My best suggestion ever for Thanksgiving leftovers

Our Thanksgiving was over a month ago, back when local harvest was in its peek, our homestead was still green and a vibrant display of colourful leaves carpeted the ground.

It wasn’t so long ago that I’ve forgotten my genius plan for Thanksgiving leftovers, however, and today I’ve shown up to tell you about it – and present you with a little challenge.

Perhaps you’re expecting Cream of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup or Lemon Pepper Turkey Sandwiches, but no, it’s a different idea entirely.

The BEST idea for Thanksgiving leftovers EVER | Simple Bites #thanksgiving

Here’s my absolute best suggestion for  Thanksgiving leftovers: give them away.

Share them with a friend in need. You probably can think of someone right now who could use a sympathy meal. Maybe it’s a single person – a young student or an elderly friend – who is alone for the holiday this year. Maybe it a couple with a new baby or a sick child; both of those scenarios are utterly exhausting and a hot meal makes all the difference in the world.

Last month two of our family members were holed up at home, sick with laryngitis. The morning after our Thanksgiving feast, I prepared two plates of our mashed potatoes and turkey for them. I rounded out the meal with sweet corn, brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, as well as whole wheat buttermilk rolls and apple cake. We had leftover gravy and cranberry sauce, too, so they went into the box to make it a complete feast.

It felt good to share of our bounty, because of course we had more than enough to spare. And I am guessing you do too. Will you share?

The BEST idea for Thanksgiving leftovers EVER | Simple Bites #thanksgiving

Depending on the size of your turkey, you can probably give a meal away and still fix a plate of leftovers for your lunch, too. My Pinterest board has plenty of inspiration should you want to reinvent that turkey and those spuds.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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12 Comments

  1. Oh Aimee, what a wonderful idea. I can think of a few new mothers who would love a break from cooking. I’m sure your family members really appreciated such thoughtfulness too. Thanks for sharing an unexpected twist today.

  2. Aimée,
    That is a terrific idea!
    Several years ago I made multiple Thanksgiving meals over several months.
    First, we had Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving.
    Then, for my visiting brother, we had a real American Thanksgiving over Christmas.
    Finally, once my spouse returned from a deployment, we had a Thanksgiving meal for him.

    It was after that meal that I learned a fellow parent of a child w/ Spina Bifida was in a local hospital. I love the internet–we’d never met but were on the same email listserv, and through that I learned that they’d come to our area on vacation when their child became ill and was hospitalized. I not only got to give them food–I got to give them arguably the best meal I make!

  3. This is such a lovely idea! I was just thinking the other day about how I wish I could donate Thanksgiving leftovers to the food bank. I know it would never be allowed because of health and sanitation reasons, but it would be such a nice way to spread the cheer (and reduce food waste!).

  4. This is a wonderful idea. I’m sure we all know someone who could use a delicious, home-cooked meal. I’ve been trying to give away leftovers in general lately – I love to cook, but I eat healthfully and my husband’s not into that at all, so I’m often saddled with oodles of yummy leftovers. The recipients of my cooking are always grateful!