Top 5 reasons why leftovers rock my world

The holidays are right around the corner! You know what that means… turkey, gravy, cookies, pumpkin pie… you get the picture. Why not give your holiday menu a makeover. Join me and 100 of your closest girlfriends for the 12 Days of Healthy Holiday Recipes. Oh yeah, it’s totally free. My holiday gift to you. Click here and sign up!)
Leftovers get a bad rap. Sure, the moldy Chinese take-out that you dig from the back of the fridge deserves a bad reputation. However, leftovers can be re-created into culinary masterpieces. Sometimes, even by mistake. A healthier Halloween treat for the kiddos? You betcha.
Below are my top 5 reasons I love leftovers.
1. Sometimes mom drops them off
What do I like better than home cooking? My mama doing it for me and bringing over the extras. My sister got married a few weeks ago and we have TONS of leftover dried fruit, nuts, coconut, etc. She had the cutest little “make-your-own granola” table at her reception…

2. I get to put on my creativity hat
My mom dropped over a 5 lb bag of mixed fruit, nuts, coconut, etc. I was on a mission to use it up. I have been adding it to oatmeal. My mom made cookies out of it. I have put it in the food processor. I have considered adding it to green smoothies. Decide to nix that idea.
3. Saves some cash
Nothing drives me more crazy in the kitchen than throwing out good quality food. Eating what’s in the fridge cuts back on the grocery bill and that makes me smile. Then, I have more cash for shoe shopping. Try to reusing food. Try reusing glass containers as vases.
4. You just might surprise yourself (and your family)
Sometimes the new leftover creations taste even better than the original. Nice one.
5. Excuse to eat dessert
I have been on a mission to use up all of these leftovers so I have been making new desserts like every day. Score. Check out one of my favorite concoctions my mama came up with. AND it’s Halloween friendly.
Trail Mix Honey Balls
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed trail mix (we used coconut, dried mango, raisins, peanuts)
1/2 cup dried oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
3/4 cup honey
Directions:
In a small saucepan, warm up the peanut butter and honey until they are mixed together. Add the trail mix and oats and stir until it is all covered. Roll into 1 inch balls and put on a plate to cool. Enjoy!
Note: Depending on what you use for your trail mix, you might need to alter the recipe. Get creative!