We all know that over-ripe bananas are perfect for banana bread, milk shakes, or smoothies. But did you know that you can get much more use out of some other foods instead of wasting them? Here are a few suggestions for reviving or fixing some foods:
Lettuce: Partially wilted lettuce can be restored as long as it has not begun to rot. Simply submerge the leaves in a bowl of ice water for about 15 minutes. Use as much ice as possible for the best results. After soaking, drain the lettuce.
Cookies: If your cookies have begun to get dry, but otherwise are still good, you can actually add more back into them. Simply put them in an airtight container or plastic bag along with a slice of bread. Let them sit for a few hours to a day. The moisture from the bread will transfer to the cookies and make the cookies moist again.
Another thing you can do with dry cookies is make them into a crumb crust for a pie. Alter basic directions for a graham cracker crust, except use your own crushed cookies instead of graham crackers. Generally, you should mix about a couple tablespoons of melted butter with 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs. Press this into a pie plate. Bake crust at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until the crust begins to get a little golden.
These two tips also work for homemade cookies that are overdone, but not burnt.
Tortilla Chips: If your tortilla chips have gone stale, don’t throw them away. Instead, place them on a cookie sheet and warm them in a 400 degree oven for 1-2 minutes, or until they start to get just a little golden. The oven will remove the excess moisture from your chips and they will taste as good as new–or maybe better.
In addition to these tips, I would love to hear your suggestions for reviving or fixing food!! How have you kept from throwing something out?