Using holiday leftovers

Continuing with the extra posts to give a few more ideas for the holidays, lets today talk leftovers. Whatever you have stuffed yourself with for Thanksgiving or Christmas, the chances are you have some extra. It’s kind of the reward for the effort in making it that you have more than you need to enjoy over a few days. However much as it can be good to enjoy having some of the leftovers just as they are or cold or in a sandwich, it can quickly become a bit boring and you need something else instead. Fear not, here are some great ideas on how to use those holiday leftovers to make an entirely different but truly delicious dish.

Leftover turkey and chicken:

Thai red curry

You could hardly get more different from a traditional holiday roast than a curry, but it makes for a great meal that’s warming and delicious. Plus, making your own sauce isn’t all that hard but is better than anything you might buy.

Turkey and butternut squash stew

It’s probably cold outside, so chances are a hearty stew will perfectly fit the bill, like this turkey and butternut squash stew from Cooking Chat. Filling, flavorful and good for you too.

Vietnamese chicken salad

It might be wintery outside, but this is one salad you will be wanting to make. Full of fantastic flavors, incredibly easy to prepare, it makes the perfect lunch that’s far removed from the feast that came before. It’s a detox both in flavor and with it’s veggie goodness.

Turkey/chicken, leek and mushroom crepes

There’s a definite comfort factor to these crepes filled with a delicious cheesy sauce, but they are filling enough with all the turkey and vegetables to be a great meal as well.

Turkey enchilada pasta bake

Another comforting option that equally packs a veggie punch, this turkey enchilada pasta bake from Curious Cuisiniere is a delicious dish.

Butternut squash risotto with chicken and arugula

Risottos are a great way of using up leftovers as you can be so flexible with what you add and you often want some ingredients to be pre-cooked so leftovers are perfect. This butternut squash risotto with chicken (or turkey) and arugula is a perfect comforting dish that’s full of flavor.

Leftover sides:

Thanksgiving leftover savory bread pudding

Use up some of your sides as well as some turkey for breakfast with this delicious savory bread pudding from The Flavor Bender. Lots of flavor and cheesy to boot.

Savory French toast sandwich with sweet potato

Another great brunch (or lunch) option, a really quick, tasty and pretty healthy sandwich that’s like a cross between French toast, grilled cheese and a sweet potato casserole.

Parsnip and potato farl (potato pancakes/scones)

This recipe may not have been written with leftovers in mind, but this is a perfect way to use leftover mashed potato and/or other vegetables. It’s originally made with potato and parsnip but why not try it with whatever leftover mashed root veg you have, it’ll be delicious!

Leftover sprouts risotto

Specifically thinking about using up leftovers from this recipe, this is another tasty risotto to use up leftover cooked brussel sprouts, but it could also be adapted to use other greens as well.

Sweet potato casserole muffins

Moving away from savory options, a very different use for any leftover sweet potato casserole is to make these delicious muffins from Magnolia Days. Easy to make, moist and a lovely color from the sweet potato.

Cranberry-filled shortbread

Cranberry sauce isn’t only good for going on your turkey, it can also make a great filling for these tasty filled shortbread cookies. Think an already melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with a slightly gooey centre. So delicious!

Leftover dessert:

Baked pumpkin arancini

OK, so it’s not strictly speaking using up dessert, but if you make a pumpkin pie you may well have leftover pumpkin puree, and this is a great way to use it in a very different, very tasty way.

Christmas pudding muffins

I know this one is less likely to be used in the US, but for anyone including us who will be having Christmas pudding, this is a great recipe to have handy. Give it a new lease of life in these tasty muffins, fruity and flavorful.