Remember that episode of Friends - "The One With Ross's Sandwich?" Someone at work steals his sandwich made with Thanksgiving leftovers? Hey, we covet those amazing concoctions we come up with, lovingly created out of what was left from the night before.  Oh but honestly, if we're going to talk classic Thanksgiving TV episodes, was there anything better than the WKRP in Cincinnati Thanksgiving episode with the turkey drop?! "As god as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." Classic to the max!  Click here for the whole episode! But I digress...

  Let's talk about leftovers. Lots and lots of leftovers.Ever wonder how long what you've cooked is safe to eat? If properly refrigerated, nutritionists say about seven days. But honestly, I can't remember something as delicious as what was served at the Thanksgiving feast is still around after seven days. In Kelly’s Kitchen we are truly creative types, and would never stop at just a simple turkey sandwich. What about that pumpkin pie? The cranberries, the various forms of ‘taters in all their glory. There is work to be done, and this is the fun part. After the dishes are done, the table is cleared and we’re all lazing around in front of the tube unable to move…the urge hits. Just one more taste…just one more. There are a myriad of ways to use leftovers, even healthy ones if you check in with Eating Well. But we think it’s time to take things to another level, and look for more great ideas for leftovers. Ever think of taking that pumpkin pie and whipping up a milkshake? Yummmmmmm! I also found a use for that leftover pumpkin puree from David Parker of The Body Deli, an all-natural beauty and skin care line - wear it! Seriously, take a 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice along with a teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil, add a pinch of cinnamom and a pinch of nutmeg and blend. Wear that as a facial masque for about 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water. Also great for Halloween and scaring the life out of someone dozing on the couch. The only thing I know I don't have any of is the pumpkin seed oil, which I'm sure I could find that at Nature's Food Patch! Those mashed potatoes can find new life in the morning for breakfast mixed with leftover veggies for a neat little patty, and of course we can always chop everything up as the filling for an omelet.

   Here’s what I want to know. What do you do with your leftovers? What outrageous concoctions have you come up with, and will you share them with us! The best one will win a set of the new Rubbermaid glass containers with lids. What I especially like about these is how easily they stack and store, thanks to the Easy Lid system. I have limited space in Kelly’s Kitchen and I’m trying to use less plastic, and these really work beautifully. They are microwave safe and can be used in the oven at temps up to 425. Just in time for Christmas as well. And if you want to regift, I won't tell!

   So, as you work off the Thanksgiving calories and start dreaming of Christmas treats, send those Thanksgiving leftover ideas and recipes to ann.kelly@coxmg.com (photos are really appreciated) and we’ll announce one winner on Monday. Have a great weekend!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN 

The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found. Calvin Trillin