When you're cooking for a small group, leftovers can be a problem—not just leftover meatloaf, but leftover salad ingredients, too! Take cucumbers, for instance; they're pretty good sized, and one cucumber provides more than you'll need in a salad. What do you do with the rest?

The first suggestion is the most fun: fix some snacks, but use cucumber slices in place of the crackers! Slice cucumbers into rounds and top with a slice of cheese, some deli meats, or even salsa and bean dip. Cool, delicious—and low carb, to boot!

And speaking of salsa, you can make regular jarred salsa more fresh-tasting by stirring in some diced cucumbers. They add a fresh, crunchy touch and help prevent that half cucumber from going to waste!

And if you have two little slices left? Put them over your eyelids and soothe your tired eyes!

Published 08/05/09