We all love the delicious food served at Thanksgiving celebrations. While the star of the meal is the meat, let’s not forget the supporting sides. Not only do they balance out the meal, they provide more opportunities to jazz up leftovers. Let’s face it, while everyone gobbles up the turkey, potatoes and cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving, no one wants to continue eating them three days later, at least not in their original form.
You can re-purpose the leftovers in a variety of ways. Make a fall sandwich by layering turkey, cranberry sauce, a small amount of mashed potatoes and soft cheese (muenster, brie, etc.) on slices of sourdough bread. Spread mayo on the outside of the bread and grill. The mayo will help the bread toast without leaving it greasy like butter.
Cranberry sauce makes a great condiment for sandwiches. It is also terrific in other ways. To make a great sauce for meatballs or cocktail wieners, mix one can of cranberry sauce with two tablespoons Dijon mustard and one tablespoon Worcestershire in a saucepan and cook on medium until it blends. To make a flavorful topping for pork loin or poultry, heat one can of cranberry sauce with a teaspoon of lime juice and ¼ cup sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook the mixture until the sauce reduces. To jazz up the topping even more, add one teaspoon cayenne powder. The hot/sweet combination also tastes great over cream cheese and served with crackers.
Leftovers make a great stir fry. Put two tablespoons of canola oil into a hot skillet. Add two cups cooked rice. Stir to coat, then mix in two cups of assorted vegetables. Add frozen vegetables if more vegetables are needed. Sauté over medium heat until the rice turns golden. Pour in one teaspoon oil, tilting the pan so that it separates from the rice. When the oil becomes hot, add two eggs that have been whisked together. As soon as the eggs cook, quickly combine with the rice mixture. Remove from heat and serve with a little lime juice and roasted peanuts.
Leftovers don’t need to be met with groans and eye rolling. Put a little thought into new flavor combinations and your family will cheer your efforts and ask for more.
By Around Acworth contributing writer, Tiffany Hughes.
Tiffany is an Acworth, Ga., resident who is an educator at Tellus Science Museum. She enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies. Contact her at creativecook11@yahoo.com.
VERY NICE….