Be Thankful for Leftovers -- Here's How to Use Them

"Happy Thanksgiving! As much as I love this holiday, I love the leftovers even more. This year, I'm putting those leftovers to good use -- and you should, too. Just follow this recipe for an incredibly simple but wonderfully delicious turkey and mashed potato potpie. The best part about this meal is that it calls for ingredients that you'll probably already have on hand following your family's feast. This is the best way to enjoy one last taste of the holiday (while doing about half of the work). Try it out on your leftovers this weekend!"


-Everyday Food's Sarah Carey


Turkey and Mashed Potato Potpies


Related: 25 Make-Ahead Recipes For a Stress-Free Thanksgiving Day

6 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
3 leeks (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, rinsed well, and sliced (3 cups)
10 ounces button mushrooms, sliced (4 cups)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
Coarse salt and ground pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 pound leftover turkey meat, skin removed, cut into bite-size pieces (3 cups)
1 cup frozen peas
4 cups leftover mashed potatoes

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1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, with rack in upper third. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes; with a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Add leeks, mushrooms, and thyme to skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are golden brown and softened, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook, stirring, until flour is pale golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in broth and simmer until thickened, 4 minutes. Stir in turkey, peas, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.


2
. Transfer turkey mixture to eight broilerproof 8-ounce ramekins or a 2-quart baking dish; set on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread potatoes over turkey mixture. Bake until filling is bubbling and potatoes are golden in spots, 20 minutes.

3. Heat broiler with rack in top position. Broil until potatoes are evenly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.



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