to spice up those extra slices.

What are some other brilliant ways to use leftovers? Share with us!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Delicious Uses for Leftover Hot Dogs

Jennifer Holder — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 09:31:28 +0000

I love hot dogs. Not just in the summer, but all year long. When I moved to New Zealand, I lost weight from the lack of hot dogs available. I wish I were kidding, but it's just not something the British or New Zealanders eat, probably for a good reason.

But if you're in a country that regularly consumes hot dogs, you may have a problem with too many hot dogs left over from summer barbecues. Luckily, there are a lot of other uses for hot dogs besides the usual hot dog on a bun.

1. Hot Dog Spaghetti

My boyfriend loves hot dog spaghetti and believes he invented it. Unfortunately, the Internet beat him to it. This meal is quick, easy, and delicious, albeit a little weird. Simply cut up uncooked hot dogs, thread 6-8 spaghetti noodles through them and boil for six minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Drain and mix with butter. Top with parmesan. My boyfriend also adds ketchup and hot sauce. I'll leave that up to you.

2. Hot Dog Casserole

The Southern (and most obvious) way to use any leftover food is to make a casserole. Hot dog casserole is basically macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, which is maybe something I eat on occasion anyway. While this particular recipe is not very nutritious, it is very much delicious. Unfortunately, a search for "hot dog casserole healthy" yielded little-to-no actual results.

3. Sloppy Dawgs

Similar to chopped dogs, which are chopped up hot dogs cooked in a chili sauce, sloppy dawgs are chopped up hot dogs with sloppy joe seasonings. In a skillet, cook chopped up hot dogs until golden brown, then add onions and red pepper with tomato paste. Separately mix red wine vinegar, brown sugar, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, and add to the pan. Cook until thickened and then add to a toasted bun.

4. Chicago Dog Salad

Chicago dogs are some of the best hot dogs in the world. The combination of spicy and sweet on a poppyseed bun — you can't beat it! That is… unless you make this delicious treat into a salad. Using ingredients from regular Chicago dogs sans bun, this salad is a much healthier alternative to pretty much every recipe on this list. Check out the recipe here and munch away!

5. Hot Dog Hash

I have seen a number of coworkers eat a hot dog in the morning. A hot dog, on a bun, slathered in ketchup. I have no idea what compels someone to eat a hot dog that early, but if you're going to do it, add an egg at least. This hot dog hash recipe from Michael Symon takes fresh potatoes, onions, eggs, and seasonings to create a delicious sounding breakfast (or brinner) option.

6. Pigs in a Blanket

When I was younger, the food I always asked for on my birthday was as follows: hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls, with macaroni and cheese and baked beans. Every year I requested this delicious combination of everything unhealthy, and every year my mom obliged. Pigs in a blanket is one of the easiest hot dog recipes that exists. You take a can of crescent rolls, cut the hot dogs down the middle, add sliced American cheese, and then wrap them in the crescent rolls. Bake according to package directions, but add an extra 5-10 minutes to make sure the crescent rolls are baked all the way. Serve with macaroni and cheese and baked beans and invite me over.

7. Corn Dog Waffles

Yep, you read that right. It's like Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson came up with the ultimate food. For these creative corn dog waffles, you'll need a waffle iron, waffle supplies, and of course, hot dogs. You can even put them on a stick — which might be the best part?. These are perfect for a summer party or your next Parks and Rec themed party (which I had in June).

What are your favorite uses for leftover hot dogs? Share with us!

