Planning for the leftovers

Cooks in the U.S. are in the midst of Thanksgiving meal preparations, and we are happy to offer Rick Rodgers’ expert advice to help your meal be the best ever. While you are planning your menu, you may also want to give some thought to how you will use up any leftovers so you aren’t feeling the turkey sandwich blahs by Saturday.  

Some leftover uses are well-known: turkey tetrazzini, potato pancakes, and turkey pot pie. You can branch out with even more inventive recipes, as the LA Times show us with interesting uses for Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. They prove that sandwiches don’t have to be boring when you add out-of-the-ordinary condiments like kabocha spread and ancho-bell-pepper-cranberry chutney. The article also offers suggestions for gumbo, salads, and casseroles. 

Food Network also has tempting ideas for leftovers, with suggestings for using up everything from the stuffing to the cranberry sauce, even combining those ingredients in Second Day Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Sauce Pesto. Other ideas include samosas, frittata, muffins, and even turkey pho.  What is your favorite thing to make with Thanksgiving leftovers?

Photo of Hot brown turkey sandwiches from Food Network Magazine