Gratituesday: Thankful for leftovers!!

This Tuesday I am grateful for leftovers!

We did Christmas at our house this year and only had the immediate family over, 11 people total. Of course, we cooked to much food as usual. We had a 15lb. ham and a 7lb. turkey breast, plus all the fixings. Here are some ideas for using your leftovers.

Leftover Ham:

Ham and Beans:

I froze the ham bone to use later with beans. Just take some beans and soak in a bowl of water for a day. Cook them on the stove until almost tender. Put ham bone and beans in a crock-pot and cook on low until beans are tender. This should take all day. If using canned beans just add to crock-pot. Use what ever kind of beans you like. I like black beans, kidney beans and black-eyed peas.

Ham, Egg and Cheese Biscuits:

Use your leftover biscuits and ham to make breakfast sandwiches. Just fry an egg, add a slice of cheese, slice of ham on your biscuit and breakfast is done.

Leftover turkey:

Turkey salad:

I pulled all the meat off the turkey breast, which was about 2 cups. Add 1 cup mayo, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1/4 tsp. paprika, 2 tbsp. relish, 1/4 tsp. celery seed. Mix all ingredients together. Serve with crackers or those leftover rolls.

Turkey soup:

Use the turkey carcase for soup or broth. Just put the turkey in a large pot of water and add a chopped onion, some celery and carrots. Cook until boiling. Boil 5-7 minutes. Drain your broth and freeze or use to make soup.

Leftover potatoes:

Potato cakes:

2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. chopped onion, 2tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Pour 2 tbsp. olive oil in skillet and saute onions until tender. Meanwhile mix mashed potatoes, egg, salt and pepper in medium bowl. Spoon in saute onions and mix well. Using your hands: shape about 1/2 cup potato mixer into patty and place back in hot oiled skillet. Cook 7-8 mins on each side. Enjoy!

Potato cheese casserole:

Mix 3 cups mashed potatoes with 4oz. softened cream cheese. Spread into small baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 mins or until cheese is melted. You can substitute your favorite cheese on top. Sprinkle with some fresh chives and enjoy.

The leftovers are almost gone. It has been nice not having to think of what to cook for dinner these last couple of days. Thank you leftovers!!