PALATINE, Ill. (WLS) — Now that the Thanksgiving celebrations have come to an end, your refrigerator is probably packed with leftovers. Instead of letting that delicious food go to waste, why not transform it into a variety of new meals?
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Chef Giovanni Labbate from Tievoli Pizza Bar in Palatine appeared on ABC7 Eyewitness News this past Saturday to share some mouth-watering ideas. He suggested creative ways to repurpose your leftovers into dishes like paninis, pizzas, and tacos.
Interested in trying out Tievoli Pizza Bar or learning more? You can find additional details here.
1. Turkey Panini
Ingredients:
Start with two slices of bread or a ciabatta roll and layer on some sliced turkey. It’s the perfect base to begin your culinary adventure with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Sliced turkey
Swiss cheese
Cranberry sauce
Mayo
Sliced red onions
Spring mix
Instructions:
Spread mayo on the inside of both bread slices.
Layer turkey, Swiss cheese, red onions, cranberry sauce, and a handful of spring mix.
Close the sandwich and press on a preheated panini press (or skillet) until golden brown and the cheese melts – about 4-5 minutes.
Slice and serve warm!
2. Thanksgiving Leftover Pizza
Ingredients:
1 pizza dough (store bought) or pre-made pizza crust or flatbread
1 tbsp. olive oil or garlic oil
Leftover stuffing, crumbled
Sliced turkey
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Cranberry sauce (for drizzling)
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425F.
If using pizza dough, stretch it gently on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired size and thickness. If using pre-made pizza crust or flatbread, brush the crust / flatbread with garlic or olive oil.
Add a thin layer of stuffing, then top with turkey and mozzarella.
Bake 10-12 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Drizzle cranberry sauce on top and garnish with rosemary before serving.
3. Thanksgiving Leftover Tacos
Ingredients:
Corn tortillas
Mashed potatoes
Shredded turkey
Queso fresco, crumbled
Cranberry salsa (or mix cranberry sauce with diced jalapeño and lime)
Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame until soft.
Spread a spoonful of mashed potatoes in each tortilla.
Add turkey, sprinkle queso fresco, and top with cranberry salsa.
Finish with chopped cilantro and enjoy immediately!
