Tuesday, November 22, 2011

What to do With All Those Leftovers

Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday. It is a cook's dream and to me, there's nothing better than having an excuse to be in my kitchen for days preparing so many delicious dishes. However, when it's all said and done and the leftovers are put away, I have to admit that the last thing I want to do is go back in the kitchen, dirty up a bunch of dishes, and come up some fancy meal using the Thanksgiving leftovers.

A couple of years ago, when my husband and I were home, just the two of us, for Thanksgiving, I accidentally bought a couple extra pie crusts. You know, those ones that come rolled up two to a box? Well, later that night, after our Thanksgiving celebration was over, I came up with an idea which has now become a tradition each year since that day. I took some of our leftovers and made what I like to call "Turkey Pockets." I hope this year, you'll grab a couple extra pie crusts and see how scrumptious these pot pie-like creations are.

Turkey Pockets
Serves 1-2 per pie crust 


Ingredients:
Thanksgiving leftovers (turkey, stuffing, corn casserole, peas, gravy, etc.)
Refrigerated pie crusts (I use Pillsbury in the red box)
One egg or a few tablespoons of milk

Set oven to temperature on pie crust box. Carefully unroll pie crusts and cut each in half. Place pie crusts on an ungreased cookie sheet with a couple inches in between each one. Put about 3/4-1 cup of filling in each half and fold over on itself so that it makes a 1/4 circle or a triangle. My favorite filling combination is turkey meat, gravy (for moisture) and peas or corn. Using a fork, press edges together so it resembles the edges of a crust on a pie. Using a butter knife, cut a few slits in the top of the pocket to allow heat and steam to escape. Brush the top of each crust with an egg wash (one egg mixed with water) or milk. Place cookie sheet on the middle rack of the oven and set timer according to box, but be sure to watch for a variance in time. Once golden brown on top, remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying with other Thanksgiving sides.