Minimize Food waste This Christmas with Clever leftover Hacks
This holiday season, chef and food waste advocate Elly Curshen encourages everyone to embrace ”random meals” and minimize their environmental impact in the kitchen. Curshen,known online as Elly Pear,developed this resourceful approach while running her Bristol café,The Pear Café,from 2006 to 2018. “The key to prosperous Christmas cooking is institution,” Curshen advises. She recommends a thorough “stock take” of your fridge and freezer,identifying ingredients for creative “raid meals” and clearing space for delicious leftovers. curshen emphasizes the importance of planning ahead.”Get yourself organized and make a list of dishes you can prepare using ingredients you already have.” She also stresses the versatility of pantry staples like high-quality eggs and bread, suggesting they be stocked for impromptu meals between Christmas and New year’s. “Plan for some random meals, but if you’ve got eggs and good bread, the possibilities are endless,” Curshen quips. Curshen’s passion for transforming leftovers into culinary delights is evident in her popular Instagram series, RolloverLeftovers. Her innovative approach earned her a nomination for Digital Creator Award at The BBC Food & Farming Awards. While she didn’t win, the recognition validated her commitment to creative food waste solutions. “My passion for leftovers stems from my café days,” Curshen explains. “In a small business,every bit of waste equals lost profit. That’s why I learned to maximize every ingredient.” she began rolloverleftovers to share her daily culinary creations with her online audience. “I would film and edit a reel every day, showcasing how my cooking flowed from one day to the next, using leftovers creatively,” Curshen recalls. “Even simple ideas are worth sharing as they can inspire others to reduce food waste and make the most of their ingredients.” for Curshen, the ultimate solution for transforming leftovers is the humble frittata. “Everything can be used again,” she declares. “Just remember, there’s no such thing as a boring leftover.”## Minimizing Food Waste This Christmas
We’re joined today by chef and food waste advocate Elly Curshen,better known online as Elly Pear. Elly, you’ve dedicated yourself to helping people minimize food waste, notably over the holiday season. What’s your top tip for ensuring a truly happy and sustainable Christmas feast?
**Elly Curshen:** The key to a prosperous Christmas cooking adventure is association. Before you even start shopping, take stock of your fridge and freezer—identify ingredients you can use for creative “raid meals” and clear space for those inevitable appetizing leftovers. [[1]](https://www.instagram.com/ellypear/reel/C6S1Bi2tNd9/)
It’s all about planning ahead. Make a list of dishes you can prepare using ingredients you already have.and don’t forget the versatility of pantry staples like high-quality eggs and bread. These are your superhero ingredients for impromptu meals between christmas and New Year’s.
Your Instagram series, #RolloverLeftovers, is a testament to your creativity in transforming leftovers into culinary masterpieces. What inspired this initiative?
**Elly Curshen:** My passion for leftovers stems from my days running my cafe, The Pear Cafe. In a small business, every bit of waste equals lost profit. I learned to maximize every ingredient, turning even the smallest leftovers into delicious new dishes.
When I started #RolloverLeftovers, I wanted to share those daily creative processes. Every day, I would film and edit a reel, showcasing how my cooking flowed from one day to the next, using leftovers creatively.Even the simplest ideas are worth sharing as they can inspire others to prioritize reducing waste.
What’s your go-to dish when it comes to transforming leftovers into something truly special?
**Elly Curshen:** For me, the ultimate solution is a simple, humble frittata. it’s a blank canvas for any leftover vegetables, meats, cheese – literally anything goes! It’s a perfect way to use up those odds and ends and create a satisfying and flavorful meal. Remember, there’s no such thing as a boring leftover!
do you have any tips for readers who might be hesitant to experiment with leftovers? What advice would you give them to start reducing their own food waste?
**Elly Curshen:** Jump in! Don’t be afraid to get creative. Start by incorporating leftovers into familiar dishes. Add them to soups, stews, omelets, or salads. over time, you’ll gain confidence and discover your own creative combinations.
Think of it as a culinary adventure. You might surprise yourself with the delicious results. Readers,do you have any favorite leftover transformations to share? Let us know in the comments below!
## Minimizing Food Waste This Christmas
**[Archyde]**
**Host:** We’re joined today by chef and food waste advocate Elly Curshen, better known online as Elly Pear. Elly, you’ve dedicated yourself to helping people minimize food waste, notably over the holiday season.What’s your top tip for ensuring a truly happy and enduring Christmas feast?
**Elly Curshen:** Thanks for having me! The key to a prosperous Christmas, culinarily speaking, is organization.I’d encourage everyone to do a thorough “stock take” of their fridge and freezer before hitting the shops. This way you can identify ingredients you already have and plan creative “raid meals” around them. It’s all about minimizing waste and maximizing those delicious leftovers.
**Host:** We all love leftovers, especially after a big Christmas dinner, but sometimes inspiration can run dry. You’re known for your innovative approach to transforming leftovers. What’s one recipe that always saves the day for you?
**Elly curshen:** Without a doubt, the humble frittata! [chuckles] Everything can be used again – roasted vegetables, bits of ham, cheese, you name it. It’s the ultimate blank canvas for leftover creativity. Remember, ther’s no such thing as a boring leftover!
**Host:** That’s a great tip! And speaking of inspiration, your Instagram series “RolloverLeftovers” is incredibly popular. What inspired you to start sharing your leftovers journey online?
**Elly Curshen:** My passion for leftovers stems from my café days. In a small business, every bit of waste equals lost profit. I learned to maximize every ingredient, and that’s somthing I want to share with everyone. “rolloverleftovers” is all about showcasing how my cooking flows from one day to the next, using leftovers creatively. Even simple ideas are worth sharing as long as they inspire others.
**Host:** It’s clear you’re passionate about this cause. Any final words of wisdom for our viewers heading into the holidays?
**Elly Curshen:** Enjoy the festive season, savor your meals, and remember – plan ahead! A little organization can go a long way in minimizing waste and creating delicious meals that stretch beyond the big day.
**Host:** Great advice, Elly! Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your valuable insights.
