Food

Thanksgiving Leftovers

November 29, 2012

Here's a number of ideas for how to use your leftover holiday fixings, from turkey sandwiches to pumpkin couscous.

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite estimates that it serves about 45 gallons of soup at every seating of the annual Bracebridge Dinner. See the recipeArthur Meehan

See the RecipeAndré Baranowski

Shepherd's pie gets its name from the romantic notion that it was eaten by shepherds in the north of England long ago! We decided to make ours with lamb, keeping the spirit of the idea. See the recipe for Shepherd's PieAndr¿ Baranowski

Regular turkey wings are a fine substitute for smoked in this recipe for hearty collard greens. See the recipe for Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Wings »Andre Barnaowski

Turkey Tetrazzini — This cheesy, pea-studded noodle casserole is a great way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.André Baranowski

Poultry features in the Panes con Pavo, from El Salvador, with its beer-braised turkey filling.André Baranowski

See the RecipeChristopher Boas

See the RecipeMary Ellen Bartley

See the RecipeEvan Sklar

See the RecipeAndré Baranowski

Monte Cristo — People have strong opinions about the Monte Cristo sandwich, a double-decker of Swiss cheese, ham, and chicken or turkey, battered, fried, and dusted with confectioners' sugar, served with jelly on the side. Some consider it a marvel; others, an absurdity. Try it with cranberry sauce!Todd Coleman

Hot, rich, and delicious, this is a decadent way to use up leftover turkey and relieve all the comfort of Thanksgiving dinner. Get the recipe for Hot Brown »James Baigrie

Apple and Cranberry Upside-Down Cakes — If you find yourself with a surplus of fresh cranberries, these elegant cakes are the perfect solution. They can be cooked in individual miniature pans, or in a single skillet for convenience.Khushbu Shah

A Cajun-inspired dessert comes from the home of Marcia Ball, blues singer and piano player.Laurie Smith

Don't try to make this elegant soup with Halloween pumpkins. Instead, try kabocha squash, or Cinderella or cheese pumpkins, often available in autumn at farm stands and specialty markets. See the recipe for Light Mussel and Pumpkin Soup »Martin Schreiber

See the RecipeChrsitopher Hirsheimer

Tender, hand-cut noodles are a hallmark of this delicious from-scratch soup. See the recipe for Strongbow Inn's Turkey Noodle SoupJames Oseland

Shopsin's Pumpkin Pancakes — Chef Kenny Shopsin serves this popular breakfast dish at his much-loved namesake restaurant in New York City's Essex Street Market.Todd Coleman

Salata Adas (Garlicky Lentil Salad) — This light, Lebanese lentil salad is flavored with lemon juice, cumin, allspice, and parsley.Todd Coleman

Take inspiration from the comic strip "Blondie" to make your own catchall sandwich with goods from the Thanksgiving table like greens, turkey, cheese, cranberry sauce, and more. See the recipe for The Dagwood »Todd Coleman

Elena Ruz — Commonly served during merienda (afternoon tea) in Cuba, this sandwich of turkey, jam, and cream cheese on a roll is sweet and savory all in one. Try substituting leftover cranberry sauce for the strawberry jam.Todd Coleman

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Oregano-Hazelnut Pesto — Basil and oregano add herbal brightness to butternut squash, browned butter, and hazelnuts in a sweet-savory pasta dish.Todd Coleman

A hearty vegetable hash couldn't be more perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers, including mashed potatoes.Todd Coleman

Winter Squash and Apple Soup — A garnish of fried mushrooms and a drizzle of spiced mint butter adds elegance to a simple pureed vegetable soup.Todd Coleman

Seasonal Squash Tart — Get creative with the topping for this tart, which will help to really stretch leftover squash and other vegetables. Store-bought puff pastry makes a simple dish even simpler. Get the recipe for Seasonal Squash Tart »Anna Stockwell

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad — Arugula forms a peppery base of this squash salad and spiced sweet pecans add a layer of crunch.Anna Stockwell

Apple Cider Levain Loaf — This flavorful, naturally leavened white bread is a great use of apple cider and dried cranberries, so you can enjoy Thanksgiving's flavors long after the holiday is done.Todd Coleman

Pumpkin Bread (Fein Tau Weiyema) — A dense, pudding-like pumpkin bread makes a rich and satisfying dessert. Use leftover butternut, acorn, or pumpkin squash purée.Penny De Los Santos

This hearty breakfast dish is perfect for the morning after Thanksgiving. It uses up leftover cooked turkey as well as Thanksgiving pantry ingredients you may not have used up the day before, like cream, stock (feel free to use turkey stock in place of chicken), and herbs. Get the recipe for Todd's Turkey Hash »

Caribbean Pumpkin Soup — Roast or sauté extra squash over the weekend (butternut or calabaza are perfect) to make quick weeknight work of this garlicky, spicy pumpkin soup.Penny De Los Santos

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