Clever Ways to Use Almost-Expired Food

1. Milk. Not only is making homemade ricotta surprisingly simple, it also yields a delicious, high quality that can be difficult to find at the grocery store.

2. Buttermilk. One of the best things about making scrumptious buttermilk biscuits is that they keep well and can even be frozen for future enjoyment.

3. Baguette. Tartines are an elegant and delicious treat to make if you find yourself with a baguette that’s just on the brink of going stale.

4. Cold Cuts. Use up leftover cold cuts by making this anything-but-boring grilled Cubano sandwich with gooey melted cheese and crunchy pickles.

5. Fresh Herbs. Fresh herbs are a delicious way to add flavour to a dish, but few recipes require more than a couple of sprigs. Next time you’re left with too much of the good stuff, freeze the remainder in olive oil in an ice cube tray. The miniature frozen portions make for the perfect flavour boost in a pinch.

6. Lemons. When life gives you one too many lemons that are about to turn, make lemon curd: a sweet and simple pantry staple that can be used for lemon bars, lemon tarts, lemon meringue pie, or simply enjoyed on toast.

7. Yogurt. Freezing your favourite yogurt into bite-size disks makes for a convenient, protein-packed snack that’s the perfect treat to satisfy those afternoon sugar cravings.

8. Stale Bread. Panzanella works better with bread that’s on the stale side because hard bread holds its structure when mixed with the salad’s fresh and zesty dressing.

A Recipe for Soft and Cake-Like Buttermilk Biscuits

Ingredients:

2 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¾ tsp salt

1 ¼ cup buttermilk

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 F and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg and oil together. Add this to the flour mixture and stir just until blended.

Step 4

Use an ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoons to drop batter (about ¼ cup each) onto the prepared baking trays, leaving 2-inches between them. Bake the biscuits for about 15 minutes until they are a light golden brown and lift away from the parchment easily.

Step 5

Serve the biscuits warm from the oven, or re-heated at 300 for 10 minutes. The biscuits are best enjoyed the day they are baked.

References:

Claudia M. (2022, February 10). Clever Ways to Use Almost-Expired Food. https://www.foodnetwork.ca/article/clever-ways-use-almost-expired-food/

Anna O. (2021, December 30). Basic Buttermilk Biscuits. https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/basic-buttermilk-biscuits/