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Feature Articles: Holidays
Try something new with your turkey leftoversAdapted by Jessica Kovarik, RD, LD, Extension Associate, University of Missouri Extension; Based on material by Susan Mills-Gray, Nutrition Specialist, Cass County Extension Center, and Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, Barton County, University of Missouri Extension |
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When cooking a turkey, often times there are leftovers. With a little creativity and safe food handling, you can enjoy turkey-based meals with little preparation and cooking.
As with any time you prepare, cook and store food, practice safe food handling methods to be sure your leftover turkey is safe to eat. During mealtime, do not let the turkey sit out for more than two hours after it has been cooked. For safe storage, remove the stuffing and de-bone the turkey. Store the turkey in shallow containers in the refrigerator because shallow containers allow the turkey to cool faster, preventing growth of harmful bacteria.
Unless you freeze the leftovers, be sure to use the turkey and stuffing within 3-4 days. Leftover gravy should be used within 1-2 days. Other cooked dishes can be stored up to four days.
Frozen leftovers should be stored at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below and used within 3-4 months. Turkey that is in gravy or broth, or other cooked turkey dishes, can be frozen for 4-6 months. Stuffing and gravy can keep up to one month in the freezer.
Marking your leftovers with the date and name of the item will help you keep better track of them.
Lastly, when you reheat the turkey, stuffing or gravy, make sure you heat the turkey to at least 165 degrees.
Here are a couple of ideas for using your leftover turkey:
Turkey Wrap
Ingredients:
A few pieces of turkey
4 slices cooked bacon
2 flour tortillas (whole wheat tortillas will add fiber!)
Lettuce
2 to 4 slices of tomato
1 small onion, sliced
Light Mayonnaise
Preparation:
Spread each tortilla lightly with mayo. Divide turkey, and put half on each tortilla. Add two slices of bacon, some lettuce, tomato slices, and onion to each tortilla. Wrap tightly and serve.
Turkey Chinese Casserole
Ingredients:
2 cups leftover turkey (diced)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can chow mein vegetables drained
1 can Chinese noodles
1 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoon onion (optional)
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together and put in greased casserole and
bake 1 hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bubbly. If you like
cheese, it's great to sprinkle on the top near the end of the baking
time.
Turkey and Potatoes Au Gratin
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked turkey
1 pound frozen hash brown potatoes
1 (10 oz) can cream of broccoli soup
½ cup fat-free sour cream
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine all
ingredients leaving ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Pour into an 8x8 pan
sprayed with oil. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheese. Cover
and bake 40 minutes. Uncover and bake another 20 minutes until the
cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
(Recipe from Purdue Farms Incorporated)
Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons cooking oil
¼ cup chopped onion
1/3 cup chopped celery
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 (15 oz) can white beans
1 (11 oz) can white corn
1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies
12 oz fat-free chicken broth
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and celery and cook until onions are clear. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes.
Quesadilla with Turkey
Ingredients (amounts vary due to personal preferences):
Sliced onions
Sliced green peppers
Olive oil
Flour tortilla
Turkey
Shredded cheese
Sour cream, salsa, guacamole
Preparation:
Sauté sliced onions and green peppers in a small amount of olive
oil. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over
medium high heat. Place one tortilla in the pan. Place a thin layer
of Monterey Jack cheese on the tortilla. Place thin slices of cooked
turkey on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables on
top of the turkey. Layer with more cheese. Place another tortilla
on top and press down slightly. Cook for a minute or two. Use a
large spatula to turn over the quesadilla. Cook until the cheese
melts. Remove to a plate, cut into wedges and serve with your favorite
condiments like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, black olives and jalapeno
peppers. Use your imagination and taste for different veggies to
add!
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Last update: Monday, November 30, 2009
