Many of us look forward to Thanksgiving – and especially the food we prepare for our loved ones: family, friend, or other. I know one of the challenges post-Thanksgiving is finding a use for the leftovers. Do have some to-go containers for people to take some food home. But don’t forget to save some to create some of my favorite leftover dishes. These recipes can be adjusted as one pleases as it’s all based on personal preference.  Just have fun with it!

Post Thanksgiving Empanadas

Note: this can be frozen for future consumption

Ingredients

• Leftovers!
  • Turkey
  • Stuffing
  • Gravy
  • Cranberry sauce
• Frozen empanada dough disks, thawed
• 2 eggs, whisked

Method

1. Shred leftover turkey, making sure to remove any skin/bones that may be left.
2. In a medium mixing bowl combine turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce & gravy in a bowl.
3. On a thawed empanada dough disk, place a spoonful of the leftovers mixture in the middle leaving enough space around the sides to crimp closed.
4. Brush egg wash around the rim of the dough then fold in half and crimp the sides closed with a fork, making sure not to press too hard and tear the dough. (Alternatively, you can use an empanada press that makes things much easier and can be found on amazon for relatively cheap.)
5. Place the empanadas on a parchment lined sheet pan and brush egg wash the top. Place in 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes or until they get golden brown.

Turkey & Cranberry Monte Cristo

Ingredients

• Leftovers!
  • Turkey, sliced (preferably white meat)
  • Cranberry sauce
• 2 slices firm white or marbled bread (or bread of choice)
• 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 slices Swiss or gruyere cheese
• Butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Method

1. Slice the leftover turkey breast as thinly as possible and portion 3.5 ounces per sandwich
2. Spread one slice of bread with mayonnaise and the other with the cranberry relish
3. Place one slice of cheese on each piece of bread
4. Place turkey on top of one slice, then cover with other slice
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper and transfer to shallow bowl or pie plate. Dip the dry sandwich into the egg mixture until it is totally coated.
6. In a medium heat pan add a bit of butter and griddle the sandwiches until they reach a nice golden brown color.

Cranberry-Sprite Spritzer

Ingredients

• 30 ounces leftover cranberry relish
• 2 Tablespoons peeled and chopped ginger
• 2 liters of Sprite or ginger ale
• Ice cubes

Method

Combine the cranberry relish, ginger, and soda in a large pitcher. Serve immediately over ice.