12/25/2024
Now we have leftovers; what can we do with them?
BY MURRAY MONTGOMERY� Staff Writer
I must admit that one of the things I look forward to during the holidays is all that great food. From the turkey and dressing at Thanksgiving to, in my family, the Mexican food at Christmas.
As for the New Year’s fare, it really makes no difference to me; if I had my choice, it would probably be ham, corn, and mashed potatoes with gravy – I am not a big fan of black-eyed peas.
I have been thinking a lot about all those leftovers and some creative ways to fix them. So, to get some ideas, I turned to the “information highway,” aka the Internet. Maybe the folks who are kind enough to read this column will get some ideas from the following suggestions.
Many holiday staples can be easily transformed into new dishes. For instance, leftover turkey can be turned into a hearty turkey pot pie. Simply combine diced turkey with vegetables, a creamy sauce, and top it with a flaky pastry crust. Alternatively, shredded turkey can be added to tacos or enchiladas for a festive twist on Mexican cuisine.
I had forgotten about how my mother used to fix her leftover mashed potatoes. I love those “potato pancakes.” One Internet source provided the following: Mix the leftover mashed potatoes with some flour, an egg, and seasonings, then fry them until crispy.
Also, we can use leftovers to create some tasty soups. For example, leftover ham can be diced and added to a split pea soup, while roasted vegetables can be blended into a creamy soup with a splash of broth and some herbs. A classic turkey noodle soup is another easy option – just throw in some broth, noodles, and any leftover veggies for a comforting meal.
And we cannot forget the sandwiches – I love cold turkey sandwiches with nothing more than bread and Miracle Whip. For something warm, try grilled cheese with leftover stuffing or a sandwich made with turkey and Swiss cheese.
Another Internet source talked about making casseroles out of your leftovers. I love broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole – in my family, broccoli casserole is not a leftover but part of the main course.
But other casserole suggestions include: Mixing leftover vegetables, meats, and a starch like rice or pasta, then top with cheese and bake until bubbly. A Thanksgiving casserole, for example, might include turkey, green beans, and stuffing all baked together for a comforting one-dish meal.
I am not a big fan of salads, but there are suggestions out there for those of you who are, including this one from one salad lover: “Combine leftover roasted vegetables with greens and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing salad. Add in some turkey or ham for protein, and toss in nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.”
Pickles, olives, dips, chips, jalapenos, tomatoes, and many more things that I do not recall right now will also join all the other “leftovers.” I will remember all of them when I sit down at the dinner table on Christmas Eve.
We cannot forget the desserts. Leftover pie can be repurposed in a variety of ways. Crumble it over ice cream for a quick sundae, or blend it into a milkshake for a festive treat. Leftover cake can be turned into cake pops or used in trifles with whipped cream and fruit.
And finally, the information highway suggests that holiday food leftovers do not have to be a burden. With a bit of creativity, you can turn last night’s feast into a week’s worth of delicious meals.
