Transform Leftover Turkey into Delicious New Dishes: Recipes and Ideas

Once the big Thanksgiving meal is over, it is time to figure out how to make something great out of the leftover turkey. I love a cold turkey sandwich with mayo and cheese, but we have enough left to do sandwiches and another full meal. The simple fact is that the turkey has more love to give.

So, my bird carcass is in a pot of boiling water, where it will stay until it gives up any remnants of meat that need to be released from the bone, and we end up with a rich, flavorful stock for soup.

Here, to help you get the most from your leftovers are a few of my favorite turkey recipes.

1. Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

This is a great use for that turkey stock.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the stock, ensuring no lumps form.
3. Add shredded turkey, cooked rice, and thyme. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in the cream, season with salt and pepper, and heat through. Serve with crusty bread.

2. Turkey and Cranberry Quesadillas

If you broke out the cranberry sauce and nobdy ate it, this recipe gives the cranberry redemption.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt butter.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Layer turkey, cheese, and a dollop of cranberry sauce on one half.
3. Fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese melts.
4. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or guacamole.

3. Turkey Pot Pie

A classic comfort dish that’s perfect for using up turkey and leftover vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package refrigerated pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually add broth and milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
3. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in turkey and vegetables.
4. Pour the filling into a pie dish. Cover with the pie crust, seal edges, and cut small slits in the top.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

4. Turkey Tetrazzini

This creamy pasta dish is a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually whisk in broth and milk, cooking until thickened.
3. Stir in Parmesan, mushrooms, peas, turkey, and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

5. Turkey and Avocado Wraps

A light and fresh option for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup mixed greens
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
2. Spread the mayo-mustard mixture on each tortilla. Layer with turkey, avocado slices, greens, and carrots.
3. Roll up tightly, slice in half, and serve.

Tips for Storing Leftover Turkey

1. Refrigerate promptly: Store turkey in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
2. Freeze for later: Portion turkey into freezer-safe bags and label with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
3. Keep it moist: Add a splash of broth or gravy when reheating to keep turkey from drying out.

Whether you’re craving comfort food, something light, or dishes with a global twist, these recipes ensure your leftover turkey doesn’t go to waste. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, proving that leftovers can be as exciting as the main event!

Hidden Drivers of Inflation: Costs That Didn’t Add Value

Joe Wallace  November 29. 2024

Inflation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic stemmed from a complex interplay of supply chain disruptions, increased consumer demand fueled by government stimulus, and rising costs across sectors. While these traditional economic narratives dominate the conversation, subtle and often overlooked factors also contributed to inflationary pressures, particularly costs absorbed by businesses that did not necessarily translate into value for consumers.

Among these costs were initiatives that, while well-intentioned, arguably added to corporate expenses without directly enhancing product quality or availability. One such example is the widespread adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. As companies like Walmart now roll back their DEI initiatives, it raises questions about how these efforts and other non-core expenditures may have indirectly influenced inflation.

The Rise of Corporate DEI Programs

The DEI movement gained significant momentum in the wake of social justice protests in 2020. Many corporations invested heavily in DEI initiatives, ranging from hiring dedicated DEI officers and creating specialized departments to funding training programs, outreach campaigns, and supplier diversity efforts. While these initiatives aimed to foster workplace inclusivity and equality, the associated costs were substantial.

Hiring and Training: DEI officers often command six-figure salaries, and rolling out mandatory training sessions across large workforces requires significant time and resources.

Supplier Diversity Programs: Some companies shifted procurement strategies to prioritize diverse suppliers, which sometimes led to higher costs if those suppliers lacked economies of scale.

Public Relations and Branding: Companies spent millions on campaigns to highlight their DEI commitments, diverting funds from product development or operational improvements.

While these efforts may have improved corporate reputations and employee satisfaction in some cases, they rarely addressed core operational efficiencies or product value. Moreover, the cost of these initiatives often had to be absorbed by customers in the form of higher prices.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investments

Beyond DEI, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments also added a layer of cost to many businesses. ESG goals encouraged companies to adopt greener practices, improve worker conditions, and enhance governance transparency. While noble in their intentions, these initiatives were not without financial consequences:

Sustainability Overhauls: Transitioning to renewable energy sources or adopting sustainable materials required significant upfront investments.

Compliance and Reporting: Companies faced growing regulatory pressures to disclose ESG metrics, leading to increased administrative and auditing costs.

