Category Archives: Delightful Treats

Tips for Thanksgiving Leftovers: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Feast Again and Again

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Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and most importantly, indulging in a delicious feast. While the main event may last only a day, the leftovers often stretch well into the following week. Instead of reheating the same plate every day, why not get creative? Here are tips and ideas to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into exciting new meals that keep the holiday spirit alive.

1. Store Leftovers Properly

Before diving into recipes, it’s essential to store your leftovers correctly to maintain freshness and prevent waste.

  • Refrigeration: Store cooked turkey, stuffing, and sides in airtight containers within two hours of serving. Divide large portions into smaller containers for faster cooling.
  • Freezing: If you have more than you can eat in a few days, freeze items like turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Use freezer-safe bags to save space and maintain quality.
  • Labeling: Clearly mark containers with dates and contents to ensure you consume leftovers while they’re still good. Turkey typically lasts 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Pro Tip: Vacuum seal leftovers for maximum freshness if you plan to freeze them for longer periods.

2. Reinvent the Turkey

Turkey is the star of most Thanksgiving spreads, and luckily, it’s versatile enough to shine in many post-holiday dishes.

  • Turkey Soup: Use the turkey carcass to make a rich, flavorful broth. Add leftover veggies, noodles, or rice for a comforting soup that’s perfect for chilly days. Enhance it with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added aroma.
  • Turkey Tacos: Shred turkey and sauté it with taco seasoning. Serve with tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Turkey Pot Pie: Combine turkey, gravy, and leftover veggies under a flaky pie crust. It’s a cozy, hearty meal the whole family will love. For a lighter option, use phyllo dough or puff pastry as the crust.

3. Maximize Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes might seem like a one-note side, but they can be a key ingredient in several fun recipes.

  • Potato Pancakes: Mix mashed potatoes with an egg, some flour, and a bit of cheese, then fry into golden, crispy cakes. Serve with sour cream or applesauce for a delightful snack or breakfast item.
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Use mashed potatoes as the topping for a casserole filled with turkey, gravy, and veggies. Bake until the top is golden and bubbling.
  • Potato Waffles: Heat mashed potatoes in a waffle iron for crispy, savory waffles. Top with a fried egg or leftover gravy for breakfast magic. Add shredded cheddar or chives to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Loaded Potato Bowls: Layer mashed potatoes with turkey, gravy, and a sprinkle of cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.

4. Stuffing with a Twist

Stuffing is delicious on its own, but with a little imagination, it can become the foundation of several unique dishes.

  • Stuffing Muffins: Scoop stuffing into a greased muffin tin and bake until crispy. These are perfect for grab-and-go snacks or appetizers. Add a piece of turkey in the center before baking for a surprise filling.
  • Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers, stuff them with leftover stuffing, and bake until tender. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra flavor.
  • Stuffing Crust Pizza: Press stuffing into a thin layer on a baking sheet, bake until firm, then add pizza toppings and bake again. Try topping with turkey, cranberry sauce, and mozzarella for a Thanksgiving-inspired pizza.

5. Gravy Beyond the Basics

Gravy ties the Thanksgiving meal together, but don’t limit it to just a sauce for turkey.

  • Gravy Dip: Use it as a dip for turkey sliders or crispy stuffing muffins. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
  • Poutine: Pour gravy over fries or roasted potatoes, and top with cheese curds for a rich, indulgent treat.
  • Savory Sauce: Add gravy to pasta or use it as a base for a creamy turkey Alfredo dish. Mix with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, flavorful sauce.

6. Sweeten Up Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is often overlooked as a standalone side, but it can be a secret ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.

  • Cranberry Parfaits: Layer cranberry sauce with yogurt and granola for a quick and healthy breakfast. Add fresh berries or nuts for added texture.
  • Glazed Meatballs: Mix cranberry sauce with barbecue sauce or chili sauce and simmer meatballs in it for a festive appetizer. Serve with toothpicks for holiday parties.
  • Cranberry Jam Toast: Spread leftover cranberry sauce on toast with a layer of cream cheese for a tangy morning treat. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

7. Veggies Reimagined

Vegetables like roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans can be repurposed into exciting new dishes.

