Fresh Spins on Holiday Favorites
The holiday season is a time for gathering and, of course, great food. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, tables overflow with family favorites and festive flavors, but once the celebrations wind down, we’re often left with another kind of abundance … leftovers.
Transforming holiday extras into new, creative meals is a delicious way to keep the celebration going while reducing food waste. Whether it’s turning turkey into a cozy soup, repurposing cranberry sauce into breakfast parfaits, or spicing up roasted veggies, there’s always a way to make the most of meals.
Use these tips to bring new life to your holiday leftovers.
Turkey Fried Rice
Give leftover turkey a savory twist by stir-frying it with rice, peas, and carrots, then adding a splash of soy sauce. Tip: add garlic and ginger for extra flavor.–
Stuffing Frittata
Combine leftover stuffing with beaten eggs and any roasted veggies you have on hand. Bake until set for a hearty breakfast or brunch.–
Cranberry Sauce Ideas
The easiest way to repurpose cranberry sauce is by making it a condiment. Spread it on a turkey sandwich with a little cream cheese or brie for a gourmet lunch. Looking to keep it light after the holiday? Mix it with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a quick, festive salad dressing.–
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Pie Reinventions
Reinvent leftover pie as a topping. Crumble leftover pie (pumpkin, apple, or pecan) into parfaits, then layer with whipped cream or Greek yogurt. For a long-lasting option, dice and freeze pie leftovers for a quick dessert topping or mix-in later on.
This mindset doesn’t have to end when the holidays do. Reducing food waste and reimagining ingredients is a habit that can last all year long!
Justine Bernstein | justine.bernstein@hcsgcorp.com
“I love working with HCSG because of our teams. The people we work with every day make a world of difference, and I feel very lucky to know such brilliant professionals.”
Justine is a Graduate of the University of Georgia with her Master’s in Nutrition from SUNY Oneonta. She began her career at a fast-paced hospital in Atlanta, gaining a range of clinical experience. Justine moved to Massachusetts in 2017 and began working with HCSG, and returned to Atlanta in 2024 with a New England perspective to bring to the South. Justine entered the food and nutrition realm because who doesn’t love thinking about their next tasty meal? She spends her free time experimenting with new recipes and chasing her toddler through every playground we can find.
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