What is the opposite of leftovers?

Like some family cooks, I often prepare more than is necessary to feed a hungry family; however, I hate throwing away food, and always try to re-serve creatively the following day.

Today, I was talking to my wife about how sometimes leftovers are better than ________, as they soak in the sauces and absorb more flavor.

I described them to her as "first-serve", but that sounds like a Tennis term.

I looked up antonyms for "leftovers", and got nothing.

Is there a word or phrase to describe the meal served before the leftovers?