Day 315: Mom's Favorite Leftover Magic ♥

Like most moms, mine had a thousand magic ways with leftover-whatever. This was one of her favorite techniques and it sure worked tonight on this overcooked roast beef.

The vegetables -- and rice too although not tonight since there was none leftover -- make for a frugal, healthful way to extend a half pound of meat with generous servings, also to create a one-plate meal, meat and vegetables all in one.

The mayonnaise sauce -- my family calls it Lynda's Dressing because it originated with my cousin Lynda -- is extremely reliable. My Mom kept a jar in the frig for spur-of-the-moment tuna salad, chicken salad, anything-salad. The dressing has lots of flavor so it's easy to use just enough to barely bind the ingredients.

RECIPE for MOM's FAVORITE LEFTOVER MAGIC

Hands-on time: 5 minutes to mix the dressing, 20 minutes to mix the salad
Time to table: 25 minutes
Serves 4 generously

LYNDA'S DRESSING
Enough to keep on hand in the frig (just enough for tonight)
1 1/2 cups Miracle Whip (1/4 cup Miracle Whip Light) or mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar (1/2 tablespoon sugar)
1/2 a small onion, grated (1 tablespoon grated onion)
1 tablespoon vinegar (1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
1 teaspoon dry mustard (1/2 teaspoon dry mustard)
1 teaspoon horseradish (1/2 teaspoon horseradish) -- this is a critical ingredient, don't skip it
1/2 teaspoon celery seed (1/8 teaspoon celery seed)

Mix til smooth.

BEEF/OTHER MEAT SALAD with VEGETABLES
1 cup green peas, cooked in microwave
1 red pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 pound roast beef, diced small
1 cup cooked rice (I didn't use this but it's very good especially with the soy sauce)

1 tablespoon soy sauce (very important, don't skip it)

Combine all the ingredients with the smaller portion of Lynda's Dressing. Serve on fresh greens and enjoy!

NUTRITION ESTIMATE
Per Serving: 240 Cal (52% from Fat, 28% from Protein, 20% from Carb); 17 g Protein; 14 g Tot Fat; 5 g Sat Fat; 12 g Carb; 2 g Fiber; NetCarb10; 34 mg Calcium; 2 mg Iron; 206 mg Sodium; 53 mg Cholesterol; Weight Watchers 5 points

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MORE FAVORITE RECIPES TO USE UP LEFTOVERS
~ Vegetable Pulao ~
~ Clean Out the Fridge Purée ~
~ Saturday Soup ~
from Kitchen Parade, my food column
~ more recipes for using up leftovers ~

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