I Was Challenged

Hello,

Recently a friend, whom we will just call "J.R." he knows whom I am referring to, challenged me to come up with recipes from left overs.  I am always up for a challenge!! The problem is of course when I come up with ideas I forget to document them either with a picture or by writing down what was in it.  So the other night I had to come up with a quick dinner and had no idea what to make.  When I went into the refrigerator for the millionth time I saw that I had some steamed shrimp left over and decided I would do something with that.

"Shrimp Pasta"

Sorry it isn't on a beautiful plate, we had already began eating when I realized "OMG I should take a picture of this because "J.R." has challenged me!!  So I ran to the kitchen and snapped a picture in the pot.  I know tacky, but I got it!!

So the left overs are the steamed shrimp that I removed all of the tails from.  In a frying pan I added a little olive oil, large strips of peppers (color of your choice) and red onion.  I added garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the veggies.  While I am sauteing the veggies I start cooking the spaghetti pasta in salted water.

"Shrimp Pasta"

Don't over cook the peppers, but once they become limp I added some frozen peas, fresh lemon and the cooked shrimp.  Since the shrimp are already cooked you only have to warm them.  If you over heat the shrimp they will become rubbery.  No one likes a rubbery shrimp!!   Once the pasta is finished drain and toss with olive oil Parmesan cheese and squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.  "Watch out for seeds" Now combine both items and blend well.  Taste for salt and flavor and add more red pepper flakes, salt, or cheese if you would like.  Once I put the meal on the plates I topped them with extra Parmesan and crushed red peppers to those that like it SPICY!!

Enjoy,

Mo
PS:  "J.R." Be on the look out for more ideas from left overs I have not forgotten our challenge!!

Left Overs.... What to do??

Hello,

The guest have all left!  The dishes are all clean and put away!  Now, what do you do with all the left overs?  If you didn't give any to your family and friends food to take home, you will have plenty of left overs.  You can make the typical turkey sandwiches, turkey salad, turkey casserole, potato pancakes, ham salad, ham and bean soup, etc.  I am planning on making a nice big pot of "Turkey Soup" saving some and giving some away.  Who can turn down free soup?

I like to start with sauteing some vegetables, whatever you have in the house will work.  Onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, etc.  I pull off any turkey that I can from the carcass (bones), then take the carcass put it in a big pot cover it with water and simmer it to make stock for your soup.  This will guarantee your soup is full of flavor and enjoyed by everyone.  Once your vegetables are sauteed and your stock is ready combine the two.  If you want to add starch to this soup you can add potatoes, pasta or beans.  Sometimes I like to put in the left over gravy and green beans as well no use leaving it to go to waste.  Just try and be creative with what you have left for leftovers and you will be surprised what you end up with.  I would suggest leaving out anything sweet or that has bread in it. 

LEFTOVER TURKEY SOUP:(whats in my pot?)

diced onions, celery, carrots

turkey (of course)

stock made from turkey carcass

green beans

corn (cans left over in pantry)

left over gravy (if I can get it before the kids)

white beans or potatoes

What do you make from your leftovers?

Look for future leftover recipes and ideas.....................

Enjoy,
Mo