Making Do

In this economy, most of us are looking for ways to use everything we can. So often when we think of leftovers it is with dread that we reheat them and serve to our loved ones. Sometimes I will use leftovers for lunch the next day, but at other times I will freeze them for later use.

About a month ago I froze a quart size container of homemade spaghetti sauce, alas too little to make a meal and too much to just toss out. So I pulled it out along with some tart sized pastry shells that I already had in the freezer. I baked the shells according to the directions just long enough to brown them, then scooped the spaghetti sauce into the shells and continued to bake. After the sauce was heated through I sprinkled some shredded cheese on top and left them just long enough to melt the cheese.

The response from my family was a request that I make this again in the future. It was so easy to make and required very little in the amount of pots and pans needed. David even asked that I keep the last uneaten one for him to eat tomorrow. So, leftovers don't have to be boring or ho-hum because with a little creativity it can be a blessing for both your pocketbook and the time spent in the kitchen.