7 Ways You Probably Never Dreamed of to Prepare Thanksgiving Leftovers

By BETH DALBEY (Patch Staff)

The secret ingredient in chocolate cookies made by Mr. Food is mashed potatoes. (Screenshot: Mr. Food video)

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What are you going to do with all those leftovers from Thanksgiving? Here are some ideas to put a new spin on what you’re eating in the days after the holiday.

Repurposing turkey into something your family will eat is relatively easy, though if you’re looking to switch up the stale (as in, your family has come to expect it) soups, sandwiches and pot pies, you might consider Turkey Ramen from Bon Appétit.

But the cranberry sauce you put on the table because it looks beautiful in your great-great-grandmother’s heirloom crystal compote bowl? That takes some creativity. The Washingtonian came up with a spirited answer after consulting with mixologist Micah Wilder, who offers a recipe for a tasty Bourbon-Cranberry Sauce Cocktail.

Or, consider a recipe for Turkey Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce and Blue Cheese Butter from Epicurious.

Leftover mashed potatoes can be a challenge, too. Mr. Food suggests Chocolate Potato Cookies. Don’t use this recipe if you fudged on the potatoes and used a mix (though why you would on Thanksgiving is as big a mystery as this recipe is).

Serious Eats suggests turning the stuffing into waffles. Use the leftover gravy as syrup, or choose classic maple syrup.

If you want to try to mitigate all that damage you did at the Thanksgiving dinner table, Eating Well offers a recipe for Sweet Potato Fritters with Smoky Pinto Beans. At only 380 calories per serving, they’re low in cholesterol and saturated fat, high in fiber and heart-healthy.

Finally, the Cooking Channel offers a recipe for Sweet Potato Brulee. Bonus: You get to set it on fire. What’s not to love about that?

More post-Thanksgiving meal ideas:

• Thanksgiving Starter: Fall Roasted Butternut Squash Soup