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We are going to talk turkey today. One of our sons hunts wild turkeys but I prefer to roast the domesticated kind. Actually, turkey hunting can be quite dangerous as they can see colors, therefore, the hunter must wear camouflage clothing. It isn’t that the birds are vicious fighters, which by the way they are, but because camouflage clothing is worn other hunters can’t see you, as opposed to the deer hunters wearing orange. So, watch carefully for others, you who hunt wild turkeys.

A little trivia for you––Because the wild turkey is quick to defend itself and fight against all predators, Ben Franklin wanted it, rather than the bald eagle, to be the symbol of the United States. However, in 1872 the bald eagle was declared the symbol of the United States of America. There you go.

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It’s specifically about using leftover turkey in your meals today. You can do part of this recipe ahead of time also.

TURKEY FAJITAS

3 c. cooked turkey, cut into thin strips

1/2 c. lemon juice

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. leaf oregano

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

1/4 t. ground cumin

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 small green pepper, cut into strips (optional)

eight 8” or 10” flour tortillas

Toppings: salsa or picante sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream

Combine first seven ingredients in large plastic bag; seal and shake to mix. Marinate in fridge for 6-8 hours.

Put mixture in 2 qt. casserole. Add next three ingredients. Heat covered, on full power, in micro for 4-5 minutes or till heated through.

Warm tortillas (one at a time) in micro for 10-15 seconds.

Spoon turkey mixture into tortilla using a slotted spoon. Top with your choice of toppings or all of them. Wrap tortilla around filling. Serve. Makes four large or 8 smaller servings, depending on who’s doing the eating!

NOTE: You may also heat the turkey mixture in a fry pan sprayed with cooking spray over medium-low heat, stirring, until heated through.

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I know many of you are probably making casseroles using leftover turkey, but have you tried this one?

TURKEY BROCCOLI

CASSEROLE

2-8 oz. packages frozen broccoli spears, cooked 5 minutes and drained*

1/2 c. salad dressing

2 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup

1/4 c. water

one half of a 7 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained

1-4 oz. can mushrooms, drained

1/2 t. lemon juice

one half can cheddar cheese soup

6 cups cubed turkey

1 small can French fried onion rings

Spray a 9x13 pan; put broccoli in pan and add turkey. Mix all other ingredients and pour over turkey. Bake 1/2 hour, covered, at 350 degrees. Remove cover, sprinkle with onion rings and continue baking, uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Serves 6-8.

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This dish is kind of like an egg bake except that it uses turkey and you don’t have to refrigerate overnight.

TURKEY CHEESE PUFF

6 slices bread (white or wheat) buttered on one side only

turkey slices to cover bread or 5-6 cups cubed

6 slices American cheese

salt and pepper to taste

3 eggs

1-1/2 c. milk

1/2 t. Worcestershire sauce

Put bread (buttered side down) in 9x9 baking dish; top with turkey, then slices of cheese, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

In medium bowl, beat eggs, milk and Worcestershire sauce; pour over all.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Serves 6.

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Did you make the carcass of the turkey into broth? Good for you as you’ll need some in this recipe.

EAST COAST TURKEY CHOWDER

1/2 c. diced onion

1 c. celery, diced 1/4-inch thick

1 T. margarine or oil

2 c. turkey broth (can use 2 t. chicken bouillon granules mixed with 2 c. water)

2-1/2 c. peeled, cubed potatoes (3/4-inch cubes)

1/4 t. salt

1/4 t. pepper

dash or two of cayenne

2 c. cooked turkey, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 c. cornstarch mixed with 2 c. milk

In 3 qt. saucepan, over medium heat, saute onion and celery in margarine until tender-crisp. Add next five ingredients; bring to a boil. Lower heat to low, cover and simmer 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in turkey. Stir cornstarch mixture into soup and cook until thickened, then an additional 1-2 minutes. Serves 4-5.

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I hope your Thanksgiving Day celebration was one of joy and peace, with family or friends gathered round to express thanks for the blessings we receive each new day.

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