Falling in love with leftovers...

When we were newlyweds, Dustin and I each had our own ideas about what married life should/would look like. As a couple who had cooked together and bonded over mealtimes we never expected the differences in those ideas would often show up around the topic of food.

As an old soul, I felt that a well thought out multicourse meal would convey my love to my young groom. And it worked! He enjoyed three hot meals a day, every day. I would listen to something lovely in the kitchen during meal preparation and clean up feeling so grown up and so "wifely." (I was 18 after all) How old fashioned.. how romantic!

Then we had children. This is when those differences showed up. No longer having time for slow meals prepared to the sound of a lovely sound track every night, I employed the tricks that my mother used. Leftovers.

We quickly learned that leftovers didn't feel quite so romantic and often left someone... (Remember my young groom?) Feeling less than cared for. 13 years later, we've almost perfected the practice of showing each other love and care through slow food while implementing time saving techniques for our growing and evolving family.

A leftover favorite that often feels even more romantic than the original meal is Pot Pie. Using leftover chicken and, in this version, left over turkey we create a rusticlly beautiful makeover for leftovers that feels just as romantic as ever.

As always, cooking in our house is a bit like dancing. After carefully practicing the steps so many times, the dance evolves to fit the music, the mood, and of course the Ingredients on hand. A sprinkle of this, a handful of that, taste it until it is just right... We're freestyling here.

Leftover Turkey Pot Pie

Approximately 1 pound left over Turkey (chopped or shredded)

1 large onion (diced)

2-5 cloves fresh garlic (minced)

1 pound fresh/frozen peas and carrots (give or take for the size of your pan)

Broth Approx. 1 cup Chicken/turkey/or veggie

Butter

Olive oil

Salt, pepper, garlic, onion paprika, thyme to taste

Sprinkle of coriander and rosemary

Approximately 1/2 cup flour

Milk (I prefer whole and raw) 2+/- cups

1 thin pie crust (we've used this recipe for years)

Preheat oven to 400

Prepare pie crust and set aside preferably in refrigerator

In a large cast iron (or oven safe pan) sautee leftover meat, in butter and a swirl of olive oil.

Mix in spices and combine.

Add onions and garlic and sautee until translucent.

Add peas and carrots and cover about 1/2 way with the broth.

Simmer on medium stirring occasionally until veggies are cooked through and most of broth has evaporated.

Turn heat to low.

Mix in flour until all glistening from fats and oils is absorbed.

Stir in milk until all flour is saturated stirring constantly.

Mix on low heat until gravy thickens.

Then remove pan from heat.

Cover with pie crust and bake according to crust directions.

Kick your feet up in front of the fire, play a board game with the littles, enjoy a Hallmark Christmas movie, or snuggle up with your love.. this is a romantic leftover makeover after all.

When your crust is flaky, your pot pie is ready!

Wishing you and yours a holiday season that is happier, healthier, and more delicious!

The Stevens family at Rocking 5 S Farms

Still need an incredible Turkey? Order here