We have made the shift that happens in all families as the children grow up and build families of their own. We no longer all travel to those extended family's houses because Clay and I have become the extended family. The boys have wives and children and in-laws to spend time with as well.
This means we are now the central meeting spot to celebrate a portion of the holidays. And with that means a great deal of cleaning and cooking and preparation. But I guess that is a part of the rite of passage.
One thing that has transpired over the past few years is a need to make good use of the leftovers after the celebration. In fact, I believe some of these leftover dishes have become as much a tradition as the actual meals.
This all started many years ago when Clay's Aunt Billie Sue would make her traditional turkey and sausage gumbo with leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. It was an expectation of our boys that what turkey was left over would be used for this meal. And each year it does just that.
I have compiled a few of the recipes I have pulled together and thought it would be something worth sharing. I do not include measurements because I was taught to cook by Clay's family which never gives measurements. They just tell you all that goes in the pot!
Turkey and Sausage Gumbo
Cut up a large onion to sauté with banana peppers and seasoning. Boil your turkey carcass to make a flavorful hearty broth. Brown some flower in oil and make a dark roux. Brown the cut-up sausage in a skillet. Add the turkey meat, a few cups of the broth, and the sausage to simmer. Add the onions into the roux to simmer and then combine the meat and gravy with canned or frozen okra and your seasonings of choice. Let it all cook and marry adding more broth as needed.
(Left over turkey broth can be used to make a delicious turkey and vegetable soup following the same instructions you would with a chicken noodle soup)
Ham Tetrazzini
Boil spaghetti and melt butter in a skillet. Add an onion and mushrooms to brown. Add cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup and ½ cup of half and half to the skillet. Mix in peas, chopped ham, shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer for a bit. Then add in the cooked pasta. Once this is simmered well together pour the mixture into a casserole dish and add about ¼ of the pasta water to keep the pasta from drying out. Sprinkle more of the cheese on top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Ham and Potato Bake
Peel and slice potatoes and then boil them until soft. In a skillet brown a diced onion and banana peppers with butter adding powdered garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes or chives. Add in a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. Let them simmer with a dash of half and half. Once this is blended well add in sour cream and or cream cheese. Once they are well blended add in the cooked potatoes and mix well before pouring into a casserole dish. Top the dish with shredded cheese and bake in the over for around 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!!!