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This article is from Jennifer Holder of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Meals That Make Terrific Leftovers

Marla Walters — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 10:30:09 +0000

Even though I love to cook, over the years, I have come to appreciate meals that are timesavers. I especially favor meals are also frugal and healthy. Cook one meal, and save half of it for the next meal. I serve dinner from the stove, and don't put the entire meal on the table, where people tend to "pick" and eat more than they should. Here are 11 ideas for terrific dinners made from leftovers. (See also: 9 Ways to Actually Enjoy Leftover Pizza)

1. Chili

Whether you like a meaty or a vegetarian chili, it's inexpensive, filling, and making a whole batch (usually six servings) will probably get you through two meals. This vegetarian version is extremely satisfying, especially with a little sour cream and blue corn tortilla chips. Eating beans can help you to lower your cholesterol, and they are a good source of protein. Buying store brands of canned beans will keep your cost low, at around $1.70 a can, or less. (Soaking dried beans is even cheaper, but you have to remember to take that step.) But wait, there will be leftovers!

On night two, try making these little cornmeal chili cups; fill them with your leftover, heated chili and garnish with shredded sharp cheddar. Serve with a tossed salad.

2. Cabbage

Yes, mon petite chou, get yourself a big head of cabbage. It's like… 16 cents a pound. That's awfully hard to beat. For the first meal, check out this Thai cabbage salad. (No need to also buy the red cabbage listed in the recipe, too, unless you want it). I liked it with the addition of chicken.

For leftovers, take the other half of the cabbage and make this super easy cabbage roll casserole (all the flavor, minus the fuss).

3. London Broil

Watch for this versatile cut of beef to go on sale, where it can be had for a remarkable $1 per pound. Aside from being a bargain, beef is a powerhouse for zinc, vitamin B, iron, and protein. For the first dinner, make this summery London broil salad.

Save part of the meat and, for the leftovers, toss into tacos with roasted sweet potatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.

4. Rotisserie Chicken

You can get a rotisserie chicken for an astounding value at Costco for just $5. On night one, serve half with these crispy smashed red potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts.

One night two, slice the rest of the meat; toss a salad, and serve with this tarragon French bread. Super frugal folks will take that carcass and make a chicken broth for future use.

5. Pork Butt

I watch for pork butt or shoulder to go on sale when it hits around $1.89 a pound, or less, and buy the biggest one that will fit into my Crock-Pot. With it I make Kalua pig. This will easily feed your whole family on night one. Use part of the meat, add barbecue sauce, and serve on buns. Get more of the aforementioned cabbage and make a coleslaw to serve with.

On the second night, chop up the rest of that cabbage and saute until tender. Add the Kalua pork and heat through. Serve over rice.

6. Quinoa

This tiny grain is bursting with iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin E. It's really good for you. To keep costs down, either buy in bulk or at Sam's Club or Costco. The white quinoa is cheaper than red or black, too. For the first meal, I like this quinoa pilaf served with a salad and French bread. I make mine with vegetable stock, which does, as the recipe suggests, give more flavor.

For the leftovers, take the chilled remains and add diced artichoke hearts and jarred red peppers. Any leftover French bread can be made into croutons. Toss and serve as a salad.

7. Salmon

We eat a lot of salmon, as it's an excellent source for vitamin B12 and vitamin D. I buy the big packs at Costco and split it into smaller pieces. That runs around $8 per pound. For the first meal, try this grilled salmon; and make baked potatoes to serve on the side.

Bake two extra potatoes and on night two, try these decadent potato, salmon, and spinach patties with garlicky dill cream.

8. Pork Tenderloin

With 22 grams of protein in only a three-ounce serving, pork tenderloin is one of my favorite go-tos. Look for it to go on sale for around $4.99, or less per pound, and stock up. I buy big loins at Costco, cut them into three or four one-pound pieces, and freeze. They make a really easy dinner (like this balsamic roasted loin) on night one.

For night two, mix up some Mojitos, fry plantains, and try some easy Cubanos (Cuban pork sandwiches).

9. Lentils

There aren't many things that are as cheap to make (and as filling) as lentils. A 16-ounce bag can be had for less than $3. Besides being a great source of fiber, they also contain potassium, calcium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K. For the first meal, lentils prepared in the French style are simple and flavorful.

