Second Helpings

TURN YESTERDAY’S FEAST INTO TODAY’S FAVORITES WITH CLEVER TAKES ON HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS

BY JENNIFER BAJSEL

Turkey Pot Pie with Cheddar Biscuit Crust

SERVINGS: 8 | PREP: 20 MIN. | COOK: 40 MIN. | TOTAL TIME: 1 HR.

INGREDIENTS: 4 Tbsp. butter, divided | 1 medium onion, diced | 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds | 2 celery stalks, diced finely | 1 package frozen peas, thawed | 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour | ¾ cup half & half cream | ¾ cup turkey stock, homemade or store-bought | 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces | ½ tsp. poultry seasoning, for a hint of warmth and flavor | 1 tsp. dried thyme, adding an aromatic touch. Cheddar Biscuit Crust: 4 cups biscuit flour, sifted for lightness | 1 Tbsp. baking powder, to help the biscuits rise | ½ tsp. baking soda, enhancing the fluffiness | ½ tsp. kosher salt, to balance the flavors | 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed and very cold, crucial for flaky texture | 1 cup buttermilk, providing moisture and richness | 1 egg, beaten, for egg wash and added richness | 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, for a delightful cheesy flavor.

DIRECTIONS: PREHEAT your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfect bake. MELT 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. ADD the diced onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery, cooking until the vegetables are soft and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. STIR in the thawed peas, allowing them to warm through. SPRINKLE with flour and stir until all the vegetables are evenly coated, ensuring that the flour absorbs the moisture. POUR in the half & half and turkey stock, stirring until well combined and the mixture begins to thicken slightly. ADD the poultry seasoning and thyme, infusing the filling with aromatic flavors. MIX in the shredded or chopped turkey, stirring until everything is well incorporated and the filling is thickened to your liking. POUR the hearty filling into a suitable baking dish, spreading it out evenly. MAKE the biscuit mixture while the filling is cooling slightly. COMBINE the biscuit flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. WHISK these dry ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed. WORK the very cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients using a fork, your hands, or a pastry cutter, until the mixture resembles pea-sized chunks, which is essential for achieving that flaky biscuit texture. ADD the buttermilk and shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. FOLD the ingredients together gently with a spatula until a thick, cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix. DROP large spoonfuls of the biscuit dough onto the turkey filling, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during baking. MELT the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the tops of the biscuit dough for a beautiful golden finish. BAKE in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, filling the kitchen with a delightful aroma. REMOVE the pot pie from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

TIPS & TRICKS:

When making the biscuit dough, it is crucial not to overmix. Combine the ingredients just until the dough comes together; this will ensure that your biscuits turn out light and fluffy rather than dense. For an extra touch, consider adding herbs or spices to the biscuit dough to complement the flavors of the filling. Enjoy your homemade turkey pot pie with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!

Turkey Tortilla Soup

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes.

INGREDIENTS: To create a delicious and hearty dish, gather the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil, which will provide a rich base for cooking; 1 medium onion, finely chopped, to add sweetness and depth of flavor; 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, which will infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic essence; 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, a spice that brings warmth and earthiness; ½ tablespoon of ground coriander, which adds a hint of citrus and floral notes; 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced finely to give the dish a smoky heat; 4 cups of turkey stock or low-sodium chicken broth, which serves as the flavorful liquid base; 2 cups of leftover turkey, shredded or chopped, to make this dish a great way to utilize holiday leftovers; 1 can (15 oz.) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, which add acidity and a rich tomato flavor; 1½ cups of corn, which can be fresh, frozen, or canned, providing sweetness and texture; 1 can (15 oz.) of black beans, rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium; 2 limes, juiced to add brightness and acidity to balance the flavors; and finally, for garnish, you will need tortilla strips for crunch, Mexican cheese for creaminess, and diced avocado for a fresh, creamy finish.

