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How to use up every one of your Thanksgiving leftovers

The Ideas Project aims to inspire and empower individuals, families, and communities to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable food system.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers

Transforming Turkey into a Variety of Dishes

  • Turkey sandwiches
  • Turkey soup
  • Turkey pot pie
  • Turkey tacos
  • Turkey and stuffing waffles

    • The turkey is often the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal, and with a little creativity, it can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Use leftover turkey to make a turkey sandwich with your favorite condiments and toppings. Create a comforting turkey soup by simmering the leftover turkey with some vegetables and noodles. Make a turkey pot pie by filling a pre-made pie crust with a mixture of leftover turkey, vegetables, and gravy. Add some spice to your meal by making turkey tacos with leftover turkey, salsa, and avocado.

    Turn leftovers into tasty meals with these creative ideas.

    Creative Leftover Ideas

    Turkey Sliders

  • Use leftover turkey to make mini burgers, topped with cheese, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted bun. Add some caramelized onions and a drizzle of your favorite sauce for extra flavor. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. ### Mashed Potato Cakes*

    • Mashed Potato Cakes

  • Shape leftover mashed potatoes into patties and pan-fry until crispy and golden.

    Here are some creative ways to repurpose leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and other Thanksgiving leftovers.

    Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftover Turkey

    The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich

  • Use leftover turkey to make a delicious sandwich. Try pairing it with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and cranberry-orange relish for a sweet and savory combination. Add some crunch by topping your sandwich with crispy bacon, chopped nuts, or crispy onions.

    Repurpose leftover turkey into a flavorful and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.

    Turkey Enchiladas: A Delicious Twist on a Classic

    Turkey enchiladas are a creative way to repurpose leftover turkey. This dish combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a classic American meal. The key to making great turkey enchiladas is to use leftover turkey that’s been shredded or diced and mixed with some flavorful spices.

    Ingredients and Preparation

  • 1 pound leftover turkey, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6-8 corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings: diced onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro

    • To prepare the turkey enchiladas, start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin and paprika, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the shredded turkey and stir to combine with the spices. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the turkey is heated through. Next, warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll. To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the turkey mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and turkey mixture. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

    The Art of Making a Delicious Turkey and Mashed Potato Gravy

    A Classic Comfort Food with a Fresh Twist

    The humble turkey and mashed potato dish is a staple of many cuisines around the world. However, it’s often elevated to new heights with the addition of a rich and savory gravy. In this article, we’ll explore the art of making a delicious turkey and mashed potato gravy, using leftover turkey and a few clever tricks to create a truly unforgettable meal.

    The Importance of a Good Stock

    The foundation of any good gravy is a rich and flavorful stock. In this case, we’ll be using the turkey carcass to make a delicious turkey stock.

    Here are some creative ways to use pumpkin:

    Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin

    Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet treats to savory meals. Here are some creative ways to use pumpkin:

  • Pumpkin Chili: Add diced pumpkin to your favorite chili recipe for a boost of flavor and nutrition. The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs perfectly with the heat of the chili. Pumpkin Muffins: Use canned pumpkin puree to make delicious muffins that are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Pumpkin Soup: Blend cooked pumpkin with chicken or vegetable broth and cream for a creamy and comforting soup. Pumpkin Ravioli: Use pumpkin puree as a filling for homemade ravioli, and top with a brown butter sage sauce. Pumpkin Spice Cake: Make a moist and flavorful cake using pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, and spices. * Pumpkin Bread: Use canned pumpkin puree to make a delicious and easy bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. ## The Benefits of Using Pumpkin**

    • The Benefits of Using Pumpkin

    Pumpkin is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and health benefits.

    Mix it with some cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delicious dip for apple slices. Or, use it as a glaze for roasted meats, such as ham or turkey.

    The Sweet and Tangy World of Cranberry Sauce

    Cranberry sauce is a staple condiment in many American households, particularly during the Thanksgiving season.

    Or, use it to make a delicious stuffing-stuffed French toast.

    Creative Ways to Repurpose Thanksgiving Leftovers

    The art of repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers is a time-honored tradition.

    You can also use leftover bread to make croutons for salads or soup.

    The Creative Repurposing of Leftover Bread

    The Art of Upcycling

    When it comes to cooking, one of the most common culprits of food waste is leftover bread. However, with a little creativity, this often-discarded ingredient can be transformed into a variety of delicious and innovative dishes. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways to repurpose leftover bread, from sweet treats to savory meals.

    The Sweet Side of Leftover Bread

    Leftover bread can be used to make a variety of sweet treats, including:

  • Blueberry French toast: A classic breakfast dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply slice the bread, dip it in a mixture of eggs, milk, and sugar, and cook it in a pan until golden brown.

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