I live for leftovers, especially simple foods that can become something new and different. So, naturally, I love raiding the fridge after Thanksgiving! Some results are just combining; others are recreations.
Turkey + stuffing= crunchy patties
I like greasing a cookie sheet and adding leftover chopped turkey, stuffing, balling them into patties. I spray with a little oil then bake at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. Sometimes I add almonds, onion or a little gravy to bind the ingredients together. Once I added jerk seasoning and the additional kick was yummy.
Cranberry sauce + Italian dressing= sweet/tart vinaigrette
I make my own cranberry sauce but canned jelly works great with this, too. I just combine about 1/3 sauce or jelly to 2/3 dressing and blend until smooth and thickened. Awesome!
Cranberry sauce + Dijon mustard + mayo=kickin' sandwich spread
Add equal parts of each in a bowl and mix well. More cranberry sauce ideas throughout. It's so versatile!
Leftover veggies+cream= cream of (anything) soup
Sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, corn, squash--lots of veggies make a great creamy soup. Half and half will work in many cases if there is no acid like lemon/citrus juice, vinegar, etc. Cream cheese makes a great thickener. I use just over a tablespoon of cream per cup of veggies and add stock to thin out. This can be heated in a microwave then blended.
Turkey
Nachos, pot pie, quesadillas, samosas, chili, pulled turkey in bbq sauce, fried rice and Jamaican meat patties all come to mind when I want to recreate a dish with turkey. I also like mixing cranberry sauce with bbq sauce or salsa to create a nice condiment alongside as a dipping sauce.
Turkey +gravy +peas 'n' carrots+ mashed potatoes= shepherd's pie
Chop the Turkey and add a little gravy. Then layer the veggies, then mashed potatoes on top. I like to top with cheese right out of the oven.
Ham+ mashed potatoes+ corn =chowder
I like some chunks of potatoes and usually have some diced frozen potatoes-hash browns- to throw in. Ham hocks, smoked turkey necks can be thrown in for flavor. I make a regular soup with stock then add potatoes, then thicken with cream cheese thinned out with a spoon of water heated together in the microwave for 15 seconds. Doesn't separate with cream cheese, which is a plus.
Leftover bread=croutons, more stuffing, bread crumbs and/or bread pudding or French toast
Sweet potatoes can become pie. We usually make the second sweet enough be a dessert. For every 2 or so cups, add an egg and 1/4 cup cream or evaporated milk. Puree in a food processor (but it may be too thick for a blender). Bake at 300 until glossy at the top and not jiggly, about 40 minutes.
Veggie tray becomes stir fry
Scrap the tomatoes and stir fry if you want a quick hot dish. You can also cut these veggies and add to soup.
Fruit tray becomes smoothies, sorbet or chutney/jam
I usually make the melons into smoothies or sorbet and turn the rest into a quick jam I keep in the refrigerator.
Wine+mulled cider= Glogg or sorbet
Cranberry juice, cider, wine can all be mulled-heated with a cinnamon stick, Orange peel and cloves. They all work interchangeably to make a new, delicious drink. You can also run this through an ice cream maker for an unctuous sorbet. Guess what else you can add to the sorbet mixture? Cranberry sauce!
Scraps of dessert become ice cream. Mix well into vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and refreeze or make your own.
Any other ideas? Share in the comment section!
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