By Arren Joseph-White

Every year, those of us who celebrate Thanksgiving deal with the chaotic aftermath of leftovers. We all know what it’s like: half-eaten turkey, cold mashed potatoes, and extra stuffing nobody wanted to eat. The struggle of trying to get rid of all the food without waste is challenging. And nobody wants to eat the same leftovers day in and day out. So here are some alternatives for those Turkey Day leftovers you just can’t seem to get rid of. 

A Turkey Carcass Makes a Great Soup or Stock

A leftover turkey carcass can make a big, flavorful broth. Aromatics such as celery or carrots can help to enhance the flavor. Herbs like rosemary, bay leaves, sage, or cloves create a richer taste. You can use the broth for a hearty soup or combine it with leftover turkey to make a delicious pho or noodle soup.

Extra Mashed Potatoes? Make Crispy Potato Pancakes

Those spare mashed potatoes you have can make for delicious and savory potato pancakes. A simple internet search can produce dozens of recipes, but a common ingredient is potato starch to make sure it stays crispy. Also, remember to add an egg to make sure it stays together while frying. The last thing to remember is to have a bit of freedom with seasonings and spices. Salt and pepper are a given, but past that you can customize the flavor depending on your likes and dislikes. 

Sandwiches Galore

If you have any turkey or ham, they can make for great sandwiches. Hot or cold, the meat can be a good base. Extras like gravy, dressing, or even cranberry sauce can add depth and flavor. Alternatively, you do not need meat to make a good sandwich. Peanut butter and cranberry sauce can be delicious. Get creative!

Casseroles Make Space in the Fridge

A way to use up a good bit of leftovers is to make a casserole. It’s simple, easy, and something that can give you space in your fridge. Layering your mashed potatoes, dressing, and turkey can make for a good base. Other things to add include leftover veggies, gravy, or cranberry sauce. 

Don’t Forget Doggie Bags for Guests 

If you don’t want to deal with the leftovers, make sure that you create doggie bags so that other people can deal with them. Making containers of food for people to take home with them ensures there’s space in your fridge and that they get to eat the next day. The rule of thumb is to not worry too much about what people will and will not eat. Just making sure that you created balanced little meals for each person can show that you care. 

Donate Unused or Unopened Food to Your Local Food Pantry

Sometimes we bought more than we needed. If you did this, check with your local food pantry or donation center to see if they could use more canned or bagged goods. Pensacola has the Manna food bank or the Waterfront Rescue Mission. Alternatively, you can do research on Feeding America and see where they are located closest to you. Remember, we don’t want to donate used food; this can lead to issues with contamination or sickness.