Bonding Over Thanksgiving Leftovers

I suspect every American knows that the best thing about Thanksgiving is the leftovers.

The sheer amount of food on the holiday can be overwhelming, especially if you are hosting and have to figure out where to put ALL THAT FOOD.

It’s a worthy dilemma, though. Many years ago, adolescent me made a leftover concoction that attracted the attention of my three brothers and that afternoon, for that briefest of times, the four of us ate together with the conviviality of buddies. That wouldn’t happen again until we grew up.

Here’s what civilized them:

1. Heat gravy in a big pan.
2. Add sliced turkey. Warm it up in the gravy.
3. Add stuffing. Or dressing, if that’s what you call it.
4. Stir it around until it’s all hot and gooey.
5. Slop it onto plates. I remind you, we were kids, without the refinement yet to serve food elegantly or the sense to add a vegetable.

Many years later I made this for my then-husband, who actually liked it. As did our child. I’ve had four subsequent kitchens since this youthful familial feast but it’s one of the best post-Thanksgiving memories I have.

I don’t understand people who refuse to eat leftovers. I know some of them. They are really missing out on some easy, fun and creative meals.

Cooked turkey only lasts up to three days refrigerated so eat your favorite leftovers right away.

Happy Thanksgiving!