For the leftovers, let's make lentil burgers. Allow the lentils (about a cup and a half) to come to room temperature. Add two beaten eggs, a half-cup of panko crumbs, salt and pepper and about a tablespoon of flour. Mix well. Shape into patties and fry. Serve on toasted buns with the usual fixings.

10. Tacos

Tacos are usually a very inexpensive meal. They can be filled with so many different things, from hamburger to turkey, fish, roasted vegetables, or just beans. You may spend a lot of time chopping up toppings on night one, but on night two, it's farmer's omelet time. I like to toss all the leftovers into my big skillet, add 3-4 beaten eggs, and fry it up. Top with salsa and sour cream. It's fast and delicious.

11. Turkey

Who says turkey is just for Thanksgiving? The best prices are, of course, around the holidays. When they are less than a dollar a pound, why not buy two and freeze one? Besides being a great source of protein, turkey is also a source of iron, zinc, potassium, B6, and niacin. My husband smokes them in our smoker and on night one, we do a semi-traditional turkey dinner (even in summer).

There will be a ton of meat to package for leftovers. I think my favorite way to feature the meat on night two is in these turkey enchiladas.

How do you salvage leftovers? Share with us!

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Genius Ways to Use Leftover Fruits and Veggies

Amy Lu — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 10:00:06 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on genius ways to use leftover produce, how to avoid common sales traps, and things to remember when you’ve lost your motivation.

These 10 Frugal Lunches Are Delicious Hot or Cold

Marla Walters — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 09:00:04 +0000

Now that the weather is warmer, the office microwave has less appeal at lunchtime. I'm not ready to abandon it completely, since there are still some rainy days. However, I find I like the option of having a cold lunch, instead of the usual wintertime hot lunch. To keep lunches frugal and fast, cook a little extra food for dinner, and then eat the leftovers — hot or cold — for lunch. Here are 10 of my favorites that work at either temperature. (See also: 15 Ways to Make Brown Bagging It Better Than Buying Lunch)

1. Soup

This spiced carrot and lemon grass soup is wonderful either hot or cold. It's also easy to convert it from vegetarian to vegan — just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Try it with some slices of avocado on top, too.

2. Grilled Skewers

I personally prefer these cold, but they are good both ways, especially served with vegetables and leftover rice. My mother's marinade recipe (below) makes enough for three and a half pounds of chicken or beef, works on beef or pork skewers, and is equally tasty over chicken and vegetables. I like to make vegetable skewers to grill alongside the meat including: zucchini, mushrooms, red pepper slices, and pineapple. I usually use beef or pork sirloin, but if I use chicken, I prefer boneless thighs.

Marilyn's Marinade

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup soy sauce
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup sherry
⅛ cup Worcestershire
1 T grated ginger
½ t Chopped garlic
Dash of liquid smoke

Method:

Combine all ingredients. Cut meat into small chunks and put into a large sandwich bag. Pour marinade over and put into refrigerator for at least six hours. Put onto skewers and grill. Serve with skewered vegetables and rice.

3. Pasta

Pasta easily goes from being delicious dinner to lunchtime leftover. I like to make a little extra pasta, and the next day, I can decide if I want a hot lunch with a leftover sauce, or cold, as in pasta salad. Certain types of pasta also seem to do better in salads: Bow tie, corkscrew, and fusilli come to mind. For a quick salad, just add chopped bell peppers, olives, and feta, and a little Italian dressing.

4. Lentils

Aside from being nutrient packed powerhouses (fiber, potassium, calcium zinc, and vitamin K), lentils are easy to cook and they are inexpensive. Bonus! I like them for dinner with grilled chicken apple sausages and a purple cabbage coleslaw. For lunch, either pack leftovers and heat, or toss the lentils into a wrap, a salad, or drizzle with a vinaigrette.

5. Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is pretty darn irresistible when hot, but when cold, it is still delicious, with that spicy, crispy, coating. At home, you can make a healthier version and a frugal one, using bone-in thighs. I like to serve with baked potatoes (bake extra) and vegetables. For lunch, you can dice the leftover potatoes and add an Italian vinaigrette, along with leftover vegetables. Pack into a container along with leftover fried chicken. Instant picnic!

