Turkey Soup: An American Tradition

 

It's the day after Thanksgiving. Out there across the nation...millions of pounds of  leftover roast bird. What are we going to do with all that turkey? Sandwiches are fine, but a week’s worth of turkey sandwiches can get old, as many a brown-bag lunch carrying kid will attest to in the week after Thanksgiving.

If you’re of a mind to treat that leftover bird with a bit more culinary finesse than just a sandwich, below is an eclectic assortment of turkey soup recipes.

Leftover Turkey Recipes, Day 3: Entrees

I've tried to select recipes that are relatively straightforward and easy; after putting substantial effort into a holiday dinner, I'm thinking you don't want to get too elaborate with the leftovers.

TURKEY QUESADILLAS

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked turkey pieces, finely chopped
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 4oz. can diced green chiles, drained
- 1 cup chopped green onion
- 6 flour tortillas (large burrito size)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Preparation:

- In center of each tortilla, arrange first four ingredients in layers
- Fold all sides toward the center so the filling can't fall out
- In frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat and saute′, seam side down, until golden. Flip and saute on other side.
- Serve with salsa and a green salad.
Serves 6

Leftover Turkey Recipes, Day 2: Salads

TURKEY & DILL SALAD

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked turkey pieces
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed & drained
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (including tops)
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dill weed
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise & 1/2 cup sour cream, combined

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients and chill well before serving.

Turkey Essentials: Have your act together

The bare fundamentals:
Why you need to have your act together when planning to prepare turkey.

1.) A turkey that is not fully thawed by cooking day can delay the holiday dinner.
2.) An underdone turkey can ruin everyone's holiday, in ways that don't require explanation.
3.) Failure to properly sanitize hands, food prep. surfaces, and utensils after working with raw turkey...well, see #2. Clean up with hot, soapy water! For extra security, add 1 tbsp. household bleach to the cleaning water.

Thawing times:
A good rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours thawing time for every 4-5 pounds. In the refrigerator, of course.

08-12 lbs....1-2 days
12-16 lbs....2-3 days
16-20 lbs....3-4 days
20-24 lbs....4-5 days

Emergency Thawing Procedure:
This supposes that your turkey is not going to thaw on time, in the refrigerator.