A Couple Of Recipes For All Those Thanksgiving Leftovers

Is there anything more wonderful than leftovers? Probably, but they're still ranked high on my list of favorite things. And if there was a ranking of favorite leftovers, Thanksgiving leftovers would be in the number one slot! As much as I love them, I do find myself wondering how I can put a twist on whatever I have to work with. Make do with what you've got! If that ain't Appalachian, I don't know what is.

With Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday and in preparation of a fridge full of leftovers, I have decided to share one tried and true recipe and one I plan on making as soon as I get my hands on some of that turkey: Turkey Corn Chowder and Turkey-Cranberry Monte Cristo Sandwiches.

Lets start with the Turkey Corn Chowder. It is AMAZING. I ran across this recipe here a few years ago and make it several times a year. What could be more perfect than having a recipe that uses leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, AND corn?! The original recipe calls for 2 cans of corn but we always have corn that we've put up from our garden. Use whatever you have! 

Turkey Corn Chowder

• 2 slices of cooked bacon, chopped 
• 1 onion peeled and chopped
• 1 quart milk 
• 4 cups cooked mashed potatoes
• 3 cups cooked turkey, cut into chunks
• 2 cans corn (again, I use about a 1 1/2 cups of our corn)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional) 
• salt & pepper to taste

1. Using a 4-5 qt pan, cook your bacon over medium heat until it's crunchy. Remove when done & keep your grease in your pan.
2. Add your chopped onion and cook until it is translucent.
3.  Stir in milk, mashed potatoes, turkey, corn, cilantro, salt & pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
4. Cook for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve immediately & garnish with bacon.

Now for the recipe that I'm looking forward to trying as soon as possible. I found this recipe here a couple of months ago and have been chomping at the bit to try it. I'll give an update on how they turn out soon. **Update (11-25-16): Sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln, these things are GOOD. Possibly the best sandwich that I've ever had. You can easily half the recipe. Give them a try!

Leftover Turkey-Cranberry Monte Cristo Sandwiches

(Makes 8-10 sandwiches)

• 1 loaf very soft French bread, sliced thick
• 1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce
• 12 oz thinly sliced Muenster cheese (you can sub with any cheese)
• thinly sliced leftover turkey
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4-6 tbsps butter
• powdered sugar

1. Spread each slice of bread with cranberry sauce. 
2. Layer your turkey between 2 slices of cheese or 1 slice cut in half on the cranberry sauce and top with another slice of bread, cranberry side in.
3. In a shallow pie plate, add eggs and milk and beat with a fork until well combined. Soak each side of your sandwich in the egg mixture...you want the bread saturated but not soggy.
4. Over medium heat, melt a couple tbsps of butter in a nonstick skillet. Cook a couple of sandwiches at a time until the bottoms are golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Flip sandwiches and do the same for that side.
5. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Please come back and leave me a comment if you decide to give one or both of these recipes a try. I always like to read the comments of more than just whoever is sharing the recipe and I'm sure that future readers would too. I hope y'all like them! :)