The 2nd best part of enjoying a delicious dinner with family for Thanksgiving, is of course all of the tasty turkey leftovers! There are so many simple and seriously yummy ways to “repurpose” your big ol’ bird…from Turkey A La King, to Turkey Soup and Hot Turkey Sandwiches! Trek along the turkey trail with 3P as we whip up delectable leftovers the whole family will love!
First up: Hot Turkey Sandwiches and French Fries with Gravy! A family favorite that’s been savored year and after year for the days following turkey day. French fries and gravy is a bit of a Canadian thing, and we’ve adopted it happily! With fresh crusty bread, and buttered peas as the perfect accompaniments…you can’t go wrong. 3P Tip: You may not believe it, but this is very company friendly, as comfort food is really trendy right now. Both turkey and gravy can be stored in the freezer for meals to come.
Next on our top turkey favorites: Creamy Turkey A La King. Think “Deconstructed” Turkey Pot Pie! This indulgent meal is a real heart warmer!
Ingredients: for 5 Servings
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup sliced cooked carrots
1 cup petite green peas
(Optional Mushrooms)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Warm biscuits (Pillsbury is an easy favorite! Simply prepare as directed…)
Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add broth and milk and stirring constantly. Bring almost to a boil on medium heat; continue to cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Reduce heat slightly and stir in the turkey, carrots, peas, salt and pepper; heat through.
Serve immediately with biscuits!
Savory “Next Day” Turkey Soup: This broth has a distinctly different flavor than traditional chicken, and can be used as a full veggie and noodle soup, or a stock to add to as you go! Clean out the crisper in the fridge and add what you love….that’s how we ended up adding bok choy to the mix. Delicious!
1 turkey carcass, with as much meat as you can leave!
2 medium stalks celery, coarsely chopped (include the leaves for flavor)
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
1 medium bay leaf
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
6 sprigs fresh thyme
salt to taste
Instructions
1. Break up carcass with a meat mallet or cleaver so it fits in a stockpot (at least 15 quarts), then add remaining ingredients. Add enough cold water to cover the bones by 2 inches and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, skimming occasionally, until turkey flavor comes through in the stock, about 2 to 3 hours.
2. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, and add additional fresh veggies or noodles to boil as preferred.
Turkey sand-o’s, turkey fried rice, and turkey salad are other 3P next day Go-To’s. The joy of all of these leftover lovelies is that you can have the whole next week of meals, as well as freezer favorites as you head into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Enjoy and share your turkey secret recipes with 3P!
