As the festive dust settles and the fridge groans with the remnants of Christmas dinner, a culinary challenge presents itself. Instead of facing yet another plate of cold turkey and reheated sprouts, a new cookbook offers a lifeline with eight inventive recipes designed to banish boredom and food waste.
From Roasties to Nachos: A Crispy Transformation
One standout idea turns a kilogram of leftover roast potatoes into a crowd-pleasing sharing dish. The method is simple: reheat the spuds in a 200C oven or air fryer for ten minutes, then smother with 140g of grated cheddar and cook for a further five until gloriously melted.
The final flourish involves spooning over 100g of guacamole, a handful of chopped jalapeños and red onion, a dollop of soured cream, and a dash of hot sauce. The recipe also provides clear instructions for making ahead, advising to freeze the roasties flat for future use, adding just two minutes to the initial cooking time.
Comforting Classics and Global Flavours
For a more traditional route, a versatile leftovers pie uses a creamy sauce made from 50g each of butter and flour, 500ml of milk, and two tablespoons of crème fraîche. Once cooled, stir through 500g of any remaining turkey, ham, pigs in blankets, sprouts, or potatoes, top with puff pastry, and bake until golden.
Global inspiration comes in the form of a quick turkey coronation, ready in just five minutes. Mix 120ml each of mayonnaise and Greek-style yogurt with two tablespoons of mango chutney, one tablespoon of tikka masala paste, and a handful of raisins. Fold in 400g of shredded leftover turkey for a sandwich or baked potato filling that keeps for three days.
Indulgent Bakes and Simple Soups
Cheese lovers are catered for with two decadent options. A ham mac and cheese incorporates 250g of diced ham and leftover stuffing crumbs into a classic cheese sauce, while a three-cheese fondue dip blends soft cheese, cream cheese, and hard cheese with white wine and thyme for a luxurious sharing starter.
For a lighter option, a hearty roast veggie soup can be whizzed up in minutes. Soften frozen onions and garlic in a pan, add 450-500g of any leftover vegetables, cover with a litre of vegetable stock, simmer, and blend. It’s a simple, healthy way to use up remaining carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts.
Sweet Treats and Freezer-Friendly Tips
The creativity extends to dessert with panettone French toast sticks. Thick slices of the festive bread are dipped in a spiced egg mix and fried or air-fried until golden, offering a perfect Boxing Day brunch. Crucially, every recipe includes detailed instructions for both cooking now and making ahead, with specific timings for conventional ovens and air fryers, ensuring flexibility for busy post-Christmas days.
All these recipes are extracted from 'The Batch Lady Saves Christmas' by Suzanne Mulholland, photographed by Andrew Hayes-Watkins and published by Ebury Press for £25. The book provides a comprehensive guide to managing, repurposing, and freezing festive food, turning the annual surplus into a resource for delicious meals long after the last cracker has been pulled.
