Reducing food waste can be one of the most important and easiest ways to end world hunger. With nearly one billion hungry people in the world today, we need to stop throwing out so much food. Right now 1/3 of all the food produced for our plates get tossed in the garbage. In the U.S. household throw out more than 2.7 million apples a year. My friend Evelyn gave me a great tip for the leftover apple peals from making pies. She said to make apple butter. What a simple yet brilliant idea. Just boil the peels with or without added sugar, than run them through the blender. This makes a simple and healthy spread. Try putting it on toast, over ice cream, in your oatmeal, or with peanut butter for a delicious sandwich.
Reducing the amount of food we waste we conserve our resources making it better for everyone, including the planet. Rotting food produces tons of polluting methane gas. Start by planning meals ahead of time and buying only what you need. If you see a sale that you just can't pass up. Like the one that gets me every time "buy one get one free". The extra meat made lots of extra tamales, which my friends will enjoy. Sharing food with friends can greatly reduce waste and save money. When eating out share a main course and or dessert.
My friends were talking about all the amazing meals they were going to make with leftover turkey. Turkey posole made the top of the list this year. To make it you simply rinse the uncooked hominy (soaking for a few hours is optional) sauté onions and garlic, add the hominy boil till tender add turkey include some dripping for flavor, red or green chile. This gives the usual turkey soup a new and spicy twist. If you prefer the more traditional soup, add any leftover green beans, corn, peas, and any other favorites, to the mix, add garlic, salt and pepper to taste. This makes a yummy and nutrient rich meal.
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| A traditional New Mexico Thanksgiving meal includes red chile. |
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| Cooking a smaller turkey cuts down on waste. My sister bought an eight pound turkey. We still have plenty to enjoy later. My mother frequently made empanadas (turnovers) using leftover turkey. Fill pie dough with turkey, veggies, and any other goodies you like, fold and bake till dough is golden brown. Any leftover crescent, or biscuit dough will make a quick and easy dough. |
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| Tamales a holiday favorite. They can be made with turkey, pork, squash, mushrooms, spinach, red or green chile. |
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| My lunch on Saturday. |
My favorite and simplest way to eat my leftover Thanksgiving meal, the sandwich. Take a bun, slice it open, add turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, red chile, fold and eat. Make mash potato hash browns in the morning. Form them into patties, sauté in olive oil till golden brown. They can also be added to turkey stew, they make a wonderful natural thickener. Create a simple, low calorie, salad using leftover greens and turkey. Place greens on a plate, add turkey strips, sliced onions, and olives. Celery, cranberries, and carrots can be added as well.
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So easy and delicious. It makes a great late night snack if you are still up spending time with friends and family.
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| Potato patties. |
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| Store Red chile in a cool, dry place. Some people blend and freeze it ahead of time making it fast and easy to use when needed. |
Enjoying my favorite way to eat leftover Thanksgiving dinner. Be grateful for every meal. Be kind to yourself and others. Simply do your best to be wise with food, reduce waste. Share a meal or two, invite someone over, or take them some food. Think before you throw it out. Plan ahead, be creative and come up with new traditions on how to Love your leftovers.
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| My favorite. |
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| Caught with a mouthful. |
Learn more about simple ways to Fight World Hunger Starting at your Kitchen Table. +OxfamAmerica ActionCorps Wishing you a Happy Winter Season.
