Let's Talk Planned-Overs

 I know there are people who do not like leftovers.  So we won't use that name!  Let us call them 'planned' overs or 'make' overs!!!  With the holidays fast approaching, it is always nice to have a plan for the food that is left.  We all know there is generally lots of goodies left at the end of a holiday meal.  Have a plan for using them - in a way that jazzes them up and makes completely different meals!!!!!!

Here in the U.S. our first holiday coming up is Thanksgiving.  Then a few weeks later there, of course will be Christmas.  

I hope everyone realizes that you do NOT have to follow the food trends that say you are expected to only eat this or that on certain holidays.  A good family meal can be anything!!!!!!!  For Thanksgiving we generally talk turkey.  Shoot it can be chicken, ham, roast, pork, tofu, lamb, venison, lasagna, spaghetti, grilled foods, tamales............whatever you want.  YOU MAKE THE RULES!

Whatever you have - make a plan for later.

Here are a few suggestions of great meals that can be pre-planned from all the yummies left at the end of that big festive meal!

Now this doesn't matter what type of meat you fix.  Most all of these ideas work around anything.  You can also make the meals vegan.

Veggie soups - use up those leftover veggies and meats.  You can make with rice or noodles as well.  You can use a bit of mashed potatoes as a thickener for stew!

Pot pies!!!!!!!!!!  Oh yes - they can use up whatever you have.  Maybe a version of Shepherd pie!!!

Cold sandwiches - Oh my goodness, my favorite after thanksgiving is a cold turkey sandwich - I so look forward to that!!!!!!!!  My mouth waters just thinking of it now!

You can blend all things together and make a casserole.  I often place turkey in a baking pan, then top with dressing, green beans (or any veg) gravy and some cheese and bake until bubbly and yummy.  I know people that also add in cranberry sauce to this!  There is no limit to the ideas - and no rules.

Dressing makes FUN food - place in a waffle iron.  Let it get all nice and browned on the outside - it is still soft inside.  Makes for a great side with a little butter on top, a great side for breakfast or a 'bun' for a breakfast sandwich.

Mashed potatoes - can become potato cakes!  You could do this with mashed sweet potatoes as well!!!

Sweet potatoes can be used in muffins, sweet breads, or any other sweet yummy.

Grilled meat and cheese sandwiches - we all like grilled cheese.  Meat, cheese, maybe even a little cranberry sauce - grilled - oh yum!  Great lunch or breakfast.

You can do sliders as well.  Cut in half those dinner rolls - lay the bottoms in a baking dish - top with meat, cheese - whatever you want - top with the other half of roll - place in oven till heated nicely.  Oh goodness - ooey gooey yummy sandwich sliders!!!  What fun!

Another favorite I look forward to every year is a Manhattan!  Oh, these are so yummy.  If can be done with any type of meat.  They can also be made meatless - buy making the sandwich part with bread and loaded with veggies!!!!

This is ultimate comfort food to me!!!!!!!!!!!  It is like being at moms for a meal.  She made the best Manhattans.

Think about Mexican.  You can make tacos, nachos, enchiladas, burritos - just add some seasoning and cheese and maybe a little sauce - and an imagination.

Throw veggies, gravy, broth, meat, cheese, etc. in a crockpot and make a fun soup or 'pulled' meat fun dish.  You add whatever you want.  Use as a topping over rice or pasta.

How about fried rice or stir fry?  You know those items can use whatever is leftovers.

Just throwing out some ideas to get you in the mood to PLAN those goodies afterward.  No waste whatsoever, and good, tasty meals continue.  What a great money saver, food saver and just wonderful food even for the pickiest eater.

Do you have a regular 'planned' over that you make each year?  

To be honest I am that person that looks forward to all the goodies that can be made AFTER the holiday meal is over.  I can get creative and don't have to be set to the normal standards.

Share your ideas!!!!

Have a great day!