Cold Weather Food

Last year we received mountains of snow.  As everyone was housebound enjoying the snow day they updated their facebook statuses and I noticed a trend.  Everyone was posting information on what they were cooking or eating and who they were eating it with.  Something about frigid weather leaves most of us inspired to enjoy some warm treats.

This year we have not received record amounts of snow but it has been an unusually cold winter. Tonight, like most of the nation, we are preparing for an ice storm. My friends in the midwest have snapped pictures of impressively long lines at the grocery store as people hoard provisions. Perhaps you are lucky enough to live in a tropical climate or simply not worried about the impending weather. If you are unfortunate enough to get stuck inside without groceries here are a couple of ideas on how to put those unappealing leftovers to good use. What are your favorite leftover tips? What is your favorite cold weather food?

Leftover:
Corn tortillas: Spray with cooking oil, sprinkle salt and bake at 400 degrees until crispy- instant corn chips
slightly wilted spinach: combine with cream, butter and salt in a sauce pan to create delicous creamed spinach. Place on a homemade pizza and bake.
Butter Milk: Perfect for coating meat before pan frying. Also great in baked goods including biscuits and Texas Sheet Cake.
Too Soft Tomatoes: Combine in you food chopper with 1/2 an onion and a can Rotel tomatoes. Pulse for one minute for instant salsa.
Too Soft Fruit: Throw in Blender with yogurt and a bit of sugar and ice for a great smoothie
Mashed Potatoes: Old mashed potatoes become great bread starter or potato pancakes
Disgusting Beer: Someone left weird icky flavored beer at your house - don't throw it out. Combine one can of beer, 3 cups self-rising flour and 1/3 cup sugar. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees for warm delicious bread.
Old green onions: Remove wilting portions, chop down green stems, place in water in a sunny location. You will have new onions in 3 days.