Transforming Leftovers into Appealing Meals

December 12, 2003

For most of us, no holiday meal is complete unless the fridge is stuffed with leftovers when dinner is over. While midnight raids may take care of some of the stockpile, we're often faced with the challenge of making those foil-wrapped mounds into appealing meals for days after the feast. Here are some creative and quick suggestions.

You don't have to limit yourself to thinking about leftovers only for suppers; many of the ingredients of a holiday feast can make hearty, delicious breakfast (or brunch) fare as well. Try making an omelet or frittata using diced turkey or ham and leftover vegetables, or an Overnight Breakfast Pie. Cranberry or other muffins complete the meal.
Cube sweet potatoes and stir fry with onion and zucchini strips; serve in soft tortillas with bottled fajita sauce and a dollop of sour cream.
Have a leftover potluck dinner with neighbors and friends. Since holiday dinners tend to be family affairs, this can be a great way to connect with friends and share family variations on holiday favorites. A recipe swap could be part of the fun.
A casserole or potpie is a great way to make use of a variety of leftover ingredients. Meat plus vegetables, rice or pasta, cheese or cream sauce, baked for a half an hour makes for a quick, easy, and tasty meal. Instead of pastry, try using leftover mashed potatoes (think Shepherd's Pie) or stuffing as the top crust. Add a green salad and dinner rolls, and you're ready to go.
The rest of the holiday bird can be used to make a wonderful stock; freeze in small batches for the makings of hearty soups for the cold winter days ahead. If you served raw veggies as an appetizer, use what's left with stock to make a delicious and simple vegetable soup.
Make leftovers like Mom used to make: croquettes and fritters are simple, tasty dishes that can incorporate a variety of holiday leftovers. You can find basic recipes in almost any cookbook.
Here's a twist on the usual turkey salad: cut turkey into cubes or strips, mix with relish, chutney, or salsa, and serve on a bed of mixed baby greens. Or try Cheesy Turkey Salad-a variation of Cheesy Tuna Salad-stuffed in tomato shells.
Give leftover holiday meats an international flavor-try making a curry or a mole sauce to blend with turkey. Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce flavored with chili peppers, spices, and chocolate. You can make your own, or purchase it at specialty food stores.
Try something old with something new: roast garlic and mash into leftover potatoes; serve with baked chicken or salmon.

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