After Thanksgiving it’s the time you look back at your menu choices and reflect on whether you made the right call to have less sides, more gravy and even question the traditional Roasted Turkey on your wonderful table. Could a casserole be your solution for the meal?
What did the guests really enjoy? Who had second helpings of food and why? If you are a member of my family there is always a statement out there by the cook like “you aren’t eating enough! I have more turkey in the kitchen, shall I heat up the gravy?” and then out of respect and love everyone eats big plates of food – whether you want to or not. Now, my Mom is a great cook so I don’t want you to think it was not tasty, but I do want you to think about how you feel today. The day after perhaps over-eating and over-crazing the appetizers and booze. Sluggish? Tired? Ready to watch “Elf” or is he sitting this one out for your old favorite Christmas movies “Die Hard.” Ha! I had to throw that in there for fun.
One other thing to consider was the guests or girlfriends/boyfriends where you only found out after they walked through your door that they are vegetarian.
Isn’t this the ultimate shock wave in your entire being after making all the dishes you realize there is nothing but salad, sides (some) a new sweet potato recipe for them to eat. It makes your heart sink as your food lover’s mantra did not even consider this situation. We really should be offering great food to everyone – no matter their preferences.
I had this longer introduction as I wanted you to really think about that guest walking into your home, not wanting to cause problems, meeting you for the first time as they might have arrived with friends and someone unexpected too. If we could all be more aware of the food choice changes going on around us, this would not be a surprise to the cook in the home.
My mom and dad had really started to eat less as they aged. I offered to bring extra sides and encourage Mom to order a larger turkey all while she kept saying “that’s enough! It’s going to be too much! What will I do with the leftovers?” A quick discussion and I told her I would take the leftovers home with me – no worries. And guess what? It all went over famously – practically no leftovers. The 2 tall men staying over actually ate turkey sandwiches late at night because they got hungry again. My mom had forgotten what it was like to be in a household of large adults and famished teens who eat like it’s their last meal!
But what as this got to do with a casserole?
Leftovers are perfect to make a layered casserole dish and enjoy them all together. You can layer:
Mashed Cauliflower or Potato
Peas & Carrots
Those round onion things! (why do we only eat them around Thanksfiving?)
Green Beans
Cabbage
Cheese is great for binding
Sauce options: Alfredo, Italian, Gravy from Turkey
(try to stay away from cream of anything soups as they have too many bad ingredients)
Protein Options: Leftover Turkey or freshly fried ground beef or even Tofu!
Take all these bits and make a nice layered casserole meal. No need to ask your family what they want. Put the protein in the middle. Don’t give them options. Eat the casserole. Easy, peasy and it looks good too. Use all those leftovers and make it a meal. Don’t forget you just put your casserole in the oven and set the timer – no stirring, no flipping, no splatters – just don’t forget it’s in there!
A great way to layer is to incorporate some of those frozen veggie patties you ignore in the freezer. Go ahead and add them as a layer – use up your frozen food – don’t waste it!
Here’s a picture of my recent casserole using gluten free pasta bits, cabbage, alfredo, mushrooms, zucchini and veggie patties for a very delicious casserole – I nearly ate it all in one sitting!
and Pasta Shells Casserole
Remember to use all the food you make. And season each layer! Everything is so expensive – it’s important not to throw out the food you buy. Consume it!
Here’ a great casserole dish with a lid – keep those juices in there – on Amazon:
