Making Christmas Perfect - Leftovers!

Godfreys have been providing perfect Christmases since 1905 - the year in which we were founded by our Great Grandfather!

Back to the future

Over the years fashions have changed in Christmas dishes and menus - but we find that a mixture of traditional and some of the more modern dishes - is usually the best recipe to help create a Perfect Christmas

Making Christmas - Perfect!

So this years Godfreys Celebration is a series of Chapters on traditional and modern recipes for each of - Christmas Breakfast and Brunch, Christmas Starters, Christmas Side Dishes, Christmas Dinner Mains - and finally some Leftover recipes for Boxing Day - to complete making your Christmas - Perfect!

Making Christmas Perfect - Leftovers!

Every year it’s the same problem - what on earth can you do with the mountains of Leftover food you find stuffed in your fridge the morning after the overindulgent day before?

Dreary reputation 

Leftovers have a dreary reputation but when you have sought out and paid for something wonderful - why should you not enjoy every last morsel?
 
Christmas Leftovers can be almost as exciting and delicious as the main meal itself.

Christmas foods that are wasted 

Each year we bin the equivalent of 2m Turkeys, 5m Christmas Puddings and a staggering 74m Mince Pies. The key foods that are wasted are those that we buy especially for Christmas - but wouldn't normally buy.

That’s a terrible waste - and especially if it’s your Premium Quality ingredients!

So why have Christmas Leftovers got such a dreary image?

It’s really a matter of past perceptions - rather than what delicious eating experiences that those Leftovers could still provide

The best bits are still to come

To challenge that perception do have a look at this quote from a real food enthusiast:

“Christmas lunch might be over, but the best bits are still to come. I can't open the fridge without stealing a fat nugget of Turkey or Goose, pulling it from the carcass with glistening beads of jellied juices still clinging to it. It has a savouriness that the hot roast bird can't match.”

See what we mean?

Much more elegant 

The French have a much more elegant name for Leftovers: Les Restes. It's doubly appropriate, since they are also a rest - for the cook at least. After the flurry of yesterday's dinner, the main work has been done and rustling up a little something can be as easy as you need it to be.

Amazing

It’s amazing how one Leftover piece of Turkey or Goose can lead to a string of dishes starting with a Fricassee, then a Pie, then a Curry, then a spicy Samosa, then a Soup - and so on

In fact the celebrated and much quoted American writer Calvin Trillin - now in his eighties - once wrote: 

“The most remarkable thing about my mothers cooking is that for 30 years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found”

So hide this Chapter away - and when the time comes - make Christmas Leftovers feel brand new with some truly special recipes - perfect for Boxing Day and beyond.

Here then are a few simple ideas to make sure all that lovely food doesn’t go to waste and continues to provide pure gastronomic pleasure - way after the main event - or just click on to our Love your Leftovers Tab for a comprehensive list of Leftovers recipes for whatever Meat or Poultry you enjoyed this Christmas 

• Thai Beef Salad - by Andrew MacKenzie
Andrew Mackenzie uses leftover Roast Beef to make a wonderfully healthy Thai-style Salad - perfect for cooking with kids. Try adding a little bit of fresh Chilli to increase the heat and serve with Chopsticks if your kids are up to the challenge!
Preparation/Cooking time 30 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Victorian Diable Sandwich - by Sophie Godwin
We've taken the classic flavour pairings of a Victorian Diable - Leftover Roast Beef, Capers, Dijon Mustard, Parsley and Gravy - and served it in a warm Baguette
Preparation time 5 mins : Cooking time 30 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey Salad, Chinese Cabbage, Beansprouts & Vietnamese Mint - by Rick Stein
This is an easy way to use up leftover Christmas Turkey, plus it makes a delicious light meal to help make up for the excesses of Christmas.
Preparation time 30 mins to 1 hr : Cooking time less than 10 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Moroccan Turkey Salad
Use up abundant roast Meat in a healthy salad with Aubergine, Tomatoes, Pomegranate and Mint
Preparation time 20 mins : Cooking time 15 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey Tonnato Salad - by Jane Hornby
Tuna Mayo on Turkey may sound like an odd combination but trust us! This Italian-style       light Lunch dish is the perfect remedy for Christmas excesses
Preparation time 10 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Leftover Turkey with Celeriac & Fennel Slaw - by Paul Ainsworth
There is always Turkey leftover after Christmas. So to bring a bit of excitement to Boxing Day lunch, make this Apple, Fennel and Celeriac Slaw from Paul Ainsworth. It is a terrific side, easy to make and should ensure that everyone is delighted to see the Turkey again.
Preparation time 25 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey Curry - by Philippa Davis
This mild and creamy Turkey Curry is quick and tasty and uses mainly store cupboard spices - and Christmas Leftovers.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 10 to 30 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey, Leek and Ham Pie - by Angela Hartnett
A great way to use up the Christmas Turkey. Make the filling in advance then add the Pastry top and bake just before serving.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hr. Click here for Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey and Ham Pie - by Rachel Allen
Rachel Allen makes a classic Boxing Day recipe for leftover Turkey and Ham. It’s quick and easy and perfect for chilly post-Christmas days.
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time 30 mins to 1 hr. Click here for Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey Singapore Noodles - by Barney Desmazery
Turkey Curry is a traditional Leftovers dish, but this stir-fry brings the dish bang up to date
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 20 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Pumpkin and Turkey Risotto - by William Drabble
This Pumpkin and Turkey Risotto is a simple yet satisfying way to use up any leftover Turkey. The Pumpkin is softened with the Chicken Stock and used to cook the Rice. Add Parmesan to make the mixture extra creamy.
Preparation/Cooking time 60 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Turkey Cacciatore with a twist - by Sarah Cook
This tasty Italian Cheese and Tomato bake is a fab way to use up leftover Meat and a true family favourite
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 50 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Fruity Turkey Tagine - by Emily Kydd
Freshen up Christmas Leftovers of Turkey, Carrots and Parsnips with Ras el Hanout in this sweet and spicy Moroccan Stew        
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 55 mins.  Click here for Fresh Chicken Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Coronation Turkey with Homemade Chapattis - by Paul Merrett
A jar of homemade spicy Mayo will brighten up your Turkey Leftovers - it makes a great sarnie filling too!        
Preparation time 20 mins : Cooking time 30 mins - plus resting
(Click here for recipe)