  • Veggie Frittata: Toss leftover vegetables into beaten eggs and bake for an easy breakfast or brunch dish. Add cheese and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
  • Vegetable Stir-Fry: Sauté roasted veggies with soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of sesame oil for a quick and flavorful stir-fry. Add cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
  • Vegetable Soup: Blend veggies with turkey stock for a smooth and creamy soup. Garnish with a swirl of cream or croutons for a restaurant-quality presentation.

8. Leftover Rolls and Bread

Rolls and bread from your Thanksgiving table can be transformed into delicious new meals.

  • Breakfast Strata: Combine cubed bread with eggs, milk, cheese, and leftover veggies or turkey, then bake for a savory breakfast casserole. Add a touch of mustard or hot sauce for a kick.
  • Breadcrumbs: Pulse bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs for future recipes. Toast them with garlic and parsley for added flavor.
  • French Toast: Dip rolls in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then fry for a sweet breakfast treat. Top with whipped cream and cranberry sauce for a festive twist.

9. Desserts with a Twist

Even leftover desserts can be reinvented into new indulgences.

  • Pie Milkshakes: Blend a slice of pumpkin or pecan pie with ice cream and milk for a decadent shake. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Cake Truffles: Crumble leftover cake or brownies, mix with frosting, and roll into bite-sized truffles. Coat in chocolate for an added layer of deliciousness.
  • Bread Pudding: Use leftover rolls or bread as the base for a comforting bread pudding. Add in cranberries, nuts, or pumpkin spice for extra flavor.

10. Create a Leftover Bar

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a “leftover bar” where family members can mix and match their favorites.

  • Custom Wraps: Lay out tortillas, turkey, stuffing, veggies, and cranberry sauce for make-your-own wraps.
  • Build-Your-Own Bowls: Offer a selection of mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy, and veggies so everyone can create their perfect Thanksgiving bowl.
  • Mini Sliders: Provide small rolls, turkey, and cranberry sauce for DIY turkey sliders. Add a slice of cheese for a gourmet touch.

11. Donate or Share Extras

If you’ve had your fill and still have leftovers, consider donating food to a local shelter or sharing with neighbors. Many communities have programs that accept surplus holiday food to help those in need. Alternatively, package leftovers in small portions to gift to friends or family members who couldn’t attend your feast.

12. Plan for Next Year

Finally, if you find yourself overwhelmed with leftovers this year, plan ahead for next Thanksgiving.

  • Smaller Portions: Prepare less food to avoid too many leftovers.
  • Freezer Meals: Intentionally cook extra to freeze meals for busy weeks ahead. Label them clearly for quick, no-fuss dinners.
  • Recipe Inspiration: Save this guide and experiment with new ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.

Thanksgiving leftovers don’t have to feel repetitive or mundane. With a little creativity, you can transform them into dishes that keep the holiday cheer alive. From turkey tacos to cranberry parfaits, the possibilities are endless. So, dive into your fridge, get inspired, and enjoy every bite of your Thanksgiving feast—again and again!

Breakfast in Bed

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We live in a world where items can be purchased online or in person and be enjoyed immediately, so this doesn’t leave a lot of room when it comes to gift giving. What do you do for a special person in your life, whether it’s your parents, spouse or a friend coming to visit? Consider a kind gesture instead. The act of giving of one’s self without the need for something in return is something the person you do it for will not soon forget.

One of the ways you can do something kind for someone, especially if they are in your home with you permanently or temporarily is to make them breakfast in bed. This shows you care for them and their needs while they are with you, and you want them to be as comfortable and feel as welcome as possible. You can make it a surprise or you can tell them in advance that they need not leave their room for breakfast time since it will be coming to them. Breakfast delivered can be as simple as a black coffee, orange juice and bowl of oatmeal or as fancy as a cappuccino, chocolate crepes and fresh fruit assortment-this is all about making the recipient feel valued.

Once they have placed their order, ask them what time would be best for them to receive their at-home room service and start gathering your supplies. To really make it special, use a large wooden serving tray with placemat covering and fabric napkin. Include a morning newspaper if they so desire and plate their food on a washable plate with silverware-no plastic forks or paper plates! For the final touch, add a handwritten note mentioning how much you appreciate them and the role they play in your life. At the end of their morning meal, they will hopefully be energized, ready for the day and grateful to have a wonderful person like you in their life. Never underestimate the impact of a kind gesture.