6. Meatloaf

I know some of you are skeptical about meatloaf, having had bad experiences in school cafeterias and terrible diners. A good meatloaf, though, not only makes a terrific dinner, but an outstanding sandwich. This recipe is one of my favorites. Serve with mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans for dinner. The next day, put a slab on some bread with pickles, mustard, and sharp cheddar cheese.

7. Quiche

Quiche is a perfect "hot or cold" dish. I make them two at a time, because the Pillsbury crusts come two to a pack ("scratch" pie crust is not my thing, gang). You can either enjoy the quiche for a few days, or share one with another hungry family member. The next day after baking, it's fine cold or just warmed up in the microwave. They are also very versatile. You can add cooked, drained broccoli, spinach, chopped meats, etc.

8. Quinoa

Quinoa is another super versatile grain that lends itself to dinner (like this great vegetarian quinoa pilaf) and makes enough for leftovers. I love it cold, too. Try adding a cilantro pesto on top, or chopped artichoke hearts.

9. Borscht

You wouldn't think that a beet soup would be so filling, but it is — and the sour cream topping makes it luxurious. I like this vegetarian version. This is good with pumpernickel bread. Just wear an apron when you're cooking, because beet juice stains.

10. Frittatas

You'll love to learn to make a frittata, because they're easy and are good either hot or cold. They can also be vegetarian, or you can add meat to them. Not all frittatas are flipped, so don't be intimidated. And they are great for using up leftovers that you have in your fridge.

Remember food safety. Even if you are eating these meals "cold," be sure to pack them appropriately so that they stay that way until lunchtime.

What are your favorite hot or cold lunches? Share with us!

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Smart Things to Do With Leftover Easter Goodies

Ashley Marcin — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 09:00:11 +0000

The Easter holiday means a house filled with pastel… everything... cluttering the house. Don't toss all those goodies right away after. Instead, here are some ingenious ways to repurpose your leftovers for immediate use or year-round enjoyment.

1. Plastic Eggs (Practical)

These birdseed ornaments will liven up your backyard for pennies. Mix together flour, birdseed, water, and corn syrup. Scoop mixture into your plastic eggs, firmly packing to fit. Then close them up to set into your egg shape. Gently open the eggs (it helps to place them in a muffin tin) and let air dry for a few hours. To hang, tie some string or yarn around them. This tutorial makes about 18 small feeders.

2. Plastic Eggs (Pretty)

This sophisticated tealight flight is incredibly easy to make. Take your leftover plastic eggs, crack them in half (using the bottoms only), spray on a few coats of spray paint, and attach them to a piece of scrap wood with strong glue. Let everything dry before you place tealights inside to create a beautiful glow.

3. Plastic Eggs (Educational)

I've seen quite a number of ways to repurpose plastic eggs for learning. For my four-year-old daughter, I plan to work on reading skills with these word family eggs. Just collect your eggs, and use a permanent marker to write several letters on one half and the rest of the word on the second half of the egg. (For example, b-, c-, m-, s- and -at to make bat, cat, mat, and sat.) Your child can turn the sides of the eggs to create the different words and see how they relate.

4. Egg Dye

You've finished coloring your eggs — now what? Use leftover dye to get crafty. Try dying bare yarn in a rainbow of colors for whatever projects you have on your calendar. First, soak the yarn in vinegar and water. Get your dyes ready in different containers and use plastic pipettes for coloring. Apply the dye to the yarn, microwave to set, rinse, squeeze, and hang to dry.

5. Jelly Beans

Teach your kids some engineering basics using colorful jelly beans as your guide. To set up the experiment, you'll just need toothpicks, jelly beans, and some creative minds. Make cubes to start and then move on to more complicated shapes to see how they stabilize and shift. The author of this project said that these simple supplies gave her kids over a month of educational enjoyment.