• Jumbo Turkey Samosas - by Cassie Best
Use up Leftover cooked Potatoes and Turkey in these spiced Filo Pastry Parcels, then serve with tangy Mango Chutney
Preparation time 25 mins : Cooking time 35 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Leftover Turkey Banh Mi - by Jamie Oliver
Vietnamese street food. “The perfect leftover turkey recipe - these crispy meat, paté and pickle-filled baguettes are to die for.” - Jamie Oliver
Preparation/Cooking time 20 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Christmas Goose Dum Biryani - by Maunika Gowardhan
Rustle up this delicious Biryani. flavoured with ground Spices, Saffron and Fennel. The fat rendered from the Goose is great when layered with Basmati Rice. Simply served with Raita and some Salad. It’s perfect to feed a crowd and the sort of meal that keeps you coming back for seconds and perhaps thirds! This recipe would also be great with Leftover Lamb or even Turkey 
Preparation/Cooking time 45 mins - plus resting time
(Click here for recipe)

• Braised Chinese Mustard with Roast Duck
What is the best way to make use of the Leftover Roast Duck or Pork at home? You can definitely cook it with Chinese Mustard.
Preparation time/Cooking time 1 hr 20 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Best-Ever Avgolemono Soup
Avgolemono Soup is a classic Greek Soup that's extra creamy and lemony. Traditionally made with shredded Chicken and Rice to make this a very comforting and filling Soup. 
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 45 mins.
(Click here for recipe)

• Broccoli and Stilton Soup with Stilton Croutons - by Antony Worrall Thompson
Our easy creamy Broccoli and Stilton Soup recipe with bubbling Stilton Croutons is the perfect antidote to the Winter blues 
Preparation time less than 30 mins : Cooking time less than 10 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Bubble and Squeak & Candied Shallots - by The Hairy Bikers
Use Leftover roast or mashed Potatoes and any uneaten Greens for a simple solution to Christmas Leftovers. 
Preparation time less than 30 mins ; Cooking time 10 to 30 mins. Click here for Fresh Beef Stock
(Click here for recipe)

• Christmas Sausage & Veg Tortilla - by Sarah Cook
Turn your Leftovers into a fantastic family supper with this hearty baked Omelette with Chipolatas
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 20 -25 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Melting Nachos with Shredded Gammon - by Silvana Franco
A Mexican sharing dish of Cheesy Tortillas for friends and family, a great way to use up leftover Ham or Gammon
Preparation time 5 mins : Cooking time 10 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Ham & Potato Hash, Baked Beans & healthy ‘fried’ Eggs - by Sarah Cook
Makeover your fry-up with this low-fat, low-calorie Ham Hash Brown and healthier 'fried' Eggs - a great brunch or weeknight dinner 
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 25 - 30 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Leftover Sausage & Pasta Casserole
Use Leftover Pasta, Potatoes, Sausages, Ham or Bacon - Leftover Vegetables, - or even old Tomatoes from a Salad - always just so tasty - but it’s the Sauce that gets you, you just can’t stop eating this dish.
Preparation/Cooking time 30 mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Sweet Potato & Sprout Hash with Poached Eggs  - by Cassie Best
This quick and easy pan-fried dish uses up leftover Brussels Sprouts for a delicious Boxing day brunch, or a low fat, low calorie weeknight dinner
Preparation time 15 mins : Cooking time 25  mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Ham & Leek Cobbler
Use up a Leftover chunk of Ham in this healthy, but hearty, family supper
Preparation time 10 mins : Cooking time 30  mins
(Click here for recipe)

• Four & Twenty Chicken & Ham Pie 
There aren't any Blackbirds baked into it, but this stunning centrepiece will impress with its layers of Nuts, Fruit, Chicken and Gammon. Cuts into 12-15 slices.
Preparation time 30 mins : Cooking time 1 hr 45 mins - plus cooling and chilling. 
(Click here for recipe)

So, whether you choose one of the recipes above - or are just inspired to explore further recipes we hope we have given you much food for thought - and helped to add that extra special something - that will make your Christmas Leftovers - Perfect!

Godfreys New Leftover Recipes Tab

If the Leftovers Recipes above still leave you with an appetite of wanting more to do with your Leftovers - then simply click on to our new Love your Leftovers Recipes Tab where you can easily make even more surprisingly delicious, good meals for next to nothing - simply by using our recipe suggestions for all kinds of ways to use up your Leftover food.

We hope you enjoyed this last Chapter and all the previous Chapters on Making your Christmas - Perfect - be it Breakfasts, Brunches, Starters, Sides, the Main Event-  and now finally what to do with those lovely Leftovers - or Les Restes as you may prefer to call them now!
 
All the Chapters are still Live for reference - as is our Christmas Carol story on what makes our Turkeys fabulous!

So it only remains for us to wish you a very Merry Christmas - and a Happy and Prosperous New Year

Merry Christmas!