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?