- May 5, 2024
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When the meal is done, and everyone has cleared their plates, we usually sit and talk for awhile at my Thanksgiving table — mostly, because we are too full to move. But also, because the day is about giving thanks for the important people in our lives.
Some people eventually make their way to the couch to watch football, and others to the kitchen to pack the leftovers. As much as I love the food on Thanksgiving, I have to admit that I look forward to the leftovers a little too much.
But you've got to find creative ways to devour them.
There are expert chefs out there who preach new meals from leftovers: the turkey soups or casseroles. I even saw a recipe on foodnetwork.com for a Thanksgiving pizza. As much as I wanted to share with you one of those innovative recipes for a way to repurpose your Thanksgiving leftovers, all I could think about is how much I am looking forward to my turkey and stuffing sandwiches.
It’s not necessarily innovative in the culinary world, more like a classic — but with a twist.
I prefer to make these sandwiches on a nice, sturdy bread, but I have also made it in slider form on leftover rolls. Now, the key to why I love these sandwiches so much is the mayonnaise. Leftover turkey and stuffing can be dry, and although I am usually not a mayo person, this is the prime time for it.
But not just any mayo.
Years ago, my cousin Ryan (a great culinary mind) taught me this trick and it has been my go-to ever since. Take a large spoonful of mayo and put it in a bowl. Then, get the cranberry sauce (this is the main reason, I make cranberry sauce) and mix it in. Then spread it on both sides of the bread.
Other than the deliciousness of cranberry mayo, I keep the rest of my sandwich pretty simple. A couple slices of turkey, topped with stuffing. All served cold. Once one sandwich is made, it usually has the popcorn affect — the kitchen becoming a revolving door for sandwich makers. Everyone has their something-special that they think makes their leftover sandwich the best around. In my family, I win that argument. Except, of course, if mom makes my sandwich for me.
Even as a 20something, mom still has the magic touch.
For more from Shanna's Kitchen, click here.
