Hello to all! It is a WET Tuesday morning here. Rain is coming down, and probably will most of the day. We do need it, but it sure makes for a dreary day. I did feed Licorice outside - under his little table - then he went back in the greenhouse to stay dry. I put corn out last night for the squirrels, so as not to have to do it today! Stray kitties are somewhere other than here this morning!
A big dinner tends to have leftovers. Whether you have turkey or ham or roast or whatever - utilize those leftovers. I will be going to families for the day - but this gal will be making a turkey breast, just so I can have the meat to use in many ways. Probably will make some sides too!!!
Here are some ideas - trust me - over the years I have done them all!!!
- Soup - add leftover noodles, or pasta or rice - and then veggies
- Turkey Manhattan - so love them. Hot turkey sandwich cut in half - separated and mashed potatoes in between, then topped with gravy!!!
- Casseroles - layer those leftovers like a lasagna - top with cheese or gravy or dried onions!
- Turkey sandwiches - my FAVORITE - cold turkey sandwich the day after!!!!
- Breaded turkey cutlets
- Potato cakes with l/o mashed pots - can add corn or any other veggie as well. Can make with sweet potatoes as well
- Turkey gravy over biscuits (this would be a meal for me) - or with breakfast food (yum) - even breakfast sandwiches or burritos
- Pot pie
- Tortilla roll-ups. Turkey, cranberry sauce, veggies, cheese, anything you want
- Dressing waffles - my favorite way to eat dressing. Crispy on outside and soft on inside. You can top with gravy or cranberry sauce or just a pat of butter
- Quiche
- Turkey spaghetti
- Hand pies
- Grilled cheese and turkey sandwich. Grilled cheese and cranberry sandwich
- Turkey Waldorf salad
- Frittata or omelet
- Shepherd Pie - top with l/o mashed or sweet potatoes
- Turkey chili
- Turkey hash
- Any leftovers on a panini or quesadilla
- Add meat, veggies to make fried rice
- Cranberries can be used in muffins or sweet breads - add to pancakes
- Broth! (from those carcasses)
Goodness, I know there is more and this is just if you have a traditional turkey meal. Depending on what meat you make - there would be other meals as well. Ham & beans, ham hash, ham sliced for breakfast, beef Manhattan, stew, stir fry, etc.
You can make new dinners, lunches and even breakfast. So many ways to use what is left. You can freeze some and have it later as well.
Remember you don't have to stick with 'tradition' and you can make whatever you have on hand!!! It doesn't have to be something fancy - just eat what you like and have.
Maybe fancy up the day using nice dishes and/or goblets or a pretty tablecloth, light some candles on the table, play some background music - dress up a little more than normal - make a nice centerpiece from greens or leaves from outside for no money. Just make it a special day WITH FAMILY or FRIENDS! That is what is important. And be THANKFUL for what you DO have!
Do you have any Turkey Day leftover ideas that you do every year? Something you just have to have?
For me it is the cold turkey sandwich and a turkey Manhattan. MMMMMM - my mouth is watering thinking about them!
I know many also watch the parade and many, many ball games! So, you can make a buffet of finger foods as well. Whatever works for you!
Share your ideas and help someone else with maybe a new idea!
Have a safe and lovely day!
SMILE today - it will improve your mood (and someone else's!)
Leftover protein can be chopped in the food processor (to whatever consistency you prefer). Add chopped onion, mayo, relish to make a sandwich spread. Can also be used on crackers for snacking.
ReplyDeleteOh yes. That is a great idea. Ham or turkey salad. Great ways to extend some leftovers.
DeleteYes, a cold turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving is a must for me too and a big pot of Brunswick stew is for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many options for leftovers which is always awesome.
Stay dry and have a great day Cheryl.
That day after sandwich is more important to me than the actual dinner! It just always hits the spot.
DeleteMmmm stew sounds good. Yep, so many uses.
Thanks, you stay warm and dry.