DIRECTIONS: To begin, HEAT the olive oil in a large sauce pot over medium heat, allowing it to warm up and become ready for the ingredients. Once the oil is shimmering, ADD the chopped onions and sweat them gently, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This process helps to release the natural sugars in the onions, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. ADD the garlic powder, cumin, coriander, and minced chipotle chili in adobo sauce. Stir the mixture well, allowing the spices to toast for a minute or two until they become fragrant, which will deepen their flavors and aroma. ADD the turkey stock, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. This will help to deglaze the pot, picking up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Next, ADD in the shredded turkey, diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together, ensuring that the ingredients are well mixed. STIR the mixture and allow it to simmer gently on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld together beautifully. As it simmers, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. Finally, STIR in the freshly squeezed lime juice, which will brighten the flavors and add a zesty finish. SERVE the dish hot, garnished with crispy tortilla strips, a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese, and diced avocado for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

TIPS & TRICKS: Before serving, it is essential to taste the dish for seasoning, including salt, heat level, and acidity. Depending on the seasoning of your leftover turkey or the broth used, you may find that additional salt is unnecessary. Adjust the heat by adding more or less of the chipotle chili according to your preference. If you desire a more pronounced acidity, consider adding an extra squeeze of lime juice just before serving to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Enjoy your meal!

Waffles Made from Stuffing with Spicy Honey Gravy

SERVINGS: 4 | PREP: 5 MIN. | COOK: 15 MIN. | TOTAL: 20 MIN.

INGREDIENTS: 1 package (2 cups) of stuffing mix, prepared according to package instructions or your own recipe for a homemade touch | ½ cup of turkey stock or chicken broth, which will enhance the moisture and flavor of the dish | 1 egg, used as a binding agent to hold the mixture together and create a fluffy texture | Cooking Spray, to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the waffles from the waffle iron | Leftover turkey, shredded or chopped, to incorporate that delicious holiday flavor into the dish | Leftover cranberry sauce, for a sweet and tangy topping that complements the savory elements | Hot Honey Gravy: 2 cups of leftover gravy, ideally from the turkey, to add richness and depth to the waffles; 2 tablespoons of honey, which will provide a delightful sweetness; and 1 tablespoon of Sriracha, for a spicy kick that balances the flavors.

DIRECTIONS: FIRST, PREHEAT your waffle iron to a medium-high heat setting, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for creating crispy waffles. THEN, COMBINE the leftover turkey stuffing, turkey stock, and egg in a large mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well integrated and the mixture is slightly moist yet cohesive. NEXT, SPRAY the preheated waffle iron generously with cooking spray to prevent the waffles from sticking and to achieve a golden-brown finish. POUR the prepared batter onto the hot waffle iron, using a spoon to spread it evenly across the surface and ensuring it reaches the edges for a full waffle shape. COOK the waffles on medium-high heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are beautifully browned and crispy, and easily release from the waffle iron, indicating they are perfectly cooked. WHILE THE WAFFLES COOK, WARM the leftover gravy in a small sauce pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. ONCE WARMED, ADD the honey and Sriracha to the gravy, whisking vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth, creating a flavorful hot honey gravy. FINALLY, SERVE the warm waffles topped with a generous drizzle of the hot honey gravy. For an extra touch, ADD some shredded turkey and a dollop of cranberry sauce on top, if desired, to enhance both the presentation and flavor profile of the dish.

TIPS & TRICKS: For optimal results, use cold stuffing as it holds together better and creates a firmer waffle. To elevate the flavor of the stuffing before cooking, consider jazzing it up by mixing in fresh herbs such as sage and thyme, adding a touch of black pepper for heat, or incorporating grated Parmesan for a savory depth. You could also enhance the mixture with chopped scallions for a fresh crunch or even a little shredded cheese to create a gooey, melty texture within the waffles.

ABOUT OUR CHEF: Jennifer is a talented private chef based in Dallas, TX, who is deeply passionate about crafting home-cooked meals that draw inspiration from various global cuisines. She prides herself on using fresh, quality ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also memorable. In addition to her culinary endeavors, Jennifer hosts an engaging Italian cooking show that airs on national streaming television, where she shares her love for cooking with a wider audience. To keep up with her culinary journey, recipes, and tips, visit her website at JenniferBajsel.com or find her dynamic presence on Instagram at @JENNIFER_BAJSEL, where she regularly posts updates and delicious inspirations.