Thanksgiving has come and gone, and with it the holiday season looks forward to Christmas.

The turkey-and-potato tradition was only the beginning of the baking to come. As Christmas approaches, cookies of all shapes and sizes will make their way from mixer to oven to mouth. The holiday season is often associated with temporal delicacies ranging from prime rib feasts to gingerbread to candy canes.

It is important to remember, however, to not let any food go to waste.

“Food plays a huge part in making the perfect Christmas, but for many of us, due to a lack of kitchen confidence, it’s not just the turkey that’ll end up being completely stuffed,” said Paul Crewe according to Rebecca Smither’s article in The Guardian.

Crewe was referring to the trash bin as one in three Christmas turkeys in Britain are thrown out, according to Smithers.

The main issue in this scenario is ill preparation of the bird, and can be remedied through simple lessons and recipes. However, it is important to keep other food out of the waste as well. Instead of tossing leftovers, make use of the edible food in your possession. As you consider what treat to bake next, take your ingredients into account.

Have any leftover pumpkin in the fridge?

Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins are a Weinand family favorite. Made at least once a fall, this easy recipe is great for a snack or dessert.

1 ⅔ cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp pumpkin spice
(or 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp cloves, ¼ tsp ginger)
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
½ cup butter, melted
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, and pumpkin. Stir chocolate chips into pumpkin mixture. Fold in dry ingredients. Spoon into well greased muffin tins.

Bake at 350’ for 20-25 minutes. Makes 12 muffins. Recipe adapted from family friend Margaret Havens.

Any that are not devoured immediately should be kept in an airtight container, or stored in the freezer to thaw for later use. None should go to waste.