This week is all about multitasking – cooking once, eating twice, and repurposing leftovers from one meal to the next. After all, why shouldn’t dinner do double duty? Roast chicken makes great salad the next day, and a pot of pasta sauce, chili or meatballs produces enough leftovers to act as dinner insurance on a busier night.
| MONDAY |
Simmering a pot of tomato sauce is simple and satisfying.. there’s no need to peel fresh tomatoes, you can start with canned, and a chunk of butter. Make a large batch and serve some right away, then stash the rest in the freezer for almost instant meals down the road. It also does well in soups and as pizza sauce.
Photo credit: Gwendolyn of Patent and the Pantry
| TUESDAY |
A classic midwinter dish, roast chicken is easy, family-friendly and a great way to use those root veggies that abound at this time of year. Best of all, it’s just as easy to roast two alongside each other, for leftovers to go into soup, sandwiches, pasta and salads for the rest of the week.
Classic Roast Chicken & Root Vegetables
Photo credit: Aimee of Simple Bites
| WEDNESDAY |
Leftover roast chicken makes a wonderful chicken salad, served in ripe avocado halves. It’s simple and delicious and although it’ll make you feel like you’re hosting ladies who lunch, it’s perfect post work, school, gym, or other extracurricular activities!
Creamy Avocado Chicken Salad
Photo credit: Brooke of Cheeky Kitchen
| THURSDAY |
Unsweetened cocoa powder has long been a secret ingredient among great chili makers, imparting a richness and dark colour that intensifies spicy chili without making it taste like a chocolate bar. Dark chocolate has the same effect – toss in a handful of chocolate chips for a richer mouthfeel – and to excite kids, who will think it’s cool to get chocolate for dinner! Best of all, leftovers are freezable for quick dinners down the road.
Photo credit: Aimee of Simple Bites
| FRIDAY |
Meatball subs make a fun family meal, and extra meatballs can be frozen to serve on spaghetti (or to make extra subs) on another day. While you’re at it, double the recipe to get a head start on dinner down the road.