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Reinventing Thanksgiving

Contributors: Esther Ellis, MS, RDN, LDN

Reviewers: Academy Nutrition Information Services Team

Published: November 24, 2021

Reviewed: September 26, 2023

Holiday Meals: Food Safety Tips
LightFieldStudios/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Nothing tastes better than turkey with all the trimmings! But what about the leftovers? Turkey and stuffing is only good for three or four days when stored in the refrigerator as leftovers. And, while reheating is a great option, for safety's sake, make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F .

Don’t feel like eating the same exact meal again? Try reinventing your Thanksgiving feast with the following:

  • Make a hearty harvest stew. Start with leftover gravy (fat skimmed away) as the base. Make it hearty with leftover turkey and veggies. Thicken with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Cook to 165°F.
  • Stack a turkey-berry wrap. Wrap sliced turkey, spread with cranberry sauce and shredded greens in whole-wheat tortillas. Add toasted pecans if you have some.
  • Blend cranberry smoothies. Blend cranberries with frozen yogurt and orange juice.
  • Freeze turkey stock in small amounts. Later, thaw in the refrigerator and cook couscous, pasta, rice or soup with the stock instead of water.
  • Toss a crunchy turkey salad. Toss cubed turkey with celery, apples and light mayo with shredded baby spinach.
  • Make a stuffing frittata. Mix stuffing with eggs and cook through, pancake-style.

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