The Essentials: Creating Your Spice Cabinet

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Your culinary journey begins in your kitchen. The endless possibilities of foods are at your disposal with the right spices and knowledge. If you are just beginning to create your spice cabinet, there are thousands of spices to explore. However, becoming familiar with a handful of spices can go along way. Here are the top ten spices to begin with when creating your spice cabinet.

Basil

This herb is an excellent start to your spice rack or cabinet. Basil is perfect for helping to spruce up sauces or many Mediterranean cuisines. If you really want to get the full flavor of this excellent herb, you can also invest in fresh basil to keep in your refrigerator or grow your own.

Cayenne Pepper

This pepper is a Capsicum Annuum. It is typically grounded up into a fine powder to use to add spice to food. Try adding cayenne pepper to any dish you are looking to zest up the flavor.

Cilantro

Also known as Chinese parsley, this leafy herb is potent. It can give a distinct flavor to many dishes. Cilantro has a much bolder flavor than parsley. It is also great for bone and heart health, as well.

Cinnamon

Another spice you should have on hand is cinnamon. Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees. It has been used in different cuisines for thousands of years while being a staple in many dessert dishes and pairs excellent with sugar. It also has many health benefits from anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and lowers blood sugar levels.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another great spice. It is rich in antioxidants and tastes great. Plus, it can be used in coffee or other dairy-based dishes. Typically, it is used in combination with cinnamon for holiday sweets.

Onion Powder

Onion powder is a very useful spice in the kitchen. Use this to help add the delectable flavor of onions evenly throughout an entire dish.

Oregano

Oregano is excellent to add to sauces or pizza. This herb strongly complements tomato-based dishes. It also is loaded with antioxidants and an excellent source of fiber.

Parsley

Parsley is a milder herb than cilantro. It can be used to accentuate Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisines. Parsley is mildly bitter yet helps lifts the natural flavors in your dish.

Rosemary

This is great for a wide variety of dishes from soups and salads or chicken and fish. Rosemary can help improve digestion and is very versatile. With its distinct lemon-pine flavor, it can easily brighten up any dish you make in the kitchen.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is essential for many baking recipes. It goes great with almost any dessert that you are looking to create. Help make a bland cake taste delicious with this powerful extract.

There are still hundreds of more spices to explore. These spices are great for kickstarting your spice cabinet and beginning your seasoning adventures. What are some of your favorite spices that we did not mention? Let us know below in the comment section!

How to Have the Perfect Tea Time

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Imagine enjoying the beautiful outdoors while slowly sipping on a fresh cup of tea that you made all by yourself. Not only did you brew this tea, but you lovingly filled the tea bag with your favorite herbal blend. Tea is the perfect treat for warm or cooler weather and has an immense amount of health benefits.

Why You Should Drink Tea:

  • Tea contains a high level of antioxidants which help us to look and feel young. Who does not want that?
  • Tea can promote healthy weight loss.
  • Tea is great for your smile. Drinking tea helps fight cavities and unwanted erosion (that is something to smile about).
  • Tea is great for when you are ill. Tea can help boost your immune system and help you to recover faster. Try adding in honey and lemon to your tea for extra benefits.
  • Tea has less caffeine than soda or coffee and a lot of times, it contains less sugar.

Supplies to Make and Brew Your Own Tea Bag:

  • Your absolute favorite loose leaf tea
  • 1 Coffee Filter
  • 1 Writing Utensil
  • 1 Pair of Scissors
  • 1 Needle
  • 1 Piece of Thread

Step One. Pick up your coffee filter and your writing utensil of choice. Now, draw a circle on the coffee filter.
Step Two. Take your needle and thread and begin to sew around the circle you just drew. You will need to leave 1/4 of the circle unthreaded (this is where you will insert your tea leaves).
Step Three. Grab your scissors and begin to cut out the threaded circle.
Step Four. Fill your teabag with your favorite loose leaf tea.
Step Five. After you have filled your tea bag, you will begin to sew the opening closed.
Step Six. Time to brew your tea. Place your teabag in a boiling cup of water and let it sit for about five minutes. If you want to make a pitcher of iced tea, make about ten teabags and let them steep in a pot of boiling water for five minutes. After they have time to steep, place your tea pitcher in the fridge and let it sit overnight. The next day you can pour your tea over a glass of ice and voila, you have delicious iced tea.
Step Seven: Sip and enjoy!

Personalized teabags are great gifts for friends and family members! Next time your loved one is sick, try making them a couple of personalized teabags. Your special touch will make the gift extremely meaningful.