Barry Cohen
As the final whistle blows on Thanksgiving dinner and loved ones settle in for a weekend of football and Black Friday deals, a new challenge emerges tackling that fridge full of leftovers.
Yup, it’s time to bench the turkey sandwich and consider these innovative recipes that’ll score big with your game day crowd. Just as a smart coach adjusts their playbook, you can transform your holiday extras into culinary victories.
The day after Thanksgiving is a unique time. While some fans brave the crowds for Black Friday bargains, others prefer to stay home, recovering from the feast and gearing up for a weekend of gridiron action.
These recipes are perfect for both scenarios – quick enough to fuel your shopping or football-watching marathon, yet impressive enough to serve when the whole team gathers around the TV.
Turkey and stuffing waffle benedict
Ingredients:
* 2 cups leftover stuffing.
* 1 egg.
* ¼ cup milk.
* 1 cup chopped leftover turkey.
* 4 eggs, for poaching.
* Hollandaise sauce, store-bought or homemade.
* Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Mix stuffing with 1 egg and milk. Press into a preheated waffle iron and cook until crispy.
Warm chopped turkey in a pan or microwave.
Poach 4 eggs in simmering water for about 3 minutes.
Top each stuffing waffle with turkey, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce.
Garnish with parsley.
Can you believe it’s cocktail time already?
Cranberry sauce cocktail
Ingredients:
* 2 ounces vodka.
* 1 ounce cranberry sauce.
* ½ ounce lemon juice.
* ½ ounce simple syrup.
* Ice.
* Club soda.
u Orange peel for garnish.
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine vodka, cranberry sauce, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with an orange peel.
Toast to touchdowns and Black Friday conquests with this festive sipper. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a big play or console yourself after a tough loss.
Sweet potato and turkey curry
Ingredients:
* 2 cups leftover sweet potato casserole.
* 2 cups chopped leftover turkey.
* 1 can coconut milk.
* 2 tablespoons red curry paste.
* 1 tablespoon fish sauce.
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions, etc.).
* Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving.
Instructions:
In a large pan, heat coconut milk and curry paste until combined.
Add sweet potato casserole, stirring until incorporated.
Add turkey, vegetables, fish sauce and brown sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Serve over rice, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
This global twist on leftovers is perfect for halftime when you need something hearty to get you through the second half.
Mashed potato croquettes
Ingredients:
* 2 cups cold mashed potatoes.
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
* ¼ cup chopped green onions.
* 1 egg, beaten.
* 1 cup bread crumbs.
* Oil for frying.
* Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Mix mashed potatoes, cheese and green onions. Form into small cylinders.
Dip each cylinder in beaten egg, then roll in bread crumbs.
Heat oil in a pan and fry croquettes until golden brown on all sides.
Drain on paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
These crispy bites are
the ultimate football-watching snack, perfect
for munching during
those nail-biting fourth-quarter drives. They remind us that the holiday isn’t about one elaborate meal
or a single day of football, but about cherishing time with those we love – and making the most of every bite and every play along the way.
Enjoy your holiday weekend.
Barry Cohen welcomes your thoughts, suggestions and feedback. For recipes or questions, email him at barrycohen210@gmail.com.