leftover fun

What do you cook when you have just random bits and pieces in your fridge?

I had a leftover bag of veggies scavenged from a vegetable tray that included cherry tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers. Pickings were slim in the fridge today--mostly leftovers and odd bits from last weeks meals before Christmas. Both my roommate and I left for a few days at Christmas, so we haven't had a chance to replenish the larder.

I decided to make a fresh tomato sauce with the tomatoes, some chopped onion and my last clove of garlic. Meanwhile, I cooked the last few ounces of spaghetti in the house and sauteed the broccoli and cauliflower. The result was a tasty meal that would have only been improved by the addition of some shredded cheese.

Later, I went to the coop to redeem a $25 gift card. I got the fixings for a light but indulgent meal of fresh bread, local goat cheese and olives, as well as salt, red pepper flakes, vanilla beans (!) and a hunk of parmigano reggiano cheese to improve future pasta endeavors. I should have gotten eggs too, as that's my new favorite food to make when I'm by myself. Eggs would be great with some sauteed kale on the side and a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese. Oh well.

Leftover endeavor part two is to use up the last black beans, rice and old old corn tortillas from the freezer without the addition of tomatoes. Should be interesting trying to make that tasty or at least palatable. I can always fry the tortillas but frying things seems to be cheating.