6. Fake Grass

We typically fill our Easter baskets with fake grass of the paper variety. I then use whatever we have left for wrapping gifts (usually in gift bags) throughout the year. I've also used it as cheap packing material and given handfuls of it to my daughter to add dimension to art projects. Alternatively, you can carefully collect your leftovers and reuse them next year.

7. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Before eating your hard-boiled eggs, make sure they haven't been sitting out of the refrigerator for longer than two hours, haven't been in contact with pesticides or animal waste in an outdoor hunt, and aren't more than a week old. Once you've considered these food safety points, you can eat them plain, make deviled eggs, or whip up a delicious egg salad.

8. Candy

These leftover Easter candy cookies will help clear out your pantry shelves for fresh spring produce in no time. You simply mix together the dough base with flour, baking soda, sugars, salt, vanilla, and eggs. Then chop up two cups of whatever candy you have left (assorted chocolates probably work better than jelly beans), fold it into the dough, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

9. Baskets

Whether they're crazy colored or more neutral, you can always find great uses for baskets around your home. I store my daughter's markers, crayons, and other art supplies in small baskets that I keep in my craft room. When we're ready to do some coloring or art, I grab a basket and it helps keep everything tidy. Use yours to wrangle small toys (cars, blocks, etc.), books, or store it away to use again next year. Don't like your basket's looks? Spray paint it another color to suit your mood or decor.

10. Egg Crates

There are seriously a million ways you can reuse an egg carton in your home. My current favorite? I'm organizing my seedlings for the upcoming planting season. Just cut the lid off, poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup, fill each three-quarters full with soil, place your seeds inside, and put it on a plastic tray. Then label so you know what is what. (See also: 11 Creative Ways to Reuse Egg Crates)

How are you re-using your Easter stuff? Let us know in comments!

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Cheap and Easy Meals That Make Even Better Leftovers

Marla Walters — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 11:00:11 +0000

It's true, some things just get better with age. This is true even with some foods — just a little age, mind you. Some flavors improve when they've had time to meld, mellow out, or become more concentrated. Here are 10 dishes that not only get tastier, but can serve double-duty as an additional meal the next day.

1. Chili

My favorite recipe contains garlic, oregano, onions, Tabasco, green peppers, and jalapenos. On day one, it's a fairly spicy concoction, but upon reheating, it has been delightfully tamed. Chili also holds up well in the freezer and defrosts pretty quickly. Serve it up again for lunch or dinner with some grated cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

2. Meatloaf

Always great with a pile of mashed potatoes and some dilled carrots, meatloaf is so much better the next day in a sandwich with mayo, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles. If you can score some rye bread for that hot mess, all the better.

3. Pizza

If you buy a frozen pizza, or go the take-and-bake route, pizza and salad is a darned inexpensive meal. I never get anything except the large size because it can serve double duty: dinner and breakfast. My husband's trick is to heat a leftover slice in a little olive oil on the stove, so that the bottom re-crisps. Then, he makes an over-easy egg (firm, but still slightly runny). The egg goes on the top of the pizza. The flavors in Italian food are more pronounced, it seems, when reheated. I'm not sure he cares about that. He's a dude happily eating pizza for breakfast instead of granola.

4. Mushroom Burgers

These mushroom burgers are one of my favorite vegetarian recipes. Not only are they inexpensive to make, but I actually prefer them to a meat hamburger. Don't skip the dried thyme, which imparts great flavor. I also add a little dried sage. This combo will remind you of Thanksgiving.

Even though these days it's usually just my husband and I for dinner, I always make four patties. Why? Breakfast! Go Hawaiian-style with them and re-heat the "burger." Plop it over some brown rice, and add an egg on top. As the Hawaiians say, "So ono!"

5. Lasagna

If you are going to make a lasagna (or lasagne, whichever way you prefer to spell it), well, go for it and make a big 9x13 pan of it. Why? Lasagna always always gets better after spending the night in the refrigerator. Mine are usually a little sloppy coming out of the oven, even when I let them rest. However, on day two or three, something magical happens and it firms up. The flavors are also more prominent. This can be a second or third dinner, or you can cut into smaller squares for lunches. Lasagna is also a good candidate for the freezer.

