Christmas Leftovers

Christmas may be over but the food isn’t! I don’t know about you but in our house the lead up to Christmas starts as soon as December 1^st rolls around. The tree goes up, the plans are made and the shopping begins. And I’m not talking presents…

Food is a massive part of our family Christmas, almost more so than the gifts. I’m not sure why, as all year we eat well; there is always full cupboards and a stocked pantry, but at Christmas we take it to the next level.

We buy things you wouldn’t eat at any other time of year like jars of red cabbage and every pickle known to man, and we will not crack them open until December 25^th, after which they get relegated to the back of the cupboard to collect dust until next year, when we will throw them out just to re-buy them. Chowing down on endless turkey sandwiches and stuffing our faces with chocolate until our jeans don’t fit is crazy really and it’s gluttony at its worst. But it’s part of Christmas.

We eat so much over the festive period that by the time Boxing Day is over we all vow to go on a detox; we drink less coffee and more green tea, we throw out the chocolates and the other leftovers that call our names from the fridge and we hit the gym all in the name of getting healthy.

But what a waste – all of that food being thrown away is disgusting. So this year despite the fact you might need to banish the Christmas bulge, hang onto those leftovers and get creative in the kitchen.

Turkey Soup

For some turkey curry is the natural go-to to use up the Christmas roast, but in our family turkey soup wears the crown. Unlike curry it’s light and more importantly, it’s good for you. When it’s cold outside and the nights are dark it can be tempting to stick with the stodge, but a steaming bowl of succulent turkey soup will really curb your cravings. Season with all of your favourite Christmas flavours and enjoy guilt free.

Bubble and Squeak

Leftover vegetables are one of those things that don’t last long and that isn’t because they are so delicious. They are on no ones binge list let me tell you and soon they end up in the trash after a day or two of lingering in the fridge. This year make the most of the veggie goodness by blitzing your leftover vegetables. Chuck in whatever you have left, season and form into patties and then freeze. You now have pre made bubbles and squeak on hand, which makes a tasty alternative to breakfast. Serve with a poached egg for some added protein and you have yourself a healthy dose of your five a day.

Tiffin

You know all of those chocolates you have hanging around still tempting you? Well instead of getting rid of them all together melt them down and make trays of tiffin. Add in dried fruits and nuts and allow to cool. Then box it up and you have bite size sweet treats to snack on when your sugar cravings call. Bags of tiffin also make for great gift ideas.