Did you know…
Every year in the UK, around seven million tons of food is binned over the Christmas period. Christmas might be one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it’s also known for being one of the most wasteful, too. From reusing leftovers to donating what you don’t need, there are many things we can do collectively to fight food waste.
1.DON’T COOK IT ALL 👨🍳
You may have purchased more than you need, but that doesn’t mean you need to cook it all. If you’re hosting, take an hour or so to plan everything well in advance. This means everything from snacks and starters to the turkey and beyond. Hopefully you’ll know how many you have coming to dinner. Plan the size of the turkey, how many potatoes you’ll need and what vegetables you’re having.
2.TAKE YOUR LEFTOVERS HOME 🏠
If you are not hosting Chirstimas this year don’t be afraid to ask for a doggy bag! Better still, bring your own container to carry your leftovers home in. Throwing out edible food doesn’t just mean one less meal for someone, but it also means that money, energy, water, time and physical effort spent to grow and produce it is being wasted.
3.CHRISTMAS SANDWICHES FOR DAYS 🥪
Meals made using leftovers also make ideal lunches. These are great if you’re unfortunate enough to be working during those awkward days between Christmas and new year. Check out these wicked Christmas sandwich recipes below:
- Bacon, brie and red onion baguettes.
- Cheese & leek toasties with quick pickle.
- Turkey salad on rye.
- Salmon club sandwich.
- Tangy turkey sloppy joes with celeriac slaw.
- Sausages with warm red cabbage & beetroot slaw.
- Stilton & cranberry toastie
4. IT’S ALL GRAVY BABY 🥕
Don’t let your vegetable peels go to waste, they can all be used to create something delicious. “If you’re prepping your veg in advance, simply pop these peelings into a large saucepan, cover with plenty of water and simmer up over a day to create a delicious, hearty stock you can use as the base for your veggie gravy on Christmas day. Otherwise, stick them all in a bag and keep in the freezer to make up your stock another day.
5.SOUPER DOPER🥣
If it’s veggies you’re left with, you can easily combine them all and make a few servings of vegetable soup. Simmer up any leftover trimmings and blend for a warming soup that will get you through those Boxing Day blues.
6.DON’T FORGET ABOUT DESERT 🍰
Is there such a thing as leftovers when it comes to Christmas goodies? I guess this is possible if you are a generous soul who wants to make sure none of your guests get even the slightest bit peckish, never mind go hungry, and over cater with the mince pies, cake and other delicious festive treats. Here are some quick and dirty ideas that should work with pretty much any of your Christmas leftover items (mainly sweet rather than savory)
- Chop up and fold into softened ice cream and then freeze to harden (Christmas pudding, mince pies, panettone, brioche, fresh fruit, crystallized fruit);
- Turn into a tasty trifle by laying with custard (tinned or from a carton would work well) and cream. For panettone or brioche, you could drizzle with either a fruit juice or alcohol of choice (amaretto, baileys, sherry, port for starters);
- Use as a filling for croissants for a breakfast treat. Why not try chopped Christmas cake with a dollop of brandy cream?
- Stir chopped up cake or mince pies through quark for a breakfast or pudding which is a little less sweet;
- Cutting a slice of cold Christmas Pudding and frying in butter for breakfast on Boxing Day. A knob of clotted cream would add an extra indulgent feel.
We hope you have enjoyed these 6 useful tips and wish you all a very merry Christmas🎄. We cannot wait to see you guys next year after your well rested break. Bring it on 🔥
