Derech Eretz Corner: Leftovers Again?!

Leftovers again? Oh, what a sight!

But yesterday’s meal looks different tonight.

“What is this? (They whine and poke.)

They roll their eyes at this culinary joke.

But behold young critics, please take a bite.

Yesterday’s dinner still packs delight.

Added ingredients on the top layer.

Gives it a whole new look as well as flavor.

Leftovers here, leftovers, there,

Magic meals, beyond compare!

Pizza slices, stew, and rice,

Last night‘s feast can still taste nice.

Warm it up and add a twist,                                                                      

Dinner is done – nothing missed.

And when the platter gets passed and you want it all,

check to see if anybody else made the call.

Believe it or not it tastes better to share.

And it shows everyone else at the table you care.

When we are finished and full you feel,

We ask to be excused and help clean up from this meal.

Say thank you to who made it…

Let them know what you liked best.

Give suggestions for what to do with the rest.

And now all you “fressers," you may be excused.

Note for parents:

I did canvass several readers to find out how they make their leftovers palatable for another meal. Obviously, if it was something very popular, all it needs is reheating, perhaps with some new side dishes. Other suggestions were to make leftover chicken into chicken wraps; make rice into fried rice; split up the leftovers and freeze them to use later with other side dishes: cut up leftover meat into smaller pieces and add to spaghetti or Chinese food with or without sauces. I used to save leftover Shabbat table bread until I had enough in the freezer to soak in water, add enchilada sauce and soy meat, and make into an enchilada casserole. The brain is fertile grounds for huge crops of imagination when it comes to repurposing leftovers.