Christmas Leftovers

Our answer

We would first mention that the leftovers should be properly stored. Ham and turkey should be refrigerated as quickly as possible after cooking and within 2 hours. Remove any stuffing from the turkey and refrigerate it in a seperate container. It is best to remove the cooked turkey meat from the carcass as it is easier to wrap it properly and prevent it from drying out in the fridge. Turkey should be stored in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in foil and used within 3 days, or frozen and used within 3 months. Wrap the whole ham tightly in foil and use within 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nigella has some leftover turkey recipes in her book Christmas and we would suggest Turkey Pilaff (p144), Ed's Glorious Turkey Hash (p146) or Turkey and Glass Noodle salad (p145). Nigella's book Kitchen has some suggestions for leftover chicken that would be just as good made with turkey. Try the turkey in a bacon and avocado salad (p226), a Caesar salad (p230) or a Chinese-style salad (p228). Or make a Thai-style soup (p232) instead of the regular post-Christmas turkey noodle soup. In Nigella Express the Mexican-style salad with black bean salsa (p233) is also delicious made with turkey.

Ham leftovers are wonderful in a sandwich or from Kitchen try making the Ham Hock and Soya Bean Salad (p375) or the Ham and Leek Pies or Pasties (p372-3) using shredded leftover ham rather than ham hocks.