Spring is in the air, but is your fridge looking a little…last season? Don’t let those slightly wilted veggies or that handful of forgotten berries go to waste! Instead let’s get creative and turn those “almost-gone” ingredients into surprisingly delicious meals!
Think of it as a culinary treasure hunt. That lone bell pepper looking a little soft? Perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to a vibrant frittata. Those berries that aren’t quite picture-perfect anymore? They’re begging to be baked into a warm, comforting cobbler. And that collection of odds-and-ends veggies? Soups on!
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility and resourcefulness. No need for a special grocery run – just a little imagination and a willingness to experiment. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save a few bucks.
Let’s start with the humble frittata. It’s a blank canvas for almost any vegetable. Sauté those slightly tired onions, chop up that wrinkly zucchini and toss in any leftover spinach. Whisk some eggs, add a splash of milk or cream, season generously and bake until golden brown. For a fantastic base recipe, check out How to Make a Frittata from eggs.ca. Just adapt it with whatever veggies you have on hand!
Got fruit that’s past its prime for snacking? A fruit cobbler is your answer! Toss those soft berries, slightly bruised apple, or even that mushy banana with a touch of sugar, lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top with a simple biscuit or crumble topping (flour, butter, sugar – that’s it!) and bake until bubbly and fragrant. The natural sweetness of the fruit intensifies when cooked, making even the less-than-perfect pieces utterly delicious. Looking for inspiration? Try Canadian Living’s amazing Plum and Cherry Cobbler.
And who can resist a hearty soup? That collection of limp carrots, celery stalks, and that half a head of broccoli can be transformed into a nourishing and flavourful soup. Sauté them with some garlic and onions, add broth (vegetable or chicken), simmer until tender and blend if you prefer a smoother consistency. Season to taste and add any leftover herbs for an extra layer of freshness. Why not try Jamie Oliver’s Freezer Raid Pasta soup?
