Even the most organized pantries and refrigerators need some TLC by spring. However, spring cleaning your r doesn’t always mean chucking everything in the trash.
First, take a look at that vegetable crisper at the bottom of the fridge. If you find some poor pieces that have been left too long, don't rush to the bin.There are numerous ways to preserve them or repurpose them.
For herbs that still have their stems, you can replant them as long as the roots are intact. By doing so, the plants will not only rehydrate, but also possibly grow more. Nothing says spring like your very own herb garden!
Alternatively, herbs can be added to melted butter to make, that’s right - herb butter! Herb butter can last for months in the freezer while retaining that great herb flavor.
Leftover vegetables can be added to any meat product to make a re-useable stock. Make a large batch, freeze, and add to any meal. Who knew leftovers could be so delicious?
Of course, not all veggies fit in stocks. For example, cauliflower and lettuce. So what to do? Puree cauliflower and make Blender Babes’ Smashed Cauliflower and Cheese. Use lettuce to lighten things up with Pip and Ebby’s Slim and Delicious Chicken Lettuce Wraps .
Fruits are even easier to deal with. Just search “smoothies” in the SideChef app and use up those fruits before they go bad.
Fruits with a thicker skin like lemons and oranges can be zested and frozen. Don't forget to separate, date and label into individual bags. The remaining parts can be made into refreshing drinks like Chef Savvy’s Old Fashioned Lemonade.
Got stale bread? Make croutons to top on the Kale Salad with Dates and Sulmac Almonds by My Second Breakfast. Or make Bread Pudding with Seasonal Fruit by DeMaCuisine.
Not even the true trash doesn't have to go to waste. Use old coffee grounds and expired baking soda to freshen up the fridge, and mix rotting greens with soil for the perfect compost.
Don’t let those precious ingredients go to waste. Start fresh for spring by finding new and innovating ways to use those ingredients leftover in the fridge.
