Try This Calculator for Waste-Free Holiday Dinners

Try This Calculator for Waste-Free Holiday Dinners

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Deciding what to organize for a cocktail party is troublesome sufficient, however subsequent comes an equally troublesome dilemma — learn how to cook dinner simply the correct quantity so that everybody will get sufficient however nothing goes to waste. It’s a high-quality line to stroll, however this interactive dinner party calculator from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Ad Council at SaveTheFood.com makes it simpler, eradicating a few of that vacation stress.

To use “The Guest-imator,” plug within the variety of visitors you’re anticipating, accounting for the small eaters (children and others with tiny appetites), the common eaters, and the large eaters (right here’s the place these highschool soccer gamers go). Next, enter what number of leftovers you wish to have after the large meal is completed. Then, select a kind of meal (however don’t fear an excessive amount of about this half, as a result of on the following display screen, you’ll have the chance to customise all the pieces).

Planning to serve turkey and tofu on your mains, accompanied by pasta, potatoes, and veggies, with a ending observe of cobbler and ice cream? For 10 common eaters, you’ll want 4 kilos of turkey, 20 ounces of tofu, 13.5 ounces of pasta, seven potatoes, 27 ounces of greens, one cobbler, and 20 ounces of ice cream. The Guest-imator will even offer you tricks to maximize your meals — as an example, pre-plate dessert to maintain individuals from taking greater than they’ll actually eat, and use leftover mashed potatoes on sandwiches rather than mayo or cheese.

The web site has tons of different ideas, together with how to waste less with kids; reviving food that’s stale, wilted, overcooked, salty, or burned; deciphering what dates on products actually imply; and way more.

Image: Save the Food

The Right Recipe

What if, regardless of your finest efforts, you continue to have extra left over than you anticipated? All is just not misplaced to the compost bin. Here are some recipes from SaveTheFood.com that use components that will usually be tossed:

Last however not least, be sure to know learn how to store all that perfectly usable food so it stays that method. Happy vacation entertaining!

This article was initially printed on November 29, 2017.