There is almost something you can convert one dish to when you get tired of eating it.  Since it is corn season, I tend to use a lot of corn whether it be ‘corn on the cob’, corn salad or corn relish.  The problem is that sometimes we get carried away and make too much of one item.  If so, let the imagination come into play and convert that leftover item (provided it is not too old) into something new and wonderful.

After eating the corn relish for one or two meals and even using it on sandwiches, it is time to change condiments.  Don’t want to waste all that wonderful corn so it is going to be turned into pasta salad.  Just take the leftover relish and place it into a medium size bowl (or whichever fits your leftovers).  I added sliced olives to it and then cooked up some penne pasta.  You can use elbow, farfalla (bowties), ziti or whatever kind you prefer or if you have leftover cooked pasta in your refrigerator or freezer, just use that.

If you are using penne pasta, it will take about 12-14 minutes to cook in salted boiling water.  Drain the pasta well and add to the corn relish and sliced olives.  Add some diced celery and a little mayonnaise.  Taste for seasoning and if need be add a little salt and pepper and maybe some garlic powder.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  This makes a good side dish or if you add some diced chicken or ham you will have an entrée salad.  This is quick and easy eating and it still tastes good!  Try using your leftovers to create something new.  Small quantities of leftover meats are perfect for pasta salads, especially in hot summer weather.  It is ‘easy eating’ time!