Friday, November 02, 2007

What Do You Do With the Turkey Bones?

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My mother-in-law makes what my husband calls "Turkey Carcass Soup"-- yeah, innit that appetizing? Makes ya wanna run right out there and make some, doesn't it? Heh. Well, I have done so many times over the years (per Mr. Laura's request), and it's purty good if I do say so myself.

So. Here's What You Do With the Turkey Bones...

You need a large, stove-top safe roasting pan, to accomodate the turkey remains. (Um, you do have to refridgerate it after Thanksgiving dinner, so you have it on hand for this recipe). It's good if there's still some meat on the bones.

Add water to the roasting pan-- fill the pan 3/4 full with water. Add chopped onion and garlic, cover and simmer over a low heat until the carcass has literally fallen apart. You can add thyme, basil and sage seasonings as well-- about 1/2 to 1 tsp each.

With a slotted spoon, remove the bones. Add water if necessary, you want to have enough broth for the rest of the soup.

Add leftover diced turkey (about 1-2 cups), chopped celery (leafy tops, too), a 10 ou bag of frozen mixed veggies and simmer for about half an hour over low heat. Stir in 1-2 bags of turkey gravy and mix well. All to simmer, then serve.

You can also add squash, pumpkin-- just about any veggie that suits you. Season to taste with garlic powder and traditional turkey stuffing seasonings. This is delicious with sour dough bread (or muffins, or pumpkin bread, or zucchini bread) and a side of cranberry sauce if you're really hungry.

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So... what do you like to do with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Any terrific ideas for leftover ham?

2 comments:

Susan said...

Leftover ham goes really well in a spaghetti casserole. Butter a casserole dish, add 12 oz. of hot, cooked spaghetti, a 15oz. can of diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 c. diced ham, and 1/2 c. shredded cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss well, then sprinkle 1/2c. cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-30 min or until hot and the cheese is melted.

Laura Hamby said...

Mmm. Sounds yummy.