TURKEY TIPS, post Thanksgiving

A typical lunch following Thanksgiving.

I am so happy to report to you that today is the last of my turkey left overs, whew. I am grateful though to have leftovers since there are so many people that don't even have food. So no complaints here but just happy to report that I can move onto some new flavors. Before I do I want to share with you my favorite Thanksgiving money saving tip!

The week after Thanksgiving, usually that Monday, I head on out to Sam's. Although you can find deals other places. I buy two turkeys. I know you are thinking, turkey overload. But, hey, this is the time when they are really marking them down so they can get rid of any left over turkeys.

I bring them home and defrost them thoroughly. I cut them up. Save the turkey legs for a dinner and freeze it. I then take as much meat of as possible and grind it up. This year I got about 4 1/2 pounds of ground turkey meat from one 20 pound bird. Then I put the carcass, the neck, and any other bones, along with the skin and roast it all in the oven until golden. I empty all that into a big pot along with celery, carrots, onions, bay leaf, and peppercorns. I boil that for about 2 1/2 hours or so. Strain it and put it in my garage over night (pretty cold out there). You can also put it in your fridge. In the morning, I scrape off the fat and voila, tastey turkey broth, sodium free. Then, when you make soup, you can add the amount of desired salt.

Now, usually after I strain the carcass, there are some meat bits still on there. I then scrape off these and make turkey salad. Yes, I use nearly every morsel I can. It's my way of respecting the life of the bird. I know that may sound a little kooky to some of you but I figure, if this poor bird gave up his life for me and my family, I will use every last molecule I can to show my appreciation.

So there you have it. No recipe today, just and idea for you next year.