What To Do With All That Turkey?

After the big day has come and gone, most likely every home in the High Country is going to be faced with left-over turkey. What to do? Turkey sandwiches are good for a day or two; Turkey Tetrazinni is tantalizing the first time around, but soon, options become limited. It’s good, it’s healthy and no one wants to throw it out, so make the best of it with these ideas for left-overs.

Turkey Potpie

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can evaporated milk
¼ cup minced fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon dried thyme
3 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 (10-oz.)package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Crust:
¾ cup instant mashed potato flakes
¾ cup plain flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup butter or margarine
¼ cup ice water
Half and half cream

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Stir in turkey, vegetables, salt and pepper. Spoon into a large greased baking dish. For crust, combine potato flakes, flour and Parmesan in a bowl; cut in butter until crumbly. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing lightly with a fork until dough forms a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to fit baking dish. Cut vents in crust. Place over filling; flute edges. Brush with cream. Bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, cover edges of crust with foil to prevent browning.

 

Turkey Wild Rice Soup

1 medium onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, diced
2 carrots, diced
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup flour
4 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 cups cooked wild rice
2 cups light cream
2 cups diced cooked turkey
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

In large kettle, sauté onion, celery, and carrots in butter until onion is transparent. Reduce heat. Blend in flour and cook until bubbly. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat; add wild rice, cream, turkey, parsley, salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.

 

Turkey Pockets

2 cups cooked turkey strips
½ cup Ranch dressing (lite or regular)
½ cup shredded carrot
½ cup chopped cucumber
1 small tomato, chopped
2 pita bread rounds, cut in half
Lettuce

Lightly toss turkey, dressing, carrots, cucumber and tomatoes. Chill. Fill pita with lettuce and turkey mixture just before serving. Makes 4 sandwiches.