Turkey's Second Act

The Second Act

Reincarnate Leftovers to Brand New Dishes

Creamy Turkey and Gnocchi Soup (an adapted Olive Garden Copycat)

Recipe adapted from cookingclassy.com  and makes about 5-6 servings depending on bowl size.   

Look for gnocchi in the pasta refrigerated section of the store. The soup is thick and hearty and can be thinned out with milk or broth. The recipe has been lightened up using 2% milk.
Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 cup each diced carrot and celery 
• 1 TB. olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1  (48 oz. ) box  chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 tsp. each dried rosemary and thyme 
• 1 tsp. parsley flakes
• dash of nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 cups cooked shredded turkey or chicken
• 1 (12oz.) package potato gnocchi 
• 3 TB. butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups 2% milk 
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1-2 cups packed fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Shredded Romano cheese , for serving (optional)

Directions

• Heat 1 TB. olive oil in a soup pot or large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in onions, carrots and celery,sauté 5 minutes, add garlic sauté 1- 2 minutes longer. Pour in broth, add rosemary, thyme, nutmeg and bring soup to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cook about  10-12 minutes covered.
• In another saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, cook and stir constantly 1 minute. While whisking pour in milk then continue to whisk to smooth out any lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until mixture thickens and lightly boils. Whisk in cream and milk, remove from heat.
• Add gnocchi to broth mixture, cover and simmer for recommend time directed on package, about 4 minutes. Stir milk mixture into broth mixture, add in chicken or turkey and spinach leaves. Cook, while stirring frequently on a low medium heat 15 minutes, uncovered.  Serve warm with Romano cheese if desired.

Classic Party Mix with a Thanksgiving Twist

Cook's Notes:  A great party mix flavored with savory spices like garlic and onion. But this Thanksgiving mix has some warming spices, pumpkin seeds, and sweet cranberries added that make it a special mix. You can swap the traditional cheese crackers for cheese bugles (pretend they are a cornucopia) or use whatever snacks, nuts, and spices you prefer as long as you keep the cereal and butter amounts the same.
Recipe inspired by thekitchn.com and serves 10 to 12; makes 10 cups
Ingredients:

• 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
• 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 2 cups Wheat Chex cereal 
• 2 cups pretzel sticks 
• 2 cup cheese-flavored Bugles, mini breadsticks, mini crackers, or oyster crackers (2 ounces)
• 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
• 1 cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp.ground cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1- 1/2 cups dried cranberries 

Directions:

• Place the cereals, pretzels, Bugles, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds in a 6-quart (preferably oval-shaped) or larger slow cooker. Using 2 wooden spoons, gently toss together, being careful not to crush the cereal.
• Whisk the butter, Worcestershire, paprika, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a small bowl or measuring cup. Pour half over the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Pour in the remaining half and toss again. Place a double layer of paper towels over the top of the slow cooker to catch condensation.
• Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. When it is done, the party mix should look toasty and relatively dry.
• Pour the party mix onto a work surface or baking sheets lined with parchment or paper towels. Spread into a single layer and sprinkle with the cranberries. Cool for 5 minutes before serving or storing. 

Recipe Notes:Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
Cook's Notes: An easy and flavorful idea to use up leftover mashed potatoes. Makes 12 to 24 puffs, depending the size of the pan used, Recipe from thekitchn.com
Ingredients:

• Cooking spray or butter 
• 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes 
• 3 large eggs, beaten 
• 1 cup grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, divided 
• 1 TB. each dried parsley and chives 
• 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon or ham (optional) 
• Kosher salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• Sour cream, for serve (optional) 

Directions:

• Arrange a rack in the middle of oven and heat to 400 degrees, Lightly coat the cups of a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. 
• Place the mashed potatoes, eggs, 3/4 cup of the cheese, chives, and bacon or ham in a large bowl and stir to combine. Season, if necessary, with salt and pepper. 
• Fill each muffin cup with the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. 
• Bake until the potato cups are set, browned on top, and heated through, about 20 minutes. Let cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then use a spoon or knife to gently release them from the pan. 
• Serve immediately with dollops of sour cream, if desired. Recipe Notes: Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and re-crisp, arrange the puffs on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes (depending on size). 

More Flavoring Ideas for Mashed Potato PuffsLoaded Baked Potato: Cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, chopped green onions, served with sour cream and chives
Curried Potato Puffs: 1 teaspoon curry powder (or to taste), chopped red onion, chopped jalapeño pepper, served with yogurt and cucumber.
Goat Cheese & Spinach: Fine chopped spinach, minced garlic, crumbled goat cheese.
Italian-Inspired: Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, finely chopped shallots, served with a smear of tomato sauce.Last minute holiday decorating ideas

Printable tag for Christmas Cookies

https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/north-pole-cookie-co-christmas-printable/

Free Place Card Printables  
https://www.fivespotgreenliving.com/thanksgiving-conversation-starters-for-kids/

My apologies for skipping two steps in the directions for Caramelized Pear, Onion, Bacon with  Gorgonzola Quiche posting Nov. 16th. I have added the necessary steps to the original recipe.