Over the holidays we tend to prepare an overabundance of food, and if you host a function you tend to be stuck with the bulk of the leftovers. If you aren’t sure what to do with that leftover turkey and/or ham that’s been in the freezer over a week, check out these leftover-saving recipes before you toss them out:

Turkey Stock

This stock makes a good base for soups in between heavy holiday meals.

Ingredients:

1 turkey carcass
3 sprigs parsley
2 medium onions, sliced
3 ribs celery, cut up
2 medium carrots, cut up
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons dried leaf thyme
2 teaspoons salt
dash pepper

Preparation:

Break up carcass and place in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients; cover with cold water. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 3 to 4 hours. Cool slightly; strain broth into a bowl. Refrigerate then remove fat from top of broth.
Makes about 4 cups of turkey stock.

Beans and Cornbread

This comfort food is easy to prepare in a crockpot and will stick to your ribs during cold, winter months.

Ingredients:

one white or yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
leftover ham or smoked turkey pieces
1 tablespoon of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
6 cups of water

Preparation:

Sort beans and soak overnight. In the sorting process, remove beans that are discolored or oddly shaped. Drain beans in a colander. In a crockpot, pour olive oil and add onions, garlic, and ham or smoked turkey. Add beans and water and stir. Turn crockpot on low and let beans cook for 10-12 hours until tender. Season with salt and pepper and serve with hot cornbread or over brown rice.

*Optional condiments for beans: shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, olives, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion