Monday, October 6, 2008

Dinner Do-over

In my house "leftovers" can quickly turn into a science project in the frig because no one's interested.

"Been there ...... eaten that."

So, what's a mom to do?

I try to use whatever is left in a *fresh* way. For example, in the recipe below, "Mama's Enchiladas", I normally have a little of the chicken mixture leftover. I've found a couple of ways to make use of it without anyone at my table uttering the phrase, "Didn't we just have this?"

My favorite way to re-use the mix is to put it on top of tortilla chips topped with Monterey Jack cheese, all on a cookie sheet, and put it under the broiler until the cheese melts and the chicken has warmed. Top with your favorite nacho toppings and -- VOILA - chicken nachos.

If nachos aren't your thing then the whole concoction can go inside a taco shell. Haven't tried that one, but it's the same concept as the nachos.

What I have tried are quesadillas. I either use Colby-jack cheese or Monterey Jack and then top with a couple of spoonfuls of the chicken mixture, maybe sprinkle a few black beans around or some salsa, whatever you like, then pan fry in a pat or two of butter. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a jalapeno and cut into triangles.

Just a couple of ideas for extra uses of the enchilada mix on nights when life is mach 10 and you need something quick.