Get creative with holiday leftovers!

Tis the season for festive feasting—but what do you do with all those leftovers? Instead of letting them go to waste, why not get creative and find some new ways to re-purpose your holiday leftovers? Read on for some delicious ideas that are sure to keep tummies full and festive spirits alive. 

Turkey sandwiches with cranberry spread 

It’s a classic combination and a great way to use up some of your leftover turkey or other holiday meat. Simply make a sandwich with two slices of bread, and layer on the turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese (or whatever other condiments or leftover on hand). To add an extra touch of festive flavour, mix together equal parts cranberry sauce and cream cheese to make a sweet spread. Spread it over one side of the sandwich before topping it off with the other slice of bread. Delicious! 

Cranberry pancakes                                                                                         

This one is sure to be a hit with the kids! Mix together pancake batter as per usual, but this time add in 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries or cranberry sauce. Once cooked up nice and fluffy as pancakes should be, top them off with more cranberries along with some honey or syrup. Perfect for breakfast or brunch! An alternative version using apple sauce is also a great way to use up leftovers. 

Leftover pizza 

Another great way to use your holiday leftovers is by making pizza! Pre heat your oven to 180°C and start putting together your pizza base – either use store bought dough or make your own. Layer the base with tomato sauce or pesto, then top it off with any combination of turkey or ham, prawns, sliced roasted potatoes or carrots, gravy etc. Finish it with cheese and bake in the oven until golden brown – voila! You have yourself a delicious leftover pizza! The best thing about pizza is that really, anything goes, so give it a try.  

Just freeze them

If you don’t want to eat all your leftovers right away and you have too much to eat before they go off, freeze them instead – they’ll stay fresh for months! Place individual portions in airtight containers before freezing so they don’t stick together when they solidify. This is especially helpful if you need quick meals during busy days – just pull out what you need from the freezer and warm it up in minutes!

Christmas leftovers don’t have to be boring or limited to reheating – there are plenty of ways that you can turn them into something special. From sandwiches to pizzas and pancakes; these creative recipes will help you make the most out of what’s already in your fridge while also bringing joy back into mealtime after all the festivities are done. So go ahead – get creative and let us know what dishes you come up with.

By Sarah Panther