Leftovers can be tasty follow-up to holiday feasting

Leftovers are a serious part of the holiday feasting, tasty follow-ups to look forward to, prolonging the treat. Usually, leftovers are built into the cook's master plan -- after all, when we're calculating quantities who among us would plan to have not quite enough?

So there they are, reserves of ready-to-eat goodies that may also be easily tweaked into smart new offerings, limited only by cooks' energy levels and imagination.

Here are some ideas to keep up your sleeve for when you feel like a change that won't call for another major kitchen campaign. You may decide you like the sound of them enough to deliberately plan substantial surpluses, to see everyone through a long post-holiday weekend in delicious style.

Remember the first step in leftover is: Never forget to refrigerate.

Immediately remove the stuffing from the turkey and put it in a container or plastic bag. Refrigerate it at 40 F to be eaten within two days, or freeze it to be eaten within one month.

To store leftover turkey, immediately remove the meat from the bones. Store sliced or cubed turkey in aluminum foil, and then zip-lock bags. Then, refrigerate or freeze within two hours of roasting.

Good breakfast bets

For scrambled eggs with a twist, stir leftover vegetables in creamy sauces (such as green bean casserole, creamed peas and onions, broccoli with cheese sauce) into beaten eggs and scramble as usual.

Stir mashed sweet potatoes into pancake or waffle batter for a sweet and hearty breakfast variation. Don't throw away your cranberry sauce. It's a perfect replacement for jam or jelly. Add a touch of honey to it and serve on top of pancakes or waffles for a great breakfast surprise.

Dinner or lunch delights

Use leftover stuffing and shredded turkey to make "stuffing patties." Bind with a beaten egg, shape into patties and fry on both sides in a little vegetable oil. Serve with turkey gravy.

Try a turkey-vegetable stir-fry seasoned with soy sauce and chili oil. For a Southwestern flavor, toss leftover shredded turkey with taco sauce to moisten. Fill taco shells, sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and heat.

You don't have to go to the deli to get a mouthwatering turkey Reuben. Simply place leftover sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread. Grill, turning once until cheese melts.

Turkey can substitute for chicken or other poultry in several recipes. Use leftover turkey in dishes such as Caesar salad, hash, fajitas and chicken a la king.

Leftover turkey carcasses make savory, comforting soups. Place the turkey carcass in a large pot and cover with water. Add two stalks of sliced celery, two sliced carrots and one chopped onion. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least two hours or until meat falls off the bones. Remove bones and cartilage and chop remaining turkey meat. Add salt and pepper to taste and add cooked rice or noodles to complete the soup.