Don’t Throw That Out: Thanksgiving Edition

Follow these handy tips and ideas for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers.

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Cut down on waste and whip up some delicious creations (win-win!). Turn common Thanksgiving leftovers into these unexpected goodies.

Turkey
Sandwiches are an obvious option, but how about a veggie-filled salad for all that leftover turkey?
Turkey and Quinoa Salad (pictured at top)
Potatoes

Regular and sweet potatoes can be morphed into flavorful and satisfying sides like hash browns and potato cakes.

Breads

Don’t toss leftover biscuits, rolls and cornbread. A quick whirl in the food processor and you'll have the best breadcrumbs ever. Use them to add flavor and crunch to roasted vegetables, or make your own seasoned version to bread fish and poultry.

Sour Cream and Cranberry Mixture in a White Dish against a White Background

Cran Sour Cream

Sour Cream and Cranberry Mixture in a White Dish against a White Background

Cranberries

Instead of a sweetener, use a few spoonfuls of prepared cranberry sauce in a smoothie. Also try incorporating leftover fresh (or frozen) cranberries into salad dressings and dipping sauces.

Cranberry Horseradish Cream (pictured above)
Sandra Lee's Pumpkin Cinnamon Pancakes for Thanksgiving Brunch as seen on Food Network

Sandra Lee's Pumpkin Cinnamon Pancakes for Thanksgiving Brunch as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Canned Pumpkin

Make a festive post-holiday breakfast or a spicy soup for lunch later in the week by using canned pumpkin puree.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Pancakes (pictured above)

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

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