Despite promises to yourself (and your waistline) that you wouldn’t overindulge this year, you’re probably stuffed just like the turkey after a plentiful holiday feast. And now that the holiday is over, you’ve got more turkey, dressing, macaroni and cheese and pumpkin pie than you know what to do with.
Did you know that many of the foods that we traditionally eat on Thanksgiving aren’t really traditional at all? According to historians, foods such as pumpkin pie (although they did have pumpkins), cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes weren’t on the menu for the first Thanksgiving held back 1621. And some of the dishes that the pilgrims did have with their meal that we don’t typically have included cod, eel, lobster, seal, grapes and plums.
While you’re probably not going to head out and try to recreate a 17th century traditional Thanksgiving dinner, you probably are looking for creative ways to serve all of those Thanksgiving leftovers. Turkey sandwiches, soups and salads are great ways to revise the main course. You can kick it up a notch with spicy recipes like turkey curry or turkey enchiladas. Ummm, that sounds delicious! Or what about a hot soup to warm you up after a cold day of shopping or frolicking outside with the kids?
About.com has a great recipe for Turkey Divan Soup. We’ve included the recipe below for your convenience. However you decide to make use of the leftovers, we know they’ll be tasty!
Ingredients:
1-tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, chopped
2 1/2 cups turkey stock or chicken broth
1 medium clove garlic, minced
2 cups whipping cream or heavy cream
1/8-teaspoon ground black or white pepper
1/8-teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped blanched broccoli or thawed frozen broccoli
2 cups leftover cooked turkey
4 ounces ham, cut into strips
Preparation:
Melt butter over medium-low heat in a Dutch oven or stockpot; sauté onion until soft. Add stock and garlic. Stir in cream and seasonings. Heat for 10 minutes, but do not boil. Add cheese, broccoli, turkey and ham; continue to heat, stirring, until cheese melts. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
We hope you enjoy the recipe! And now that Thanksgiving is winding down, don’t forget to visit our website for lots of great Christmas floral ideas! You can save up to $20 off orders of $69.99 or more. Be sure to order early so that your poinsettias, roses, white lilies, Christmas greens and more for your home, or for family and friends arrive in time. Happy Holidays!
