Holiday meals leftover evacuation plan

 Before the next holiday starts, let's talk about leftovers. I know that not everyone is a fan of leftovers but we need to have a plan. Here are a few things to consider. 

• Evaluate the last holiday. Did I cook enough food? Did we have too much? Adjust as needed. 

• Calculate portions meticulously - chances are, you won’t overcook or undercook. In order to do that, you will have to understand both portion sizes and you will need to firm up the number of guests you will have over for the holiday meal. I know some families like to leave a couple of seats open to invite friends over. If that is a habit, plan for those open seats. If you have a set amount of people, plan your portions for those coming. 

 • Execute your plan - be sure to have carry-out plates if you are a family who offers leftovers to guests. I usually give my own containers or people use paper plates. 

• Here are a few creative ways to evacuate those leftovers:

Leftovers exchange - you can exchange your leftovers with your neighbors or friends. This way, you eat a completely different meal the next day.

Pack your leftovers and give them to the homeless - I am pretty they would appreciate the meal. Freeze your leftovers - you will get busy. You will not feel like cooking. If you freeze your leftovers, you are giving them the gift of time and good food in the future.

Give some of the foods a rebirth. Bread, in our case, panettone, can become bread pudding. Stale bread can become croutons. Meats can become wonderful paninis. Mashed potatoes can become pancakes. You can make turkey cranberry sliders, casseroles, pot pies, the options are endless. Follo me on Pinterest for more ideas. When it all fails, throw your leftovers away.