This undated photo provided by America’s Test Kitchen in October 2018 shows a roast turkey in Brookline, Mass. This recipe appears in the cookbook “ATB Holiday Entertaining.” (Daniel J. van Ackere/America’s Test Kitchen via AP)

This undated photo provided by America’s Test Kitchen in October 2018 shows a roast turkey in Brookline, Mass. This recipe appears in the cookbook “ATB Holiday Entertaining.” (Daniel J. van Ackere/America’s Test Kitchen via AP)

Learning for Life: Déjà Vu or Déjà Food?

  • Sunday, November 25, 2018 1:03am
  • Life

Déjà Vu or Déjà Food?

Let’s face it, leftover foods get a bad rap. What if those leftovers were reimagined and turned into something different; would they be more appealing? When last night’s roast chicken becomes tonight’s fajitas, it seems like a delicious new meal. Here are some tips for reinventing leftovers:

• Slice or chop a small quantity of meat to make it stretch further.

• Add veggies and grains that are different than what was served with the previous meal.

• Can the leftovers be turned into a soup, stew, stir-fry or casserole?

• Make a large salad and top it with leftover chicken, fish, or other protein.

• Use leftovers to stuff hot baked potatoes; top with grated cheese for an instant crowd-pleaser.

• Making a casserole? Double the recipe and freeze one to bake and serve later.

Visit us online at www. http://uaf.edu/ces/districts/kenai/, call us at 907-262-5824, or stop by our office at 43691 K-Beach Rd, Suite A, for a handout on using leftovers creatively.

Submitted by Amorette Payment, UAF Cooperative Extension Service, Nutrition Educator, Kenai Peninsula District.

More in Life

File
Minister’s Message: Love born to endure

I spend time with people in the final chapters of their lives.… Continue reading

In his 1903 report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Prof. Charles Christian Georgeson included this photograph of efforts to break recently cleared ground at Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. The man behind the bull was either station superintendent Hans P. Nielsen or his assistant Pontus H. Ross.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 4

AUTHOR’S NOTE: A presidential executive order in January 1899 had set aside… Continue reading

This recipe makes a boatload of soft and delicious cookies, perfect for sharing at Christmastime. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Christmas cookies for a shared tradition

These cookies are so soft and delicious, it’s no wonder they’re part of a family Christmas tradition.

Daniel Craig (right), returning as Benoit Blanc, and Josh O'Connor are seen in this still from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," released on Netflix on Dec. 12, 2025. (Promotional photo courtesy Netflix)
On the Screen: ‘Knives Out 3’ truly a film for our times

I often feel the need to watch a film twice. The first… Continue reading

Orange zest and extract bring this literary-inspired treat to life. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
Whimsy and magic

This literary-inspired treat is perfect for Christmastime festivities.

File
Minister’s Message: Traditions should be things that support us

Regardless of how you find yourself this season, know that you’re not alone.

Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection
In Kenai, circa 1903, this trio was photographed on a well-used trail. Pictured are George S. Mearns, future Kenai postmaster; Kate R. Gompertz, Kenai resident; Hans P. Nielsen, superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station.
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 3

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Snow-covered trees and peaks are pictured from a frozen pond near the Herbert Glacier trail in Juneau<ins>, Alaska,</ins> on Thursday, Dec. 11<ins>, 2025</ins>. (Chloe Anderson/Peninsula Clarion)
Out of the Office: Breaking the winter cycle

There’s a learning curve to every new season and every new sport.

File
Minister’s Message: Good grief

Grief doesn’t take a holiday, but it can offer you something the holidays can’t.

This 1903 photograph of mostly Kenai residents shows (back, far left) Hans Peter Nielsen, first superintendent of Kenai’s agricultural experiment station. Nielsen began work at the station in 1899 and resigned at the end of the 1903 season. (Photo from the Alaska State Library historical collection)
The experiment: Kenai becomes an agricultural test site — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Presidential Executive Order #148, in January 1899, had set aside… Continue reading

Served together on a bed of greens, these pickled eggs and beets make a light but cheerful lunch. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
A wealth of eggs for good health

Pickled along with roasted beets and dill, these eggs have a cheerful hue and bright aroma.

File
Minister’s Message: Lifelong learning is a worthwhile goal

Lifelong learning. That’s a worthwhile goal. Schools have been in session for… Continue reading