Creative Thanksgiving “Planned-Overs”

By Arlene Bascom

Turkey for Thanksgiving? Of course! It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey. But even if you host a crowd, you are still likely to have meat left over. What do you do with all that turkey after the holiday? You don’t have to go “cold turkey.” Besides those turkey sandwiches, there are many innovative and delicious ways to make appetizing “planned-overs.”

Each of the following recipes offers a change of pace from the potato, gravy, and stuffing meals of the holidays. When you tire of turkey, simply freeze those last savory morsels in good quality freezer containers in one to two cup amounts. Then, when turkey sounds appealing again, gather the other ingredients for the recipes below. Now, you are ready to prepare some easy, economical, and tasty turkey meals.  

Ranch Noodles with Turkey 

4 oz. pasta (egg noodles or bow ties)

4 Tbsp. butter

1/2 packet of Ranch dressing mix (approx 2 Tbsp.)

1/2 c. milk 

1 c. frozen mixed peas and carrots 

1 1/2 c. cooked turkey, cubed

Cook pasta as package directs. Drain and set aside.  Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium skillet. Reduce temperature to low. Combine Ranch dressing mix and milk. Add to butter in skillet, stirring until well mixed. Add frozen peas and carrots, simmering on low until vegetables are hot and cooked, adding more milk, if needed. Add the pasta and turkey to milk mixture and stir to combine.  Heat until warm.   

Turkey Fajitas 

1 Tbsp. oil

1/2 green bell pepper, cut in strips

1/2 red bell pepper, cut in strips

1/2 medium onion, cut in rings

1 fresh tomato, peeled and cubed 

2-4 Tbsp. salsa

2 c. cooked turkey, cut in strips or cubes

2-4 flour tortillas, warmed

sour cream and sliced olives for garnish

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add peppers and onions. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes; add the tomatoes, salsa, and turkey, heating until bubbly. Spoon turkey mixture into the warmed tortillas. Top with sour cream and sliced olives, if desired. Roll fajitas and serve immediately. 

Super Simple Turkey Quiche

1 c. cooked turkey or chicken, cubed

1/2 small jar or can sliced mushrooms, drained

1 green onion, sliced 

1/2 c. shredded Swiss cheese 

3/4 c. milk

2 eggs

1/2 c. Bisquick baking mix

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease small pie plate. Sprinkle turkey, mushrooms, onions and cheese in pan. Place milk, eggs and Bisquick in blender. Cover and blend on puree setting until smooth. Pour carefully and evenly over the top of turkey mixture. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. (A knife inserted halfway between center and edge should come out clean.) Let pie stand five minutes before cutting.