How to Use Up All That Turkey

In November, turkeys are cheaper than at any other time during the year.  It makes sense to stock up and purchase as many as your freezer will hold.  But, what do you do with all that turkey? 

First, let's talk about cooking the turkey itself.  I roast mine in the oven following the package directions.  Then, we pick the meat off the bones (my kids help with this).  I use 1-quart zip top freezer bags and package the meat in approximately 1-pound portions, then freeze.  Finally, for an even greater value, I boil the carcass to get turkey stock.  One additional note:  I always buy the largest turkeys I can find (usually more than 20 pounds).  If I'm going to go to the work of roasting a turkey, I want to end up with the most meat possible.

With all that broth and pre-cooked meat frozen in meal-size amounts, we enjoy quicker meal preparation.  Use the meat and broth in any recipe that calls for chicken or chicken broth.

Here are some ways I use the meat:

• Barbeque turkey sandwiches (heat & mix with bottled barbeque sauce)
• Turkey salad sandwiches (mix with Miracle Whip)
• Turkey & noodles
• Turkey & rice
• Turkey Alfredo Bake
• Turkey burritos (mix with taco seasoning)
• Turkey noodle soup
• Turkey vegetable soup
• Turkey pot pie
• Plain turkey with the traditional fixings (even in April!)

What to do with the broth?

• Use as the liquid for broth-based soup
• Use as part of the liquid in milk- or cream-based soups
• Moisten bread cubes when making stuffing or dressing
• Replace water when making rice
• Use anytime a recipe calls for chicken broth