Market Pressures: Public companies felt compelled to align with investor demands for ESG commitments, even when such commitments didn’t align with operational priorities.

These expenses, like DEI initiatives, often did little to enhance product functionality or availability for the end consumer. Instead, they added to the overall cost structure, which contributed to upward price pressures.

Labor Market Challenges and Non-Core Compensation

The labor market also played a critical role in post-pandemic inflation. Companies scrambled to attract and retain workers in an era of labor shortages, leading to enhanced compensation packages that extended beyond traditional wages. These often included perks such as tuition reimbursement, extended parental leave, and mental health resources—valuable to employees but not directly related to product or service delivery.

Similarly, remote work accommodations created hidden costs. Corporations invested heavily in upgrading digital infrastructure, providing stipends for home office setups, and maintaining unused office spaces. While these measures were necessary to adapt to new work paradigms, they added to operational costs without increasing the value of goods or services.

Legal and Regulatory Pressures

The post-pandemic period also saw heightened regulatory scrutiny and litigation risks, especially around workplace safety and employee rights. Businesses faced lawsuits related to COVID-19 exposures, vaccine mandates, and wrongful terminations, leading to higher legal expenses and insurance premiums. Additionally, regulatory compliance costs rose as governments imposed stricter health and safety standards.

Advertising and Market Realignment

The pandemic disrupted consumer behaviors, forcing businesses to rethink how they engaged with their audiences. Massive spending on digital advertising and rebranding efforts aimed at capturing new customer segments added further to cost structures. Companies invested heavily in analyzing shifting trends and launching campaigns, with much of this spending focused on maintaining market share rather than creating tangible product improvements.

Hidden Costs: A Collective Burden

Individually, these factors—DEI initiatives, ESG investments, enhanced compensation packages, legal expenses, and marketing realignment—may seem minor compared to traditional inflation drivers like supply chain bottlenecks or stimulus-driven demand surges. However, collectively, they represent significant costs absorbed by businesses. When passed down to consumers, they contribute to inflation without necessarily enhancing the value of goods and services.

A Path Forward

As companies reassess priorities in a challenging economic climate, many are scaling back on initiatives that fail to deliver measurable returns. Walmart’s decision to eliminate its DEI programs reflects a broader trend of returning to basics—focusing on core operations and efficiency. While inclusivity and sustainability remain important societal goals, achieving them without imposing undue costs on businesses or consumers is critical.

The post-pandemic economy offers an opportunity for businesses to balance social responsibility with financial prudence. By aligning initiatives with operational goals and consumer expectations, companies can minimize inflationary pressures and focus on delivering value—a shift that benefits everyone in the long run.

Old National to partner with St. Paul, Minn.-based Bremer Financial Corporation

Bremer, with $16.2 billion in total assets, bolsters Old National’s presence in the Twin
Cities and expands its footprint into several other vibrant Midwestern markets

EVANSVILLE, IN & ST. PAUL, MN – Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) (“Old National”) and Bremer Financial Corporation (“BFC” or “Bremer”) jointly announced today that they entered into a definitive merger agreement. Founded in 1943, BFC is the bank holding company for Bremer Bank.

As of September 30, 2024, Bremer had $16.2 billion in total assets, $11.5 billion in total loans, and $13.2 billion in deposits. After the partnership is completed, Old National will become the third-largest bank in the Twin Cities. In addition, the partnership expands Old National’s reach into several other vibrant markets throughout Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. Once combined, the new organization would have over $70 billion in assets (based on September 30, 2024 asset figures), a significantly larger footprint, and offer additional banking capabilities and enhanced resources to serve customers.

“This partnership represents an outstanding fit between two highly compatible, relationship- and community-focused banks,” said Old National Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan. “When you look at what has made Bremer Bank a leading institution since 1943, what you quickly find are the same strategic priorities and cultural principles that have guided Old National’s success for 190 years: a strong deposit franchise, a diversified loan portfolio accentuated by exceptional credit quality, and a passion for investing in and strengthening communities. I am incredibly confident that, through this partnership, Bremer and Old National will be even better together.”

“For more than 80 years, we’ve been honored to carry out the legacy of our founder, Otto Bremer,” said Jeanne Crain, President and CEO of Bremer. “When our majority shareholder, the Otto Bremer Trust, reaffirmed its interest in selling Bremer Bank, we appreciated the opportunity to identify a partner through a collaborative process to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers, employees, and our communities. With Old National, we have confidence we found a great fit.”