Leftover ingredients are common in every kitchen. And most of the time, you are at a loss on what to do so that they will not get thrown in the bin. Half and half is a good example because it usually stays in the fridge for days and just goes bad. Simply because you cannot use it all in a recipe.
You do not use half and half in all of your recipes. It is cream with milk fat so you cannot simply consume it on its own so it does not go to waste. It is often sold in pints and obviously, you cannot use it all in one go. And sometimes they are pushed to the back of the fridge and left forgotten. So what to make with half and half leftovers? Read on to learn some tips.
Refrigeration
Place the half-and-half back in the bin or a clean container. You can store it in the refrigerator but never near the door because it can go bad easily. Make sure to use it within its refrigerated shelf life which is 5 to 7 days. This of course depends on the brand. Read the label to see storage instructions.
Half and half often have a longer shelf life compared to other dairy products. But you must check it first before you add it to your dishes. Check how it smells first before using it. A sour odor is the number one sign that it’s no longer safe to use. It is also not good to use if it already starts to curdle or has bubbles.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftovers in freezer-safe containers. Give it at least 2 inches of headspace because half and half tend to expand when frozen. If the recipe calls for it, just take it out of the fridge and defrost it. Make sure to mix or whisk it before using so everything comes together for your recipe. The frozen half and half are still safe to use for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
Easy-to-Do Recipes With Half and Half
Do not let anything go to waste because that means you are also throwing out money. Try these recipes without wasting any of the half-and-half and other leftovers in your fridge.
- French Toast. It’s a class favorite but instead of using milk, level it up with half and half. You can add your favorite fruits to skip the syrup. Make use of what leftovers you have in the fridge. Be resourceful and turn it into a delicious meal.
- Garlic Cream Sauce Pasta. Something quick and easy for dinner means you need to use up anything you have in the fridge. Use half and half and cook it as you would your regular pasta sauce with cheese and garlic. Mix in the cooked pasta and serve. In less than 30 minutes you have a delicious meal to serve your family.
- Eggs go well with a breakfast plate. Cook scrambled eggs and instead of using milk, make it fluffier with half and half. This is one effective way to encourage your kids to eat their eggs.
It is very important to be mindful of what we throw from our kitchen. All you need is to be resourceful and creative. Find more recipes where you can use your leftover half and half. Make sure that you properly store it for your next recipes. And before you use it, check the quality first. It is good to be thrifty but always prioritize your safety.
