Beginning Friday - and perhaps as early as Thanksgiving night - millions of Americans will be faced with a similar dilemma: What to do with leftover turkey and all the trimmings?
According to the National Turkey Federation, 46 million turkeys are sold, roasted and consumed during the Thanksgiving holidays. And, thank goodness, that makes for a lot of leftovers.
Even folks who eat at someone else's home and don't come back with leftovers have been known to roast a turkey for themselves simply so they can participate in the annual American tradition of having a post-Thanksgiving turkey meal.
"My family does this, and I've heard from countless people who do the same," says Kimmon Williams, spokeswoman for the National Turkey Federation, the trade group that represents the turkey industry. "The tradition of turkey at Thanksgiving and leftovers after is so strong that there are families who travel during the holiday and then, within a week, make a turkey at their home, as well. A whole turkey and leftovers is truly the start to the holiday season."
There are casseroles and soups by the score to be had, and there's always a turkey sandwich waiting for construction with mayo and lettuce. But why not up your sandwich ante and add other fixings that will take your turkey to new tasty heights?
"Turkey sandwiches are a popular selection for leftovers," Williams says.
Here are several ideas from a popular cooking app, SideChef:
* Combine cranberry and turkey leftovers with the flavors of an American breakfast with eggs and thick-cut bacon for a brunch sandwich.
* Put an Italian twist on a leftover turkey sandwich by adding roasted red peppers, chickpeas and avocado and grilling it to make a panini.
* Layer gouda cheese, fresh apples and whole-grain mustard with leftover turkey between two thick layers of bread.
And here's a recipe from eatturkey.com that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Who can resist the flakiness of a croissant paired with tender turkey, sweet cranberries, orange marmalade, crunchy pecans and the richness of cream cheese? It's a flavor combination for which you'll be thankful all over again.
Cranberry Turkey Croissants
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup chopped pecans
6 croissants, split
1 pound cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
6 red-leaf lettuce leaves, washed and chilled
In small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, marmalade and pecans. Spread cream cheese mixture on both halves of croissants. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce and lettuce on bottom half of croissant. Top with other half of croissant and serve.
I spent last Thanksgiving with friends in the Bahamas at a crusty little British pub in the heart of Nassau. This year, I'm back in the fold of my wonderful extended family here in Chattanooga. So it occurs to me that, at home or abroad, for us Americans, it's still Thanksgiving no matter where we are.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Contact Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.