Budget Family Meals

When a family is on a budget, holiday meals get quite a work out being created into new and enticing dishes. Before that happens, the tradition of the turkey sandwich must be done. I think it’s against some sort of law of turkeyness to not have at least one turkey sandwich after the Thanksgiving meal is done.

Instead of the same old turkey sandwich, how about trying something new this year? There are so many tasty ideas that you could try, the list is almost endless.

Dress It Up

A turkey sandwich will always be a turkey sandwich and a ham sandwich will always be a ham sandwich. I heard that somewhere once. The old way of thinking is that no matter what, the only way to have a sandwich made from holiday meal leftovers is the old and boring way. There are too many tv shows, too many cookbooks, too many good cooks to put up with that old way of thinking. There are a lot of ways to dress up your sandwiches and bring out an entirely different flavor. For instance, instead of the predictable mayonnaise and mustard we have all eaten, try adding something new to the sandwich. How about a chipotle mayo or sweet chili mayo for a little bit of a kick. Sprouts instead of lettuce is a really nice change. A bit of shredded cabbage into a slaw, or even sauerkraut are interesting twists.

Think of high-end sandwich shops when you are creating your masterpiece. This will help you envision what you would like. If you are a fan of avocado, try adding a few slices to your sandwich, or experiment with different types of cheese. The holidays always bring out gift boxes with different cheeses in them. Who says they have to be used only for a gift? Use them yourself. It is a matter of rethinking each layer of your sandwich and use something you’ve never used before. That is how you dress up that slice of turkey or ham.

Change Clothes

The clothes of any sandwich is the bread. This is an option of you are really one of those people who must hang on to your own toppings or if you don’t like to experiment. There are wraps, buns, dinner rolls, pita and even bagels and English muffins.

You could grill turkey or ham on Rye bread instead of white. How about chibatta bread for a big change of pace. Lettuce wraps are also quite popular and do away with the bread option all together.

If you continue to be stuck for ideas, there are companies out there who hire very talented people. I was amazed at this great idea on video.

Take a Flavor Trip

Now that you have dressed up your sandwich and changed its clothes, you may also want to experiment with flavors from around the world. Take your typical turkey sandwich on a trip to Italy or Mexico. Dress it up with different flavor combinations and try authentic ingredients to completely make over your sandwiches.

There are a multitude of possibilities you can try with your sandwich. It just takes a little creativity and a few ideas. Your leftover sandwich never has to be boring again.

BONUS RECIPE:

Hello Chili Sauce Turkey Wraps

1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
3 to 4 tablespoons chili sauce to taste
4 (10 inch size) tortillas
2 cups finely shredded cucumber, cabbage, or lettuce
4 cups cooked turkey, shredded
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 small can sliced ripe olives, drained

Put cream cheese in a bowl with chili sauce and mash together, tasting and adding more chili sauce to taste.

Lay the tortillas out on a work surface and spread 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture evenly onto 1 side of each tortilla.

Spoon 1/4 of the cucumber, turkey, onions, cilantro, and olives onto each tortilla.

Roll tortilla up tightly to enclose filling. Cut each in half and serve.

Makes 8 single serving wraps.

Make dipping sauce of cilantro, sour cream, and chili sauce if desired.

Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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