6. Stew

Stew meat is really cheap, and there is a reason for that — it comes from a tough cut (usually chuck or bottom round). Save even more money by just buying a package of meat and cutting it up yourself, rather than buying packages of precut "stew meat." Don't worry about toughness, though. The act of cooking it slowly breaks the fibers down and tenderizes it. If you pair your meat with some pearl onions, garlic, red wine, and bacon, you'll be happy for days to come. It also freezes well.

7. The Sunday Roast, on Monday

Cooking a roast is a big effort, but the leftovers are great, and you will have enough for sandwiches, and maybe even another dinner. But wait! There is a breakfast bonus. Chop it up, add cooked potatoes, sauteed peppers, and onions, and bake into hash. Voila! Add a fried egg on top for a little extra treat.

8. Chicken Soup

For a variety of reasons, chicken soup is just better down the road. My mother's theory was that bay leaves gave soup extra flavor. She also was a fan of bouquet garni. I think the chicken fat and salt helps, too. I freeze mine in double gallon Ziplocks — you don't want to chance leakage — and don't forget to label. When you get a cold, remembering you have homemade chicken soup in the freezer will make you instantly feel better.

9. Thrice-Baked Potatoes

Not too many foods are as inexpensive as potatoes — or as versatile. Baked potatoes are fine, but twice-baked (containing cheese, green onion, maybe some broccoli or spinach) are terrific. And they are even better at breakfast, and especially on cold days. Bake a whole potato, stuff each half, and enjoy half with dinner and half another time. I tote my "second half" to the office, where I can microwave it.

10. Curry

Curry is often so spicy that I want a glass of milk to drink with it. So hot, but so good! Let it spend the night in the refrigerator, though, and it will mellow out. But it won't become boring, as the flavors seem to concentrate. I like mine with chicken, carrots, and pumpkin. Usually served with lots of rice, there is always enough for a second meal. It's inexpensive comfort food.

Did we miss any delicious leftover gems? Let us know in the comments!

This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Hambone Soup and 13 Other Hambone Recipes

Max Wong — Fri, 25 Dec 2015 12:00:03 +0000

It's hard to eat a whole ham — leftovers are almost guaranteed. Even after feeding a crowd, you'll find yourself with a picked-over bone that you may be ready to toss in the trash. Don't do it!

There are tons of inexpensive and utterly delicious dishes you can whip together with leftover ham and hambones. (See also: 10 Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes)

(You can even skip buying the whole ham itself and instead ask your butcher if there are any bones available to buy. The HoneyBaked Ham store in Los Angeles sells hambones for a thrifty $3 per pound, and they have a little extra meat to spare.)

1. Crock-Pot Ham Stock

After pulling off the leftover meat (save that for later!), I put leftover ham bones in my Crock-Pot, cover them with a gallon of water, and cook them overnight. The next morning, I have four quarts of bubbling stock. This makes a wonderful base for soups and more.

2. Gumbo

I use the ham stock made in my Crock-Pot to make a version of Leah Chase's Gumbo Z'Herbes. Although gumbo is an expensive dish due to all the meat, a cup of gumbo over steamed rice makes a hearty meal. I had six servings leftover, which freeze well for quickie meals during colder months.

3. Black-Eyed Peas With Ham Hock and Collards

Also made in a slow cooker, this black-eyed peas and collards is a Southern New Year's Day classic, and also the perfect dish to use up leftover Christmas ham.

4. Sandwiches

Don't underestimate the almighty sandwich. Go Italian with a tasty muffaletta for Sunday dinner, or enjoy some Cuban flair with medianoches instead. Also utterly delicious between two fresh slices of bread? Homemade deviled ham.

