What to Do with Your Thanksgiving Leftovers

What holiday is more dedicated to great food and delicious side dishes than Thanksgiving? Not only is there a grand feast, but spending time with your close family and friends will remind you what you are thankful for in your life.

I happily enjoy cooking Thanksgiving! The entire meal. Yes, from the turkey to the cranberry-pork sausage stuffing to my famous apple-pumpkin pie, I love doing it all. Of course, the feast gives you so much extra food, you know you will be eating well for the next couple days.

My top three tips for your leftovers:

1. TURKEY: Save the turkey bones and trimmings! You can easily make a delicious turkey soup: Put the turkey bones in a very large pot (about 8 quarts), cover with water, and toss in any leftover onions, celery, garlic, or carrots. Simmer (on low heat) for two hours to make a tasty turkey broth. Strain the liquid into another large pot. Add leftover turkey meat and diced veggies. OR, you can always make the classic turkey-cranberry sandwiches!
2. MASHED POTATOES: Yes, you can always reheat mashed potatoes for a midnight snack. Perhaps, adding various leftover herbs and spices for a different flavor potato will suit your tastebuds. Indulge in a "turkey-potato" wrap filled with leftover turkey breast and a "smear" of mashed potato. OR, make a turkey Sheperd's Pie (using your leftover turkey) and top it with your potatoes!
3. VEGGIES: Glazed carrots, green bean casserole, stir fried mixed greens...whatever your veggie side dish was, you will have leftovers because it is not the main feature of Thanksgiving. It is OK to toss the remainder in your turkey soup or sheppards pie. OR, make a puree of the leftover veggies and add them to your potatoes!

With all the different styles of Thanksgiving dinner, you will have leftovers. You can mix and match the different dishes to create new ones...or just eat them as is. Remember, Thanksgiving is about being thankful for great food and feeling blessed.

Happy Cooking! -SC