Leftovers Made Simple

One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the leftovers. And although many cooks, including myself, won't want to turn on an oven for a few days, there are some ways to continue to enjoy the fruits of your labor without laboring any more.

A favorite in my household is the turkey sandwich. On some whole grain bread, we pile on the dressing (or stuffing), cranberry sauce and turkey, finishing it off with a drizzle of gravy. It's a sandwich tradition that's hard to beat.

Here's a different twist on the turkey sandwich that takes that turkey in a whole new direction. Chutney Turkey Salad can be served atop lettuce or stuffed into a sliced baguette, as pictured. It's quick and easy, while offering some new flavors for this old favorite.

Piling our plates high with tasty food has its consequences, so to add a healthier twist (well, except for that bacon), try the Turkey Cobb Salad. This platter is easy to assemble and makes for a beautiful presentation. Customize it with whatever cheese and toppings you prefer. I used Gorgonzola cheese and wedges of hard-boiled eggs, but you could substitute nuts, dried cranberries or chopped scallions.

And finally, after all the slicing and picking have left you just the bones, it's time to make the turkey soup. I've made many variations, including one flavored with curry and another with a tomato base, but I always return to Classic Turkey Soup, which reminds me of Thanksgiving growing up.

Try to use a quality broth, such as Pacific Chicken Broth, in addition to what the boiled turkey produces. It really does make a difference. I also use sea salt instead of iodized salt.

Enjoy your bird that served you so well and bountifully! And feel free to leave your leftovers ideas in the comments.

Editor's note: This article concludes our series on Thanksgiving food and entertaining ideas. We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and ate well.