The Blessing of Leftovers...

First, let me start by saying, I HATE leftovers....really, I don't particularly enjoy them. I feel as though they can suck the creativity out of my evening meal plans.  Why, because it does not make any sense to throw out perfectly good food.  And reheating is so utterly boring.  Oohhh, did my title throw you?  Then, please, let me explain....

During this holiday season, we all either partake, or in my case, cook entire feasts.  We are all fortunate enough to be able to cook such elaborate meals should we choose. It simply amazes me how many of us throw away our leftovers.  Especially turkey carcasses.   My thoughts have been on our past Thanksgiving holiday.  I cooked a 20+ pound bird, for a group of 8.  Needless to say, I had loads of leftover turkey. 

I think the key to good leftover turkey (especially if you are going to reheat the meat) is a brined bird.  It's so juicy from the first go round that it can withstand being heated again without drying out.  I should share one of my favourite breakfasts for the mornings shortly after Thanksgiving, when we still have all our sides stashed in the fridge. 

Turkey, Fresh Italian Sausage, Stuffing, an egg, season with salt/pepper, oregano, and sage.  Chuck in all into the kitchen wiz, and make a nice mince.  Pack into patties and fry in a skillet of olive oil and butter until golden and crispy.  Serve with Leftover gravy, or my favourite, cranberry sauce.  Even better as a brunch with some of that leftover bubbly from the night before! 

Anyway, the blessing of leftovers.  That's what I titled this blog.  They really can be a blessing if you start out with quality leftovers.  Tonight, I've pulled the turkey carcass out of the freezer.  After it thawed, I removed the rest of the meat (sandwiches) I could with my fingers.  Chucked the rest into the soup pot (yes, the bones and nasty bits) and boiled it down into the most elegant stock (with a few other things added to boost the flavour). Strained the stock, and chucked in heaps of fresh veggies, herbs, and of course, the turkey.  Turned into an amazing fresh turkey soup for supper on a very cold, windy, wet night.  This one bird has fed my family for more days than I can count off the top of my head.  And for pennies.