On today’s Last Bites, the co-hosts discuss the strategy behind reinventing leftovers. While some people are perfectly content to eat the same dish as last night (ahem, Carla), others prefer for last night’s chicken to take new form on tonight’s plate. For the latter group, serving the same dish for a second or even third night in a row just doesn’t make the cut. The key is to turn last night’s vegetable side into a component of tonight’s main pasta dish.

As Carla points out, putting leftovers to good use is not only a useful skill, but it is also smart and economical. If fact, the co-hosts suggest cooking with the intent of having leftovers the next day. Some dishes are richer if the components are prepared in advance, such as, stews and lasagnas. Rather than tossing that leftover pork dish, add it to a pot of chili, as Mario does to impress his kin. Reinventing leftovers requires a bit of creativity but you’ll make your family (and your wallet) very pleased.