Birds Thanksgiving Leftover Croquettes Food

TURKEY AND MASHED POTATO CROQUETTES

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leek and cook until tender and translucent, 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the chopped sage and 3 tablespoons of the flour, then continue to cook until the flour is completely absorbed into the butter mixture and lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. While continually stirring, gradually pour in the milk and continue to cook until a thick bechamel forms, about 1 minute more. Remove from the heat, then stir in the turkey, mashed potatoes, a pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cool, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, set up a 3-stage breading station by placing the remaining 1/2 cup flour in a shallow bowl or baking dish, the eggs in a separate shallow bowl or baking dish and finally the panko in a third shallow bowl or baking dish. Season each with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a 3/4-ounce cookie scoop, divide the chilled filling into about 18 pieces. Roll into uniform balls and/or 2 1/2-inch-long batons. Coat each piece in the flour, shaking the excess off, then dip in the egg to coat. Finally, dip and press into the panko, turning until evenly coated.
• Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot with enough oil to go 2 inches up the sides and insert a deep-frying thermometer. Set the oil over medium-high heat and bring to 350 degrees F. Working in 2 batches, deep-fry the croquettes until deep golden brown and heated through, about 2 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and season with a pinch of salt. Fry the whole sage leaves until crisp, about 1 minute. Drain on the paper towel line plate as well. Serve with cranberry sauce and turkey gravy for dipping.

LEFTOVER TURKEY CROQUETTES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cheeses, shallot, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper; stir in turkey. Shape into twelve 1-in.-thick patties., In a shallow bowl, whisk egg and water. Place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip croquettes in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs, patting to help coating adhere., In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add half of croquettes; cook 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove and keep warm. Repeat. If desired, serve with sour cream.

TURKEY CROQUETTES

Steps:

• In a small sauté pan over moderate heat, toast the bread crumbs until golden and crunchy, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
• In a small bowl, beat together the egg and water.
• In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into 2-inch-long, oblong-shaped croquettes (you should have about 24 croquettes) and transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet.
• Working with 1 croquette at a time, dredge them in the egg-water mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them in the bread crumbs, and return them to the rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large skillet, over moderately high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil. Working in batches, pan-fry the croquettes, turning them occasionally, until crispy on all sides, 5 to 6 minutes total. Repeat with the remaining croquettes, wiping the pan clean and adding 2 tablespoons of the oil to the pan between batches. DO AHEAD: The croquettes can be prepared ahead and frozen, well wrapped in foil, for up to 3 months. To reheat: Bake the frozen croquettes on a large baking sheet in a 475°F oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove the croquettes from the oven for about 5 minutes to let the interiors thaw, then return them to the oven to finish baking for another 2 minutes.
• Serve hot with cranberry sauce and/or warm gravy.

BIRD'S THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER CROQUETTES

Steps:

• Mix the turkey, stuffing, and eggs well. Refrigerate 3 hours minimum.
• Create a 'log' shape from about 3/4 cup of mixture. Then gently drop onto the counter to flatten the bottom. (about 3" high, 2" in diameter).
• Roll the croquettes in flour, then bread crumbs. Fry in oil in deep skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and bottom, about 10-15 minutes. Keep warm in 200 degree Fahrenheit oven.
• Sauce: (or you can use leftover gravy) Meanwhile, mix the can of soup with the half cup milk in a saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until warmed and creamy.
• Pour over croquettes or serve sauce on the side. Traditionally served atop mashed potatoes for a wonderful presentation.

LEFTOVER STUFFING CROQUETTES

Steps:

• Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to fill the pan about 3 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, line a second rimmed baking sheet or plate with paper towels and set a cooling rack inside a third rimmed baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Place the stuffing in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until slightly broken up but still with chunks, 4 to 5 times.
• Scrape the stuffing into a large bowl. Whisk the egg and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Stir the egg mixture into the stuffing with a fork. Add the flour and use a rubber spatula or your hands to incorporate it until no streaks remain.
• Place the panko in a shallow baking dish. Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop out a portion of the stuffing mixture. Flatten the scoop slightly with your hands, then place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Bring the stuffing up over the cheese to enclose it; if the mixture sticks to your hands, spray them with a little cooking spray. Form the croquette into a football shape. Roll the croquette in the panko, pressing slightly to adhere. Place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining stuffing and mozzarella; you should get 10 to 12 croquettes.
• Use a spider to gently lower half of the croquettes into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the Dutch oven. Fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let the croquettes drain for a minute, then transfer them to the baking sheet with the wire rack and keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Bring the oil back to 325 degrees F, then repeat with the remaining croquettes.
• Serve the croquettes on a platter with leftover gravy or mustard.