5. Ham Cakes

Ham cake-ettes are a great way to use up the inevitable post-holiday leftover ham and mashed potatoes. Cover the cakes with panko, and these are the turf version of crab cakes.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Ham

Even picky eaters will love roasted Brussels sprouts with ham and garlic. The sprouts caramelize when they roast, which gives them beautiful texture.

7. Hoppin' John

The Lowcountry classic Hoppin' John is perfect for breakfast, and is similar to beans and rice. The ingredients are super cheap — you probably already have most of them sitting in your pantry right now.

8. Grits or Polenta

One of my favorite sides to bring to any potluck is a cheesy grits casserole. Top the dish with some crispy cubes of cooked ham and a sprinkle of green onion, and you're guaranteed to return home with an empty pan. One of the great things about this dish is that it can be frozen for later. It reheats nicely under the broiler or in the microwave, perfect for breakfasts down the road.

For people who are just too fancy for grits, polenta (the grits of Italy) makes excellent hammy spoon bread or ham and cheddar gratin.

9. Ham and Cheese Pretzel Calzones

The next time you're entertaining, blow your friends away with these ham and cheese pretzel calzones. (Instead of cheddar cheese, I substitute brie and it is delicious.)

10. Choucroute Garnie

A classic Alsatian dish, choucroute garnie is a rustic mix of sauerkraut with sausages and other salted meats (like ham!). I omitted wine from my recipe and still enjoyed it.

11. Arroz Frito Cubano

I used my last bit of leftover ham and my last two cups of stock to make arroz frito cubano, a Chino-Cubano dish. I cooked the steamed rice in ham stock instead of water, and used up all the leftover ingredients from the week's dishes to make a thrifty meal.

12. Ham Omelet

I made a super fun green eggs and ham Denver omelet by combining Martha Stewart's recipe for pesto eggs with the classic omelet recipe from the Denver Post. Kids will love this one, too.

13. Pasta

Yes, ham also goes great with pasta. Make a filling and comforting pasta with creamy ham sauce, or use it to stuff spinach and ham ravioli.

14. Flavorful Additions

Another great way to use up leftover ham is by simply adding it to any dish you like for a flavorful kick. It makes a perfect topping for homemade pizzas, filling for quesadillas, or stuffing for savory pies. Get creative!

What are your favorite ways to use leftover ham?

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This article is from Max Wong of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Easy, Delicious Canned Cranberry Recipes

Marla Walters — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:00:44 +0000

Although I always make my mother's special recipe of fresh cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, I am the only one who eats it. Everyone prefers canned. What to do with any leftover canned cranberry, though? Here are 10 delicious solutions.

1.The Cran-Turkey Sammich

Quite possibly in my Top Five Sandwiches list is this delicious cranberry-turkey sandwich. It's very simple. For each sandwich, spread bread with softened cream cheese. Add red onion or chopped shallot, leftover turkey, a couple slices of canned cranberry, and a lettuce leaf. We used whole wheat sourdough for a recent lunch, but I think they'd be extra-yummy on sliced brioche.

2. Better Bagels

The above sandwich can be turned into a fast breakfast with bagels, cream cheese, lunch-meat turkey, and cranberry sauce.

3. Cranberry Meatballs

Only requiring three ingredients, cranberry meatballs meet the "fast and easy" criteria. Simply combine a bag of frozen turkey meatballs, a can of cranberry sauce (not the whole berry type), and bottle of chili sauce in your Crock-Pot. People love them. You can assemble them at the office for a potluck around 10 a.m. and drive them crazy with the aroma. They're also great for a quick meal at home, over rice or egg noodles.

4. Cranberry Meatloaf

Not a fan of meatloaf, you say? Guess again. Here is something I whipped up:

Meatloaf Mixture

1 pound ground turkey
½ cup panko crumbs
2 eggs, beaten
2 T shallots, finely minced
¼ cup ketchup
⅛ cup half-and-half
1 t salt
½ t pepper
¼ cup bacon bits
½ cup bleu cheese
Nonstick spray

Sauce

¼ can cranberry, mashed up with a fork
½ cup ketchup
1 T Sriracha sauce (or to taste)

Method

Combine sauce ingredients well and set aside.

