Turkeyed Out? Try These Recipes!

So. Much. TURKEY!

The Christmas shrapnel is put away, your guests have left, time to unwind *sigh*. Then it hits you: What am I going to do with ALL that leftover turkey!?!?!? And some of you are planning another one for New Year's!

Turkey soup or stew is a standard 'go to' and most families have their own recipes. But let's add a few healthy reminders to update Grandma's recipe:

- most soup bases use heavily salted broth so be sure to pick up the No Salt Added or Low Sodium options
- to add flavour remember that fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme are great and VERY flavourful options instead of the salt
- choose lower fat or milk alternative options if making a cream soup

Googling recipes is a great and creative way to utilize your leftovers but when making your shopping list take the few extra moments to make healthier (low sodium, organic, fresh) options instead of buying items by rote.

To get your creative juices flowing here are a couple of turkey ideas and recipes to help you through the next few 'turkey overload' days:

1. Turkey Tortilla Bowls: Have shredded turkey over a small portion of brown rice with black beans, fresh pico de gallo/salsa fresca, guacamole and other fresh, healthy toppings. A little zing will make your bland turkey fun!

2. Turkey Wraps: Have shredded turkey in whole wheat or coconut wrap with great fillings like spinach, various veggies and a little balsamic vinegar as your topping.

There are a lot of great slow cooker recipes using chicken and turkey but to have recipes for left overs when the bird is already cooked? Have no fear- the Slow Cooker Queen is here for you!

Slow Cooker Turkey & Barley Soup

While most classic chicken or turkey soup recipes have a cream base or a noodle and veggie combo, I like this one as it has a great basil and tomato kick to it.

1 cup celery, finely diced                                           2 tbsp. dried onion

1 carrot, finely diced                                                 1 tbsp. No/Low Sodium tomato paste

1/2 cup pearl barley (NOT the quick cooking kind)   1 garlic clove, minced

1 tbsp. olive oil                                                         1-2 cups shredded, cooked turkey

3 1/2 cups chicken broth *see our earlier Blog posts for a great home made recipe with your leftover bones or use Stock Exchange Chicken Bone Broth*           3/4 tsp. salt

3-4 Roma tomatoes, diced OR 14 oz. can No/Low Sodium diced tomatoes

1 tsp. fresh basil (dry works too)                              1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1. In small pot on stove top combine tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, basil, celery and carrots. Cook for approx. 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to slow cooker.

2. Add the onion, barley, turkey, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, bay leaf and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir and cover.

3. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, until the barley is cooked through.

A healthy, 'not your regular' and flavourful turkey soup!

Happy Cooking!