My Five Favorite Food Saves

August 13th, 2024

On Dish Omaha, we recently talked about Saving Grace, the local organization that rescues perishable foods from restaurants and caterers, and sends them directly to shelters and programs.  This helps feed bellies and not the landfill! You can rescue your own leftovers easily and help the planet and your wallet.

Here are five simple leftover hacks:

Bread. This is one of the most discarded foods in America.  If you have too much, or it’s getting dry, cut into bite-sized cubes, sauté in butter, and add seasonings if you like (Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, for example.) Voilà—croutons! You’ll never buy store-bought again.

Potatoes. Looking wrinkly or starting to grow eyes? Peel, boil and mash! Load them up with sour cream, bacon and butter. They’ll keep in your fridge and are great reheated in the microwave.

French fries. They’re fantastic cut into pieces, crisped up in the oven or air fryer, and added to breakfast burritos or scrambled eggs.

Mushrooms. Getting a little slimy in the fridge? Rinse, slice and sauté with red wine, butter and garlic for a delicious mushroom sauce. Perfect over steak.

Crackers. When they get stale, don’t toss. Pulse them in a food processor and use as a perfect coating for crispy pan fried chicken.

For more leftover tips, check out my YouTube channel: LeftoverChef123.

Diane Watson is featured weekly on KVNO’s Dish Omaha every Wednesday at 9am during Morning Classics with Jeff Koterba. Listen to past episodes here.