The big meal is finished. The table is cleared, the dishes washed, the fridge packed with cooked vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy and turkey. You've spent all day, if not longer, preparing for this meal, and the thought of cooking tomorrow is not even in your mind. But tomorrow comes and so does dinnertime. What to do? Pull out the leftovers and make Turkey Dinner in a Bowl. It only takes a few minutes and it is completely flexible to the ingredients left over from the day before.
Turkey Dinner in a Bowl: Shepherd's Pie meets Thanksgiving Dinner
- Pull out the turkey dinner leftovers and choose a deep casserole dish large enough to accommodate your needs (i.e. 1.5 or 2 quarts, etc.)
- Chop enough turkey to fill 1/4 of the casserole dish. Pour left over gravy on top and stir. You may need to warm the gravy first so that it is liquid enough to mix.
- Cover the meat with stuffing and cooked vegetables. Leftover cranberry sauce can be added too, or it can be served on the side.
- Fill the remaining space in the dish with mashed potatoes. Spread smooth and brush them with butter or margarine. Cover.
- Cook in a 350 F oven for an hour or until warmed throughout.
Another Easy Option: Turkey Caesar Salad
Perhaps the thought of a heavy meal is too much the day after the Big Day. Try this simple salad that is ready in minutes. Quantities are completely discretionary.
Directions
- Chop lettuce (Romaine is nice and crisp), green onions and some leftover turkey. Toss together in a large salad bowl.
- Pour caesar dressing over top and sprinkle with bacon bits, croutons and Parmesan cheese if desired. Add leftover cranberries for colour, texture and flavour.
- Serve in bowls or in pitas for something a bit more filling.
The Untraditional Turkey Sandwich
So many people eat turkey sandwiches for days after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but that gets boring after a while. Try this turkey spread on crackers, flat breads, bagels or good old traditional sliced bread.
Directions for Turkey Spread
- In a food processor, finely chop leftover turkey. Pour into a large bowl and add one or more of the dressings and seasonings listed below:
- Miracle Whip and mustard (try Dijon for kick)
- Barbeque Sauce and Thousand Island salad dressing
- Relish and mayonnaise
- Ranch salad dressing
- Spike, Mrs. Dash, salt, pepper, curry seasoning, parsely, mint, etc.
- Finely chopped raw vegetables such as green onion, radish, celery and carrot
- Mix the meat, dressings, seasonings and vegetables together.
- Spread and enjoy.
- Serve with cheese, pickles and raw vegetables or a bowl of soup.
Final Words
These are but three ideas for easy holiday meals that feature leftover turkey. For more ideas read "How to Prepare Leftover Turkey" or "How to Toss Turkey into Three Salads". Happy eating and Happy Holidays!
 |
