24 easy & tasty leftover recipes!

Earth Day is here and food waste is one of the many topics people are talking about. I was amazed to read that we throw away a third of the food we buy. I think my grandparents would be turning over in their grave if they knew that! Considering what a big impact food production has on our earth's resources and with so many people in need of food, we really can't afford to waste any at all. My grandparents & parents were pros at making the most of what they had, I don't remember them EVER throwing food away. Having been refugees and living through wars, it was truly a sin! So I thought I'd share a few things each of us can do to reduce food waste:

• Only buy what you need, avoid buying huge amounts of food in bulk unless you really know you'll consume it - the more we buy, the more we tend to throw away. 
• Consume your food in time, checking "best by" dates & shopping your fridge & pantry - you'll probably find some hidden gems hidden back there that you can use to whip up new, tasty dishes (more on that below!).
• Store food correctly - use high quality glass containers to keep things in the fridge and make sure your fridge & freezer are set at the right temperatures. Keep in mind that our Artisans don't use any preservatives or additives so be sure to refrigerate their products once you've opened them.
• Be creative with leftovers! This is my favorite tip, don't let anything go to waste!! Read on for some of our team's favorite leftover recipes, using our all-natural and organic Greek goodies. 

3 Recipes for Leftover Bananas

If you're tired of the usual smoothies and banana breads, try our Greek-inspired quick bread with yogurt & honey or one with flavorful Greek spices or my daughter's oatmeal banana cookies (I even added in some leftover spoon sweet I had in the fridge!).

Oatmeal Banana Cookies with Honey and Tangerine Spoon Sweet from Chios

Banana Bread with Spices and Orange Zest

2 Recipes for Leftover Apples

I never had applesauce growing up (it's not really a Greek thing...) but we did make baked apples in the winter and I love a good apple bread. Elli's Raisin & Cinnamon Gourmet Spread is also delicious spread on chicken breasts or pork chops before baking, a really nice way to jazz up a simple meal for one or two and great way to finish off the jar!

Spiced Apple Bread with Raisins & Cinnamon Spread

Fragrant Baked Apples with Raisins & Cinnamon Spread

5 Recipes for Leftover Veggies

One of the most fun ways I have to get creative in the kitchen is to challenge myself to cook with whatever I can find in the fridge. I often have a little of this, a little of that and when the vegetables are fresh and in season, even a little bit can add great flavor to a dish. Here are a few recipes that friends from our Zelos community have shared over the years. 

Greek-Colombian Minestrone Soup with Orzo & Cilantro

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Sea Fennel

Greek Veggie Flatbread with Feta Cheese

Greek Clafoutis with Kalamata Olives & Red Peppers

Savory Filo-Free Pumpkin Pie with Trahana

10 Delicious Recipes for Your Tragano Greek Organic Peppers

These high-fiber & vitamin condiments work well with so many other things in your fridge and they add a real splash of color to your table. You should never have a half-empty jar on hand, use them up and have a fresh, tasty meal!

10 Light & Healthy Meals for Spring

4 Recipes for Any Leftover Citrus Spoon Sweets

These traditional Greek preserved fruits are wonderful atop so many desserts, let yourself get creative! The all-natural simple syrup is also tasty as an alternative to sugar or other sweeteners (some of our friends use it in their cocktails!).

4 Easy, Tasty & Healthy Greek Inspired Desserts with Citrus Spoon Sweets

Let us know your favorite leftover recipes, we'd love to share them with the rest of our Zeloscommunity!