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Thanksgiving Day is very near….like tomorrow, if you are in the area where the Press is delivered.  I’m not doing much talking today because I presume you know it will be about turkey “planned over” recipes.  However, here’s what you can do if you have made more stuffing than will fill the turkey.  A couple suggestions: In a greased, covered casserole dish during the last 45 minutes while the turkey roasts, put the stuffing in the oven, or put it in a foil packet next to the bird in the roaster pan, or in a casserole dish in the microwave.

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I have a cookbook with recipes from the Minnesota State Fair.  This is the first place recipe.

FIRST PLACE TURKEY CASSEROLE
1 – 7 oz. pkg. white and wild rice
1-3/4 c. chicken broth (can be made using chicken bouillon granules)
4 c. cooked turkey, cubed
1-16 oz. pkg. frozen broccoli spears, thawed
8 oz. American cheese (10 slices - 3-1/2 by 3-1/2- inches)
1-4 oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
1-8 oz. can sliced water chestnuts, drained                                                                                                                                              
1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted   
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 small can French fried onions

  Prepare rice according to package directions, substituting broth amount for water.  Layer ingredients as listed in a 9x13-inch buttered baking pan or casserole (3 qt.) starting with prepared rice followed by next 5 ingredients. In a small bowl, beat together mushroom soup and mayo; spread over casserole.  Top with French-fried onions. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.   Makes six to eight servings.

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This turkey casserole is delicious and easily prepared.

CRUNCHY TURKEY CASSEROLE
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/4 c. water
2 c. cooked cubed turkey (can use chicken)
1/2 c. coarsely chopped cashews
1 T. diced pimiento, drained or green pepper
2 ribs celery, sliced thin
1 small onion, diced (1/2 c.)
2 c. chow mein noodles

In a 1-1/2 qt. casserole, combine soup and water, mixing well. Add next 5 ingredients and 1 c. of the chow mein noodles; mix well.  Top with remaining noodles.  Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.  Makes  four servings.  Note: To make ahead, prepare as directed, refrigerating up to one day, leaving off remaining 1 c. noodles  Add remaining noodles when ready to bake as directed.

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TURKEY & DRESSING BAKE
2 medium ribs celery, sliced thin
1-8 oz. pkg. (5 c.) herb-seasoned stuffing mix
1-4 oz. can (1/2 c.) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
4 c. cooked cubed turkey  (can use chicken)
1-1/2 c. milk
5 eggs, beaten
2 cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 c. slivered almonds
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. butter or margarine, melted

In medium bowl, combine first 3 ingredient in a greased  (or sprayed) 9x13 inch (3 qt.)  baking dish or pan, mix well. Arrange turkey evenly over mixture. Combine next 3 ingredients; mix well and pour over turkey. Sprinkle with almonds and cheese; drizzle with butter.  Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Makes eight servings.

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WARM TURKEY SALAD ON BUNS
2 c. cooked turkey, diced small (can use chicken)
1/4 lb. process American cheese, diced small
2 T. sweet pickle relish (can use dill pickle relish if you prefer)
1/4 c. salad dressing or mayo
2 T. each, minced onion and green pepper
Kaiser rolls

In a bowl, combine first 6 ingredients; mix well.  Spoon about 1/3 c. onto each roll, covering with top of roll. Wrap each tightly in foil.  Bake at 300 degrees 25 minutes.  Makes six to eight servings.

Thought for the Day: We hope your Thanksgiving Day gathering was prayerful. We need as many prayers as we can give to people suffering with excruciating health issues and many other things going on in their lives. I’m not computer savvy and even if I was I would rather pick up the phone, call a friend or family member that I can laugh with and maybe even cry with. Take a little time out of your day to call or write a note just to say “Hi, I was thinking about you,” and go from there. If you send a note, they can read it over and over and think about you! Enjoy this special day with family and friends and let them know how thankful you are to have them in your life.

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