# The Great Divide: Thanksgiving Feast vs. Leftover Delights
As autumn leaves fall and the chill in the air grows, families throughout the United States unite to honor one of the most treasured holidays of the year: Thanksgiving. This occasion is celebrated with an extravagant meal, where turkey takes the spotlight, complemented by a variety of sides such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. However, once the last morsel of pie is enjoyed, a conversation begins to simmer: Are you a fervent supporter of Thanksgiving dinner, or do you find your greatest bliss in the leftovers?
## The Charisma of Thanksgiving Feast
For numerous individuals, the Thanksgiving feast itself is the pinnacle of the holiday. Anticipation rises as the scent of roasted turkey wafts through the home, blending with the fragrances of herbs and spices from the stuffing and the sweet aromas of pies baking away. The assembly of family and friends around the table, exchanging stories and laughter, cultivates a sense of warmth and gratitude that is challenging to duplicate.
The meal often embodies a labor of love, featuring recipes cherished through generations. Each plate narrates its own tale, from Grandma’s renowned stuffing to Aunt Sue’s hidden cranberry sauce recipe. For these individuals, the experience surrounding Thanksgiving is about far more than the meal; it’s about heritage, bonding, and the happiness derived from sharing.
## The Delight of Leftovers
Conversely, there’s a dedicated faction that eagerly anticipates the day following Thanksgiving—the leftovers aficionados. For them, the genuine enchantment of Thanksgiving resides in the abundance of food that fills the refrigerator, ready to be reimagined into fresh culinary creations. Leftovers provide both convenience and comfort, particularly during those post-holiday hangry episodes when a swift meal is required.
As someone who frequently finds myself swaying between these two perspectives, I often lean towards the leftovers arena. There’s something remarkably gratifying about opening the refrigerator door to a bounty of food that’s quick to reheat or reinvent. The artistry involved in transforming Thanksgiving leftovers into “bestovers” is where I truly excel.
## Elevating Leftovers into Bestovers
If you’re prepared to delve into the bestover realm, here are some delectable ideas to enhance your leftover experience:
### 1. Turkey Curry Udon
If thick noodles and Japanese curry appeal to you, this dish marries leftover turkey with a mildly spicy, sweet curry sauce atop udon noodles. It’s the quintessential comfort dish!
### 2. Brunch Banh Mi: Vietnamese Egg and Turkey Sub
Turkey and eggs make a divine pair, especially when nestled in a crunchy baguette with Vietnamese pickles and fresh cilantro. This brunch choice offers a delightful way to savor your leftovers.
### 3. Thanksgiving Croquettes
These croquettes require time and effort but yield results worth every second. Crafted with mashed potatoes and turkey, they’re rolled in panko and fried to golden perfection. Serve with leftover cranberry sauce for a delightful treat.
### 4. Turkey Fried Rice
A timeless method to utilize everything in the fridge, turkey fried rice is straightforward yet immensely enjoyable. Combine leftover veggies and rice for a quick meal that’s more than the sum of its ingredients.
### 5. Eggs and Crispy Stuffing Cakes
If you have a soft spot for stuffing, you’ll adore these crispy cakes made from leftover stuffing, crowned with quail eggs or regular eggs for a breakfast delight that’s bound to impress.
### 6. Thanksgiving Poutine
For poutine enthusiasts, this dish is a dream realized. Layer fries with turkey, stuffing, Brussels sprouts, cheese curds, and turkey gravy for a luxurious twist on the traditional Canadian dish.
### 7. Turkey Pho
Utilizing the turkey carcass, you can whip up a savory turkey pho that’s bursting with flavor and noodles. It’s a warm, comforting bowl that soothes the spirit.
### 8. Potato Topped Turkey Pot Pie
This meal blends creamy béchamel, turkey, carrots, and peas, all crowned with a layer of mashed potatoes. It resembles a Thanksgiving feast within one comforting dish.
### 9. Hue Style Spicy Turkey Vermicelli Noodle Soup
For those eager to indulge, this spicy turkey noodle soup presents a heartfelt way to relish your leftovers. It’s loaded with flavor and sure to satisfy.
## Conclusion
As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s evident that both factions—the dinner devotees and the leftovers lovers—have compelling reasons to celebrate. Whether you take pleasure in the feast or revel in the inventive potential of leftovers, one fact remains clear: Thanksgiving is a time for thankfulness, connection, and scrumptious meals.
So, as you convene around the table this year, remember to appreciate both the joy of the feast and the enchantment of what follows. Happy Thanksgiving, and may your leftovers be abundant and delightful!