We know you do it every year: wish on a wishbone that you could turn your holiday leftovers into brand new meals. Well, your wish is coming true. Keep reading to get some recipe ideas, whether you’re cooking in your dorm or your home, whether you’re a omnivore or vegan, or whether you burn water or consider yourself a five-star chef.
Throw-it-all-in tacos
One way to transform your leftovers is to turn the dishes into tacos. This recipe’s very simple to create as you’ll only need a microwave, tortillas and the leftovers of your choice. It’s also easily customizable for your dietary needs as you can put anything you like in your tacos and can use gluten-free tortillas if need be.
Wrap three to four tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and put them in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can cook them for longer, but make sure to check them every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking (and setting off the fire alarm in your building). After they’re cooked to your heart’s desire, go ahead and throw anything you like in there, from your turkey or ham to cranberry sauce and stuffing. You could even have some fun with friends and family by having everyone create their own tacos to see which combinations taste the best. You can also make wraps instead of tacos or ditch the tortillas altogether and make taco bowls instead.
Cranberry sauce pancakes
It seems when it comes to cranberry sauce, you either love it or hate it. For those who love it, here’s a unique way to enjoy it for breakfast. Buy the pancake mix of your choice, or make your own from scratch, and simply add in a dollop of cranberry sauce. Turn the stove to medium heat and lightly coat the bottom of a skillet in oil. Pour the batter in the skillet, let cook until small bubbles form all over the top, then flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Don’t have a stove? Use your microwave instead. Grab a microwave safe plate and greaseproof baking paper to keep the pancakes from sticking, place a sheet of paper on the plate and then a spoonful of batter. Continue stacking with another sheet of paper on top of the batter and another spoonful of batter. Repeat this until you have four pancakes and cover the last spoonful of batter with another sheet of paper. The cooking time for your pancakes will depend on the wattage of your microwave, so start with one minute and add 30 seconds until they’re cooked to your liking.
If you’re really into cranberry sauce, you can also serve your pancakes with extra sauce on top. If you’re not into cranberry sauce, never fear, you can make this a pumpkin or sweet potato pancake recipe if you have leftover puree from when you made pies. You can also use the same batter to make waffles if you prefer them over pancakes and have a waffle iron.
Buffalo turkey sandwich
Start by shredding some pieces of turkey, regular or plant-based, with a fork and set that aside in a bowl. Pour some buffalo sauce, which can be gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan friendly depending on the brand, on top of the turkey and stir until all of it is evenly covered. Place on the bread of your choice, slather in blue cheese dressing, and eat up.
Give some of these recipes a try after this holiday season and try coming up with your own too. Just in case you need a reminder, do not set off the fire alarm in your building.
