Try our favorite way to use leftover turkey this Thanksgiving. My mom’s turkey hash is always a winner in our household for several generations.
The Thanksgiving meal is a precious time to gather family and friends around the table for great food, sweet fellowship, and grateful hearts. Food is a big part of this holiday and we all have our favorite dishes.
For some, it’s all about the turkey with great debate over the benefits of roasting versus frying.
For others, the sides and fixings are the favorites.
Have you noticed how people have strong opinions on whether cranberry sauce is best jellied or whole? Our friend Bruce votes for jellied cranberry in the shape of the can. My husband gives the canned crans a thumbs up. My personal favorite is homemade cranberry relish. I make it every year. Look’s good, doesn’t it? Forgive the candid photos, but since this isn’t a food blog we’re keeping it casual.
Some years we’ve had much discussion on the best kind of stuffing. Since I’m the primary cook at our house, I usually win. My favorite is Pepperidge Farm Corn Bread Stuffing with onions, celery, and pecans.
I’d say all of us have our favorite desserts. After all, what is Thanksgiving without the pie? Pumpkin, apple, or pecan–which do you prefer? I’ll take apple over pumpkin any day.
For me, my favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal is the leftovers. Our family loves my mom’s turkey hash recipe, which is a delicious way to use up those leftovers if you’ve OD’d on turkey sandwiches. I think this recipe is rather unique to our family so you may not be familiar with it. If you have leftover turkey this year, give this recipe a try! I bet it will make the favorite list in your family as well.
My Mom’s Turkey Hash Recipe
- 1 can of sliced water chestnuts marinated in soy sauce
- 4 cups chopped turkey with skin removed
- 2 cups gravy (canned is fine)
- 1 cup cold water with 2 tablespoons of flour mixed in with fork until there are no lumps
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups chopped celery
Simmer 1 hour. Towards the end of cooking, add in drained water chestnuts. Season as needed with granulated chicken bullion, pepper, and garlic salt.
Serve over rice.
Garnish with toasted slivered almonds, asian-style crunchy noodles, and cranberry sauce.
This hearty dish is a great way to enjoy your thanksgiving leftovers. The marinated water chestnuts, almonds, and crunchy noodles make a delightful addition to change up turkey leftovers.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? How do you use leftovers? Share your favorites in the comments below.
From my family to yours. . .
Happy Thanksgiving!
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More Thanksgiving Posts to Enjoy
- Gratitude Matters: 10 Truths and Tips for a Grateful Life
- Pondering Gratitude
- Thanksgiving is More than a Holiday
- Preparing for Thanksgiving from My House to Yours
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
