Using Up The "Ends"

I am a lover of the "ends". You know, those packages of meats and cheeses that the deli sells that no one ever wants to buy...the ends that they didn't slice. Love them! I have found a place where I can buy a pound of bacon ends for $.87. Wow! Most groceries have a section in their deli case where they put "the ends" out at least once a week, at a discount from the regular price. If you come across them, grab them! Here's some ideas for those wonderful ends:

Bacon ends:

1. Cook them using your favorite method of cooking bacon. Use them in omelets or breakfast casseroles. Put them on homemade breakfast sandwiches.
2. Put cooked bacon ends in a mini food processors and whirl ~ homemade bacon bits. I do this with the leftover bacon ends and put them in the freezer. Always have bacon bits on hand!
3. Dice several cooked ends and add them to your favorite cheese spread to give it an additional flavor.
4. Add them to baked beans for a great smokey taste.
5. They are great for topping baked potatoes, potatoe skins, etc.
6. Add them to soups, especially ones like clam chowder. Yum!

Cheese ends:

1. Shred them. Bring the cheese ends home and put through the shredder. Use in any recipe that calls for shredded cheese.
2. Cut in cubes and serve with dipping mustards for your next get-together.
3. Slice for sandwiches.
4. Use for sauces, fondues or soups.

Lunchmeat ends:

1. Shread and make a sandwich spread by adding mayo, shredded carrots, olives or anything you see fit.
2. The obvious - slice for sandwiches.
3. Add to casseroles and stir fries.
4. Add to soups and stews.
5. Slice and fry - serve with breakfast instead of sliced bacon or sausage.

Your options are unlimited really. Why not seek out these frugal little bundles of flavor and see what you can create?