Today was clean out the fridge day. I set stacks of containers containing leftovers on the counter and prepared to wipe down the refrigerator shelves. I confess. I’m one of those people who saves stuff, and that includes food. My mother often said “Children in India are starving” as she tucked one more dish of leftovers into her fridge.
So instead of forcing myself to throw out perfectly good food, I decided to combine it. Voila! A casserole was born. I call this one “kitchen sink casserole” because it contains everything except the kitchen sink. You could, of course, use any ingredients in your fridge or cupboards to do something similar, but here’s my recipe.
Kitchen sink casserole
Kitchen Sink Casserole
Layer these leftover ingredients (or similar) in order:
Polenta cooked soft (I use Bob’s Red Mill, which has the best texture I’ve found)
Sauteed mushrooms and onions
Quinoa with garlic (Trader Joe’s brand)
Tomato sauce with meatless meatballs (Trader Joe’s freezer case)
Leftover turkey chili
Extra tomato sauce
Shaved parmesan cheese
Lite Mexican grated cheese blend (also Trader Joe’s)
Sprinkle liberally with paprika and chili powder then bake in a 350 – 375 degree oven for 35 minutes, or until casserole bubbles and cheese is lightly browned. Serve with a green salad and some good artisan crusty bread, preferably whole grain. Yum!
On my old WordPress.com blog, Oakland Cityscapes, I posted a recipe for Turkey Pickup, a casserole my grandmother used to make which I changed to a healthier version a few years ago. Since I can’t seem to link this blog with the old one, here’s a link if that recipe interests you. http://eleanorvincent.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/lazy-girls-healthy-turkey-pick-up/
Just a reminder for those of you still following the old blog, please provide your email address on this newer blog to become a subscriber, or go “Like” my author page on Facebook. Hope you enjoy these recipes! You may also want to visit Baking not Writing, a fabulous blog by sister writer Emily Polsby – many delicious dairy free recipes and baking tips there.
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It’s great to use up leftovers. Your casserole looks yummy!
Now that the weather has turned cool, I put leftovers of soups and stews into the freezer. It’s so convenient to have home-made ready meals when I don’t feel like cooking at the end of a long day.
Grace,
You are very wise. I too try to “cook ahead” and freeze things. Cooking is also a great way to avoid or postpone writing!
Thanks for the shout out! Everything is better with melted cheese on top — I miss those days!
LOL! True.