Makeover for Leftovers

We've stuffed ourselves on Thanksgiving and gave thanks for all our blessings. Now, we have a refrigerator of leftovers and need a plan to recreate them. I call this "makeover for leftovers".

One of my favorite sandwiches that a local restaurants serves is called "The Gobbler". It's turkey, stuffing, a little cranberry sauce with melted brie on marbled rye. This is melted in a panini press until the bread is crunchy and the brie gooey. Yummy! If you don't have a panini press, a non-stick skillet with another skillet on top will do just fine. A pat of butter on the hot skillet before you put your sandwich down to press, will ensure that it will be golden brown and crunchy.

If you have really had your fill of turkey, you can remove the meat from the bones and freeze it. The turkey can stay frozen up to three months. If you wrap your turkey in plastic wrap, then in tin foil, freezer burn will not happen. The plastic wrap keeps the turkey free of picking up that weird smell from the freezer and the foil will not allow freezer burn to happen. Once you have wrapped the turkey (yes I know, it looks like a mummy, but the turkey will still be yummy) put it in the zip top bag. (label the bag, in a few weeks you'll have no idea what's in the tin foil) Three months from now, on a cold Winter's day, a nice pot of turkey soup will warm everyone up.

Were you left with a mountain of mashed potatoes? Let's make crunchy potato croquettes to have with your morning eggs. You can prepare them ahead of time and fry them off in the morning.

They are super easy to do and you can add what every your family likes. (ie: ham chopped finely, cheese, chives, etc)

Put the 2 cups of mashed potatoes in a large bowl. Add 2 eggs, finely chopped sage, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp flour and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. You'll need an additional 4 eggs (beaten), 3 cups of panco breadcrumbs and vegetable oil for frying.

Mix all the ingredients together and roll the potato mixture into oblong logs. Coat with the eggs and cover with the panco breadcrumbs . Shallow fry them on all sides until crunchy and golden brown.

I like potato croquettes with sunny side up eggs so I can dip them in. Now that's a breakfast that will stick to your ribs!

Turkey pot pies are also a favorite in my house. I cheat when I make them and use a top store bought crust (yes I cheat from time to time). In a deep skillet, brown 4 tbsp. of butter and add 2 tbsp of flour. Cook the flour until you get a golden roux (this will thicken your gravy). If this thickens too fast, you can add a little water. Add the leftover gravy and mixed vegetables (or any veggies you had on thanksgiving). Cook for five minutes allowing all the flavors come together. Add the turkey and just warm. Time to assemble the pot pie. Spoon into small baking dishes and top with left over mashed potatoes. Add a layer of your favorite cheese and top off with the a crust. Make vent holes in the crust and bake on 350 degrees for 15 minutes. You have a pot pie that is oozing with melted cheese.

You can make a gobbler sandwich, potato croquette or a pot pie, all from the leftovers. No matter what you make, enjoy the time with your family and friends. The food should be a compliment to the good company.

Enjoy!