There is something extra yummy about Christmas leftovers so make sure you don’t waste a single bite
Nobody wants to think about how much food they waste but a recent survey has shown that 40% of Irish people admit to wasting more food than usual over Christmas, and 43% overbuy as they are scared of running out of food.
The research, conducted by Too Good to Go, discovered that despite the cost-of-living crisis continuing, nearly a quarter of Irish people (23%) admit to spending up to €100 extra on groceries in the two weeks before Christmas, with a third (30%) spending up to €200 extra. Almost a fifth of respondents confessed to spending nearly €300 extra on groceries – that’s almost three times the average family weekly shop.
So, to help you combat food waste and make the most of your meals, Sophie Trueman has compiled some of the best ways to use your leftovers after that delicious Christmas feast!
Turkey
- Cook your leftover turkey meat into a pie filling with your choice of herbs, softened leeks, vegetable stock and creme fraiche. Layer it into a shell of puff pastry and enjoy with a side of steamed greens.
- Create a flavour-packed ramen bowl complete with strips of turkey, dried shiitake and crunchy bean sprouts.
- Pile turkey meat onto a pizza base along with your favourite pizza toppings. Try mozzarella and red onions, adding cranberries for a final festive flourish.
- Adapt your favourite chicken or tofu curry recipe to incorporate turkey instead.
Vegetables
- Toss your roasted vegetables together with fresh ones – think leafy greens and tomatoes. Whip together your choice of dressing to create a tasty potato salad.
- Whisk eggs together along with some flavoursome extras – think chopped spring onion or cheddar cheese. Pour the mix into a baking tray and distribute the roast vegetables evenly. Bake until set, puffed and golden brown for an easy baked tortilla.
- Fry the vegetables in a hot pan along with extras such as onions and red peppers to create a roast vegetable hash. Add your choice of herbs, spices, and leftover Christmas meats.
Sprouts
- Create pesto by blending roasted brussels sprouts, garlic, lemon juice and your choice of toasted nuts. Enjoy stirred into a bowl of steaming pasta.
- Create a leek and brussels sprouts gratin. Take your brussels sprouts and bathe them in a cheese sauce. Then top with breadcrumbs, bake and serve.
Potatoes
Too many spuds? Mash them to make some delicious dishes:
- Make fish cakes by mixing equal portions of mashed potato and smoked fish. Blend in an egg, then add your choice of herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Fry both sides until golden.
- Use your mash to top a hearty shepherd’s or fish pie.
- Whisk your mash together with flour, eggs, baking powder, chives, and milk, creating a tasty batch of potato pancakes.
Christmas pudding
- Create a festive sundae by piling spoonfuls of pudding atop ice cream, then drizzling your choice of sweet sauce over the top.
- Create Christmas pudding truffles by mixing leftover pudding with molten dark chocolate. Add a splash of festive liqueur – think rum or brandy – then roll the mixture into small balls. Coat the truffles in chopped nuts, then chill.
- Put an extra Christmassy twist on trifle: simply replace the sponge fingers with crumbled Christmas pudding.
Mince pies
- Crumble mince pies over scoops of ice cream.
- Create mince pie brownies. Simply make your favourite brownie mix recipe, then crumble leftover mince pies into the finished mixture right before you pour it into the tray.
Bread
- If you save sliced bread, remember to store it in the fridge when you get home. This way it will last much longer, extending its expiration date. Always remember to use your senses before consuming it – look, smell, taste!
- If your bread has dried out, you can spray the crusts with water or place a damp cloth over the loaf for a few minutes. Then, try putting it in the oven for a few minutes, so it will recover its crunchy texture.
