Congratulations! You spent the day in the kitchen preparing a feast for your family. It was delicious—the turkey, family-favorite side dishes, pumpkin pie, and of course, Traveling Vineyard wine! But somehow, there is still a mountain of turkey and other Thanksgiving leftovers (thankfully you were able to get through the wine), and you’re stumped thinking—how can I make all this into something else delicious? Have no fear! Kate Franklin, our Director of Wine Guide Success and Happiness and resident foodie, did the research for you. Here are a few of her favorite ways to re-imagine your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Morning After Hash
Let’s start at breakfast, where your leftover turkey, potatoes, and extra onions get new life in a delicious hash. Nearly every meal is made better with a fried egg and a few strips of bacon, and by the time this is on your plate you won’t even remember the flavors of yesterday’s dinner. You can change this up with sweet potato, parsnips and even shaved Brussels sprouts in place of scallion!
Wine Pairing Pick: 2018 Cucharón Red Blend, Argentina | Double Gold Rated, San Francisco International Wine Competition
Waffle Sammies
After a day spent watching football, Black Friday shopping online, or catching up on the pile of dishes in the kitchen, it’s time for lunch. The classic open-faced turkey sandwich gets an upgrade when you use waffles instead of bread with this recipe for Stuffing Waffles. Stuffing makes the perfect bread for a gobbler sandwich, but we highly suggest breaking out the waffle maker to reheat them. You’ll get deliciously crispy outsides but gooey and fluffy stuffing on the inside. Add cranberry sauce, warmed turkey and lettuce and tomato (if that’s your prerogative!). Don’t forget to use a little gravy instead of mayo!
Wine Pairing Pick: 2018 Lazy Lab Cabernet Sauvignon, Wahluke Slope
Turkey Tikka Masala, Anyone?
If we’re talking turkey, we can’t ignore what an amazing base it is for foods that are typically made with chicken. The dark meat is often richer than dark meat chicken … and even if the turkey got a little overcooked (because who trusts those pop thermometers, really!?), this Turkey Tikka Masala simmers low and slow and will be tender and delicious, giving your turkey new life.
Wine Pairing Pick: 2019 Lancre Rosé, Pays d’Oc IGP
Loaded Mashed Potato Bake
Are you still up to your elbows in mashed potatoes? Transform them into a Loaded Mashed Potato Bake, or if you are skilled in the kitchen and want to try your hand at deep-frying something sinfully delicious, these Fried Mashed Potato Balls stay soft on the inside and crunchy-crispy on the outside. You MIGHT want to eat a salad with those … just suggesting something to balance out the waistline.
Wine Pairing Pick: 2018 Steeple Street Chardonnay, Lodi, California | Silver Rated by World Wine Championships
Leftover Pie Milkshakes
For one final leftover idea, let’s talk sweet. There can’t be a way to reuse dessert … or can there? Where there is a will (and a blender), there’s a way! Apple or Pumpkin Pie a la mode is a staple on the Thanksgiving table, but throw them together in a blender and you’ve got yourself an apple pie or pumpkin pie milkshake! Pro tip: You can use only the filling for your milkshake, and save the crust for dipping into your creamy, dreamy delight. Add some semi-sweet white wine to the finished product for an extra kick.
Wine Pairing Pick: 2019 Pajama Drama Malvasia Bianca
As you can see, leftovers don’t have to be boring. You can use some creativity in the kitchen to turn them into a whole new delicious dish. What ideas do you have for Thanksgiving leftovers? Share them with us on our Facebook page or show us your best foods on film and tag us on Instagram @travelingvineyard!