Spray loaf pan with nonstick spray. Combine turkey burger, panko crumbs, eggs, ¼ cup ketchup, shallots, half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Place one-half of that mixture in bottom of loaf pan. Then, sprinkle bacon bits and bleu cheese over the mixture. Top with remaining turkey mixture and bake at 375 F for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and spread sauce over top. Bake for another 20 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it "rest" for 10 minutes. Slice and serve with garlic mashed potatoes and spinach-pear salad. Leftovers make awesome sandwiches.

5. Fancier Chicken

Oven-baked chicken breasts for dinner? Those can be pretty boring. A sauce makes all the difference, though. Smash up some of that canned cranberry with a little brown sugar, a pat of butter, a spritz of lime, and a dash of bourbon. Heat until melted and pour over that formerly boring chicken.

6. Zip Up Some Pork Chops

Try a chunky berry sauce with your grilled pork chops. To a can of whole-berry sauce, add a teaspoon each of finely-minced jalapeno and freshly grated ginger, and a small can of crushed pineapple. Heat until bubbly and then serve with pork chops.

7. Fast Appetizers

If you like the contrast of creamy Brie and tart cranberries, experiment with making easy appetizers. Try pre-made tart shells filled with cheese, caramelized onions or shallots, and a teaspoon of cranberries. Even easier? Slather onto crostini. Pick up puff pastry in the freezer section, fill with the cheese and cranberry combo, and bake.

8. Make a Smoothie

Toss chunky cranberry sauce into the blender and make a really delicious smoothie with almond milk and a banana.

9. Easy Syrup

Cranberry syrup is delicious on pancakes, waffles, or crepes. Heat a can of the whole-berry sauce. To thicken, stir ½ teaspoon of cornstarch into ¼ cup of cold water. Stir well. Add to heated cranberry sauce and stir on low heat until thickened. Chill leftover syrup and and spoon over a plain cheesecake, angel-food cake, or into vanilla Greek yogurt.

10. Healthy Lunch

Leftover quinoa? Try mixing it with feta, a couple of spoonfuls of canned whole cranberry, and some leftover turkey or chicken. Top with toasted pecans.

See? Canned cranberry isn't just for Thanksgiving. Stock up and enjoy the goodness anytime!

What's your favorite canned cranberry recipe?

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This article is from Marla Walters of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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50+ Uses for Citrus Peels

Household Uses

1. Eco-Friendly Cleaner

2. Essential Oil

3. Furniture Polish

4. Garbage Disposal Cleaner

5. Frugal Sponge

6. Dishwasher Booster

7. Mineral Deposit Remover

8. Microwave Cleaner

9. Metal Polish

10. Indoor Pest Deterrent

11. Natural Air Freshener

12. Potpourri

13. Brown Sugar Softener

14. Fridge Deodorant

15. Fire Starter

16. Oil Lamp

17. Candle

18. Egg Pan

19. Scouring Powder

20. Cannabis Keeper

21. Soil Enricher

22. Natural Pesticide

23. Cat Repellent

24. Mosquito Repellent

25. Bird Feeder

26. Homemade Goo Gone

Culinary Uses

27. Infused Liquor

28. Garnish

29. Citrus Extract

30. Lemon Oil

31. Infused Vinegar

32. Lemon Butter

33. Frozen Zest Stash

34. Dried Zest

35. Lemon Sugar

36. Candied Peels

37. Recipe Ingredients

38. Citrus Powder

39. Lemon Pepper

40. Lemon Pickle

41. Citrus Salt

42. Orange Vapor

43. Juice or Smoothie Additive

44. Marmalade or Jam

45. Tea

Cosmetic Uses

46. Body Scrub

47. Skin Lightener

48. Soap Additive

49. Body Spray

50. Simple Soak