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Don't waste those leftover hot dog buns

The mismatched amount of hot dogs to a package of buns often leaves you with leftovers. If you overplan a party, you'll have extra, too. Don't waste them. Readers share their tasty ways to use them up.

• Banana dogs: I use hot-dog buns to make banana dogs for my kids' lunches. Spread them with peanut butter and put in a whole banana. Hamburger buns are great for breakfast sandwiches. -- Karen, Canada

• French toast: I separate the bun in half and cut each half into thirds and make French-toast sticks. They're even better when I have leftover whole-wheat buns. My kids devour them and don't have a clue they're eating whole wheat. -- nodmicks, e-mail

• Strata: Layer the cut-up buns with either cheese and meat or veggies of your choice. Mix eggs and milk, and pour over the top and bake. -- Jen, e-mail

• Garlic bread: I toast hot-dog buns and make garlic bread. Add cheese if you want. -- Laurie, Florida

• Bread pudding: I freeze leftover buns until I have six and make bread pudding. I grease a small baking dish. Break the buns in half and put them in the bottom of the baking dish. Melt a stick of butter and pour it over the buns. Using a whisk, mix together 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 ½ cups of sugar and 2 cups of warmed milk. Pour over the top. Bake for half an hour at 350 degrees. -- Lara B., e-mail

• Bind meat: I let them dry out and rip them up and use them for meatloaf. -- Candy, Ohio

Sara Noel is the owner of Frugal Village (www.frugalvillage.com). To send tips or questions, write to Sara Noel, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10016, or e-mail