Using Leftovers...

I got this in an email today and thought we could all use it...

"Leftover spaghetti sauce can be transformed into a tasty
Italian soup called Pasta e Fagioli. Just thin out the sauce
out with chicken broth (or water) to make it more soup-like and throw in some
cooked elbow macaroni. This soup gets its heft from garbanzo
beans, so add a generous amount of beans to the pot. For
rounding out the meal, add a salad and some whole grain bread
with Parmesan sprinkled over the top of the soup.

When you have a bit of chicken left over but not quite enough
to feed everyone, turn it into a meal by making chicken and
rice soup. Brown rice is a great way to sneak in some fiber
and nutrients and makes this a much better choice than chicken
noodle soup. Chop and boil a few carrots, a few pieces of
celery, and an onion in chicken stock until soft. Then shred
your leftover chicken and toss it in. Add cooked brown rice
and serve.

Leftover vegetables can almost always be boiled and pureed to
create a comforting soup. Potatoes, squash, carrots, and leeks
are the best candidates for this method. Simply boil and then
strain the vegetables into a blender and blend until smooth,
adding the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired
consistency. Bits of leftover ham or other meat can turn this
into a quick, healthy meal with a pleasing texture.

Of course if you prefer you can start with a soup recipe and
improvise from there. Don't be scared to try new things. With
enough planning and organization, you'll be able to "wing it"
without even thinking if you keep your pantry organized and
stocked with the essentials."