LEFT-OVERS are a problem to every housewife, and it is the wise cook who can either so merge them with other things that the identity is lost or make of them new dishes so palatable as to be desired rather than dreaded. With a little care and forethought, however, this can readily be done.

The manner of serving these dishes should be studied, for dainty ways of serving food have a usefulness beyond their esthetic value. Every one knows how quickly a feeble appetite is tempted by a tastefully garnished dish when the same material well cooked but carelessly served would seem altogether unpalatable. Even "left-overs" may be made as attractive in appearance as fresh dishes.

There are throughout this book many recipes that call for cold meats and vegetables, so that this chapter is not the only one to be studied by the economical cook. See especially the chapter on "Entrees."

Baked Hash

2 cups cold meat 2 cups cold potatoes

1 tablespoon butter 2 cups stock

Seasoning to taste

Melt the butter in the stock; add the meat and potato, finely chopped or run through a meat chopper. Season to taste; put in a greased baking dish and bake until nicely browned.

Curry Of Beef

2 cups cold beef Curry sauce

1 cup boiled rice

Make curry sauce according to directions given in the chapter on "Sauces"; add the beef, finely chopped; bring to a boil and serve in a border of hot boiled rice.

Curry Of Lamb

Make and serve the same as curry of beef, adding a half teaspoon of chopped mint if desired.

Scalloped Beef

2 cups cold chopped beef 2 cups cooked tomatoes Salt and pepper

1 cup brown sauce

1 cup bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter

In a baking dish arrange alternate layers of beef and tomatoes, seasoning each and moistening the meat with brown sauce (or with a little melted butter and hot water if there has been no brown sauce left). Cover the top with bread crumbs and bits of butter; bake in a moderate oven for half an hour and serve. If it begins to brown too quickly, cover with another pan.

Creamed Hash

1 pint cold meat 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Salt and pepper 1 teaspoon onion juice

1 cup cream sauce

Chop the meat very fine; season it and add the onion and parsley. Make the cream sauce in a double boiler; stir in the meat; beat thoroughly and serve on squares of toasted bread.

Mock Venison

Cold mutton

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon flour

1 cup water or stock

1 tablespoon currant jelly

1 tablespoon bottled meat sauce

Brown the flour in the butter; add the water or stock, stirring constantly; then add the jelly and meat sauce and bring to a boil. Cut the cold meat into thin slices; heat them thoroughly in the sauce and serve.

Corned-Beef Hash

1 cup cold corned beef Salt and pepper

1 cup cold boiled potatoes 1 tablespoon butter

Milk or stock

Chop the corned beef, discarding the gristle but using some of the fat. Melt the butter in a frying pan; add the beef mixed with chopped potatoes; pour over enough milk or stock to moisten; stir until well mixed; then cook slowly until browned underneath. Fold over like an omelet and serve garnished with parsley and poached eggs.