Indulge but be environmentally friendly.....

I've got an interest in sustainability, food waste and recycling. No need to tell you the statistics for thrown out food. I'm sure we are already crushing down our bins.
So relevant at this time of year. Boxing Day is National Leftovers Day. Take a look at this site, stick it in your memory box for next year.... she says as she is still eating the chicken and pork roulade from Festive Flavours which made heaps..... lol

Foodwise Foodwaste- National Leftovers Day  They even have some great suggestions for using up leftover herbs, lemons, breads etc

The Thermomix Festive Flavours Cookbook provided many recipes

 What are your secrets for cutting down on waste? There are only so many meals which can be dished up breakfast, lunch and tea for more than two days. And there are often so many "what a waste" salads, fruits, meats competing with plastic and rubbish in the bins.

I plan not to shop as there is plenty in the fridge and  freezer 

 

I'm having a New Year Pizza and Pav night which will be incorporating leftovers- I plan not to shop as there is plenty in the fridge and  freezer ( salami, vegies, cheese, ham and fruits for the Pav). Would you believe there is even frozen pizza base?

My top 6 tips for a waste free holiday season.

• Cook sweets with a long life or plan to whip up desserts with items which have at least a  January shelf life such as pastry cases, fruit cakes, Pavlova eggs, tinned or preserved fruit.
• Have a few standby salad recipes which use "pantry salad" items eg chick peas, noodles, nuts, pasta, quinoa, rice etc
• Buy Loose Fruit and Vegetables. Purchase  fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, capsicums bananas in  quantities that you need rather than bags of tomatoes, capsicums, mushrooms). 
• Source lemons, rosemary, herbs from neighbours and "borrow" only what you need.
• Share with friends. Cut roasts in half, divide up boxes of seafood. Offer some to neighbours or those who only cook for themselves and need small portions. 
• Portion control- a meat recipe which says "feeds 8 portions" will be plenty for twenty for lunch if other meals are being provided. Make smaller sized tarts, pastries even rum balls.  Coordinate meals with guests. Don't be afraid to not dish out a salad or dessert. Cut down on the befores.

LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS!  

If you have a Thermomix  then you'll know what to do with left overs. Head to the Facebook pages or recipe community for suggestions. Be food safe.

• fruits, berries, cream-  pancakes
• cream- freeze or make butter
• yoghurt- savoury dishes, dipping sauces or cakes 
• milk- make yogurt
• meats, vegetable, antipasto, cheese- make pizza,  risotto, pies, quiches, fritters
• stone fruits, pineapple, bananas, berries or citrus- add ice and serve up sorbets 

Check out the Love Food Hate Waste website

Lastly- recycle interesting bottles and jars to use for hamper items on Mother's Day or next Christmas.