Spaghetti with Broccoli and Diced Turkey Recipe

Now that Thanksgiving is over and you have had turkey sandwiches, turkey hash, you're thinking "not delicious turkey AGAIN!" Try this easy to prepare pasta and turkey dish. This recipe is a good way to use your Thanksgiving leftovers and they won't taste like leftovers.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups diced, cooked turkey
2 cups chicken broth
1 large onion, cut in half and finely sliced
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, broken
1 tblspn butter
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
2 tblspn all-purpose flour
1/2 to 3/4 tspn red pepper flakes (or to taste)
8 oz. Spaghetti

DIRECTIONS

Over medium high heat, saute carrots and onion in butter, in large skillet until carrots are tender. Add flour and stir to mix with vegetables. Add turkey and chicken broth and stir until mix is well blended and becomes a sauce. Lower heat and reduce to a simmer. Add broccoli and red pepper flakes, stir and remove from heat.

In large pot cook pasta until al dente.* Drain pasta and add to the turkey and brocoli sauce. Makes 5 to 6 servings.

Hint
* Al dente an Italian term meaning "to the tooth". Al dente pasta will offer some resistance when chewed or bitten.



Turkey Chili Recipe

Turn leftover turkey into a tasty cheese topped chili. Your family won't know this turkey chili is made with leftover turkey unless you tell them. The recipe calls for cubed turkey, if your leftover can't be cubed, just pull enough to make a pound and cut into bite-sized pieces.

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. cubed cooked turkey (use light and dark turkey)
1-15 can kidney beans, drained
1 large can (28 ounces) chopped tomatoes
4 oz. tomato sauce
2 small jalapeno peppers,* finely chopped
1/4 tspn cayenne pepper
1 level tspn chili powder
2 small green bell pepper, coarsely chopped
1 medium white onion, coarsely chopped
1 tspn ground cumin
2 tspn crushed fresh oregano or 1 tspn dried oregano
3 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
vegetable oil for sauteeing
Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

In large pot pour a small amount of vegetable oil (1 tablespoon) and heat. Heat should be high enough to saute vegetables. Add green bell pepper and onion to pot and saute until tender. Then add tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, chili powder, jalapeno peppers, salt and bring to a light boil. Lower heat and add turkey; continue cooking over low hear for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with cheese. Serves 6 to 8.

Hint
*Use rubber gloves when handling jalapeno peppers.

Try spiced pears for a nice finish to either one of these dishes.