Let’s Put Thanksgiving Dinner to Good Use!
Another Turkey Day is quickly approaching and we are delighted it’s almost that time! Here, at Elvira’s Cafe, we are all about Thanksgiving and the good ole Southern cooking tradition that comes along with it.
Like probably most folks out there, we tend to go a little overboard when preparing for our Thanksgiving Dinner. And the amount of work we put into cooking begs the question:
What to do with the leftovers?
At the end of the day, one can only eat so many ham sandwiches or mashed potato cakes. So let’s get creative and see how we can transform familiar leftovers into a memorable feast! Here are a few ideas from Elvira herself:
Savory Turkey Crepe
A new take on Thanksgiving leftovers, these savory turkey crepes are made with buckwheat flour and filled with sliced turkey breast, sizzling bacon, avocado, roasted pepper, and melted cheese. These crepes are easy to make and are super delicious. You can even go as far as adding stuffing and garnishing them with gravy or cranberry sauce. They are perfect for a post-holiday breakfast or brunch!
Turkey Power Bowl
Feeling guilty about those extra pounds you’ve been saving room for before Thanksgiving? Don’t you worry! This turkey power bowl can be made only with the healthiest ingredients: leftover turkey slices, mushrooms, and grilled onions served on a lettuce bed and garnished with fresh avocado, hard-boiled egg, and perhaps a bit of marinaded beets? Yum!
Turkey Empanadas
Empanadas (Spanish hand pies) is an ideal solution for extending your Thanksgiving celebration in the most creative way. Homemade or store-bought pie crust can be easily stuffed with leftover turkey or mashed potatoes. Simply fill the empanadas, fold them, and bake them in the oven. You can also play around with the dough to make cut-out leaves for cute fall decorations. Your kids will love it!
Dad's Leftover Pot Pie
Pot pie is another easy recipe that can be brought out of the woodwork after your Thanksgiving feast. Take leftover turkey or ham and mix it with sauteed peas, carrots, green beans, and celery. Spoon the filling into 2 store-bought pie crusts, pinch the top together and into the oven they go! This recipe is so easy, any dad can make it! Plus, if you are into meal prep for the busy work week ahead, you can bake 2 pies and freeze one of them for a quick meal.
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
Leftover turkey is great for making hearty soup! Simply sweat celery, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper over moderate heat then pour hot turkey broth in and add wild rice. This easy leftover turkey and rice soup is perfect comfort food following the days of heavy cooking for Thanksgiving!