Freezer Space and Leftovers

Good afternoon, ladies! 

Today I just want to say how thankful I am for SUNSHINE! The sky is blue, the wind is blowing pretty good still, but the SUN is shining. 

I'm also thankful for a to-do list full of things that I'm looking forward to getting done. 

Things have been a little bit crazy this week and next week will be even more crazy. 

Now, for today's 31 Days post! Are you reading anyone else's 31 Days series? I'd love to hear about it! 

Do you have a freezer? Do you use it for things besides ice cream, popsicles, and the ice? 

Challenge One: USE that freezer! 

 When you make a casserole, sauce, soup, or even a large amount of meat go ahead and make some extra and freeze it. 

This will give you something to pull out, defrost, and use in a pinch. 

NOTE I am not talking about "freezer meals". I kind of sort of like the idea of those "freezer meals" that are going around. But, I'm not too sure of them yet. 

Some ideas for using your freezer:

Spaghetti sauce - for those of you who don't use something from a jar, freeze what you don't use. 

Bake a ham, cube what you don't use. This is great for all kinds of casseroles. 

Use what chicken or turkey that you need and then shred or cube the rest. 

Making enchiladas? Make an extra batch or two.

Making burritos? Make a few more. 

See the key? It's really not any extra work or setting up a special "cooking day". It's taking a few extra minutes to take some of what you're already making anyway and freezing it for a day when you just don't have time or energy to make something. 

And what about leftovers? Do you find yourself reheating and eating them as they are? Do you end up throwing them (or at least parts of them) away? 

Challenge Two: USE those leftovers! 

Try to reincorporate leftovers into your meals. 

Leftover porkchops can be shredded, covered in BBQ sauce,  and made into bbq sandwiches. 

Leftover roast can be shredded, served with au jus, and made into french dips. 

Spaghetti sauce could be used in lasagna. 

Veggies can be tossed into a soup. 

Mashed potatoes could be shepherd's pie or potato pancakes with some onions and green pepper.

Sometimes leftovers can be the inspiration for a meal later on in the week. By repurposing leftovers you are saving yourself some work! 

If you're like everyone else, you have a freezer and some leftovers. Put them to use! Freezers and leftovers help us out and can be involved in the preparing of tasty meals. 

What's are your favorite things to freeze? 

How do you use leftovers?