Turkey sure is versatile! Since there are only three of us we will have a turkey breast. Erin has to work at the Lebanon store at 3 pm so it will be a very simple gathering. We will still have leftover turkey for sammies. And of course, cranberry salad with orange.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is wet today! At least the dogs don't balk at going out to potty. Glad we got most of our outdoor chores done yesterday.
It's a good day for you and Bits to cuddle with a book.
Well, at least you get to be together for a while. Just so many ways to reuse things. I do like cranberries and oranges.
DeleteYes, it is wet. I raked yesterday, but you sure can't tell it now.
Bits is sleeping right next to me!!!
We've had rain overnight, and more expected today. I've been out to squeegee the water off the patio and will do so again later today.
ReplyDeleteOur park is having a Thanksgiving meal too, with turkey, ham, and all the fixings. The social committee purchases the meat, and the rest of us provide the sides. Since I've been volunteered for the social committee, I'll be busy getting the clubhouse decorated (with assistance), and setting up the tables. We all bring our own plates and cutlery - makes clean-up a lot easier!
Seems to be raining a lot of places. I wondered about you yesterday, when I saw it raining so much out west.
DeleteThant is pretty cool to have such a nice get together. It will be nice to have a good variety of goodies to try.
I add a little cranberry sauce to mayo or mustard (or both) to zip up a turkey or ham sandwich.
ReplyDeleteI bet that is good. I am not huge on cranberry sauce (except with oranges) - but I bet that would be tasty.
DeleteFor years growing up I didn’t want cranberry sauce - for some weird reason. I didn’t realize what I was missing! Turkey sandwiches are the best.
ReplyDeleteIt still isn't one of the things I go for first. Not sure why.
DeleteYes mam, turkey sandwiches are the bomb!
That turkey manhattan looks delicious! Anything with gravy is good. 😂 I made turkey salad the last time I made a turkey, just like chicken salad and we really liked it. There are so many ways to enjoy it after the holiday too. My grandmother worked for Pepperidge Farm in Downers Grove, Illinois and she always served their crescent rolls and herbed dressing made with cornbread. I can’t get the crescent rolls, but the herb dressing is available every year and I just have to make it even if I don’t make anything else. 😂
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really good. Yep, a lot of choices to make things.
DeleteI used to work with a young man from Downers Grove, IL years ago. We all drove there from work to attend his funeral (died very young).
What sweet memories you have of grandma. Some of those old time dishes can't be recreated - we can come close - but not the same as theirs!
So true, Cheryl. That is sad about your young coworker.
DeleteIt was awful - he had just married, was very young (early 20's), and then found out he had leukemia. They tried very hard to save him - but we lost a great young man. A long time ago, but I still remember him fondly!
DeleteStuffing! OMGoodness, I love stuffing. :) With gravy. With cranberry. Just heated up by itself! Ahhh. :) Turkey and fixings - so good.
ReplyDeleteToday was doctor checkup and he said he'd see me next year about this time. Works for me. Guess my numbers were ok. Hope it stays that way.
It's not cold, in fact it is to be warm tomorrow. I'd like some of that rain, though. It's very dry here. I'd be blowing leaves, but the wind is high enough that it would be a total waste of effort.
MaryB
I do like stuffing. I sure didn't as a kid, but tried it after we got married again, and it was a hit with me.
DeleteGlad all went well at the doctor. Always good to hear - see ya next year!
It was wet, wet here today - would have liked to have sent you some. We need it, but I have had enough for today! Sure has been windy here too.
Turkey tetrazzini, Creamed turkey on toast, Ham and potato casserole, Ham Quiche, Ham pasties, and so many more.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yum and more yum! No limit to all the goodies we can all fix.
DeleteDon't forget the pets...my kitties love their share of turkey leftovers. 🐈⬛
ReplyDeleteMy kitties have never seemed too interested. I bet Bitsy might - he loves the white meat of chicken.
DeleteI love turkey sandwiches, too, and turkey noodle soup. I love all the Thanksgiving foods. It's my favorite meal of the year.
ReplyDeleteNothing like a cold turkey sandwich in my view! I do love Thanksgiving food - so yummy.
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